Case Studies

Multi-Generational Adoption / NPE Identification

The Challenge: A client sought to identify her biological grandfather. Because her biological father was the adoptee and unavailable for testing, we had to work exclusively with the client’s DNA. This effectively removed a vital generation from the direct genetic trail. While we advised the client that testing a close relative could expedite the timeline and lower overall research costs, circumstances required us to work solely with her individual raw DNA sample. The search was further complicated by a genetic network clouded by multiple historical Non-Paternity Events (NPEs).

The Approach:

• Single-Profile Analysis: Bypassing the need for a surrogate reference tester, we relied strictly on the client’s isolated genetic profile to dissect the matching database.
• Genetic Clustering: Working with the client’s reduced centimorgan (cM) thresholds, we isolated a primary cluster featuring a top match in the ~400 cM range (typically a half-sibling, aunt/uncle, or first cousin) and a related group in the ~180–200 cM range (second cousin equivalents).
• Network Reconstruction: This constellation of cM values was consistent with a sibling-level cluster descending from a shared ancestral couple.
• Resolving NPEs:  Through meticulous descendancy research, we untangled the sibling cluster, identified where historical NPEs occurred biologically, and successfully determined the true biological identities of the missing fathers within those branches.
• Statistical Probability: We utilized WATO (What Are the Odds?) analysis to run multi-hypothesis testing against the reconstructed tree, establishing an undeniable, mathematically backed statistical likelihood for our target candidate.
• Operational Integrity: The entire genetic and documentary reconstruction was conducted completely “in the shadows” without making contact with any DNA matches.

The Result: By mapping these complex non-paternity events, verifying the biological branches, and backing them with strict statistical probability, we cut through the genetic noise and definitively identified the client’s biological grandfather. In alignment with our strict privacy mandate, all generated kinship charts, comprehensive research reports, and biological trees are kept 100% confidential.

Unknown Parentage / Lineage Reconstruction

The Challenge: An unknown parentage case where the subject had hundreds of DNA matches, but absolutely no pre-existing family trees to connect them. The search was further complicated by a secondary individual in historical records who shared the exact same name, was of a similar age, and lived just 20 miles away.

The Approach:

• Parental Phasing: We began by sorting the hundreds of matches into distinct maternal and paternal lines, classifying them as Parent 1 and Parent 2.
• Kinship Mapping: Within that Parent 1 pool, we focused on the highest matches—ranging from 835 cM (a first cousin or great-grandparent equivalent) down to 151 cM (a second cousin range) —and successfully related 11 of the top 12 matches into a single cohesive tree.
• Chronological Tracking: We constructed a 50-year timeline for the primary candidate (born 1913, died 1993) to track his precise movements across Hartford, West Hartford, and Wethersfield, Connecticut.
• Geographical Profiling: We cross-referenced federal and state census data with vital records, obituaries, city directories, and gravestone images. This deep historical dive allowed us to geographically place the candidate parents within a narrow 5-mile radius of one another.
• Forensic Elimination: We located historical occupational data and corporate distribution records mapping the biological father’s commercial delivery routes. By tracing his specific territory to the local hospitality venues along the historic Berlin Turnpike where the biological mother was documented as a career waitress, we established a definitive chronological and physical intersection. This deep analysis allowed us to confidently rule out a look-alike candidate sharing the exact same name and age living just 30 miles away.
• Statistical Validation: We subjected our final tree configuration to rigorous WATO (What Are the Odds?) statistical profiling, generating mathematical likelihood scores that mathematically eliminated alternative scenarios.
• Operational Integrity: Research was conducted entirely via public records and database analysis without contacting any DNA matches, maintaining complete operational security.

The Result: By combining precise genetic phasing with hyper-local geographical profiling and statistical validation, we bypassed record gaps, eliminated the false candidate, and definitively identified the biological father. In alignment with our strict privacy mandate, all generated kinship charts, comprehensive research reports, and biological trees are kept 100% confidential.

What is known, what is unclear, what records exist

Coming soon.

Historical Case

Possibly coming soon.