When Science Speaks for the Dead: A Prosecutorial Framework for Human Remains Identification

  • Session

When Science Speaks for the Dead: A Prosecutorial Framework for Human Remains Identification

  • October 27, 2026 //
  • 2:24 pm -
  • 2:44 pm //
  • Rhode Island Convention Center

In this presentation, attendees will learn how strategic prosecutorial initiatives and advances in forensic science are transforming the identification of long-unidentified human remains and delivering long-awaited justice to families. This session will explore the integration of DNA testing, CODIS entry, forensic genetic genealogy, forensic facial approximation, case cataloging and management, and best practices for multi-agency collaboration.

Each year, thousands of unidentified remains cases leave families in anguish and investigations unresolved. Identifying these individuals is more than a scientific challenge; it is a restorative act of dignity. However, the obstacles are considerable — decades-old evidence, degraded or limited DNA samples, and constrained resources often impede resolution. This presentation highlights how advances in forensic methodologies, combined with a prosecutor-led collaborative framework, are essential to overcoming these barriers.

This presentation outlines a replicable roadmap for addressing case backlogs, emphasizing the integration of FGG, effective protocols for prioritizing, cataloging and managing unidentified remains cases, and the use of forensic facial approximation for public appeals. This discussion will detail successful collaboration between the Queens District Attorney’s Office and medical examiner partners, illustrating how multidisciplinary coordination among prosecutors, law enforcement, forensic scientists and genealogists is critical to success.

The presentation will further emphasize the importance of prioritizing cases, securing and sharing data, and communicating findings effectively to resolve longstanding investigations. Three critical lessons will be highlighted:

  1. Persistence: No case is too old to pursue; as technology advances, every unidentified victim deserves the chance to be named.
  2. Operational Collaboration: Partnerships between law enforcement, prosecutors, forensic experts, genealogists, and families are vital to solving cold cases.
  3. The Human Impact: While the work is scientific and procedural, the impact is profoundly personal for the families involved.

Ultimately, this presentation provides jurisdictions with a proven model to modernize cold case workflows, restore names to the unidentified, and provide long-awaited answers to families.

In this presentation, attendees will learn how strategic prosecutorial initiatives and advances in forensic science are transforming the identification of long-unidentified human remains and delivering long-awaited justice to families. This session will explore the integration of DNA testing, CODIS entry, forensic genetic genealogy, forensic facial approximation, case cataloging and management, and best practices for multi-agency collaboration.

Each year, thousands of unidentified remains cases leave families in anguish and investigations unresolved. Identifying these individuals is more than a scientific challenge; it is a restorative act of dignity. However, the obstacles are considerable — decades-old evidence, degraded or limited DNA samples, and constrained resources often impede resolution. This presentation highlights how advances in forensic methodologies, combined with a prosecutor-led collaborative framework, are essential to overcoming these barriers.

This presentation outlines a replicable roadmap for addressing case backlogs, emphasizing the integration of FGG, effective protocols for prioritizing, cataloging and managing unidentified remains cases, and the use of forensic facial approximation for public appeals. This discussion will detail successful collaboration between the Queens District Attorney’s Office and medical examiner partners, illustrating how multidisciplinary coordination among prosecutors, law enforcement, forensic scientists and genealogists is critical to success.

The presentation will further emphasize the importance of prioritizing cases, securing and sharing data, and communicating findings effectively to resolve longstanding investigations. Three critical lessons will be highlighted:

  1. Persistence: No case is too old to pursue; as technology advances, every unidentified victim deserves the chance to be named.
  2. Operational Collaboration: Partnerships between law enforcement, prosecutors, forensic experts, genealogists, and families are vital to solving cold cases.
  3. The Human Impact: While the work is scientific and procedural, the impact is profoundly personal for the families involved.

Ultimately, this presentation provides jurisdictions with a proven model to modernize cold case workflows, restore names to the unidentified, and provide long-awaited answers to families.

  • Early Registration
  • $250.00
  • Standard Registration (after July 15)
  • $295.00
  • Student Registration$195.00
  • $195.00

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.

Brought to you by

Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts

Karen Ross

Founding Chief, Queens District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Unit and Deputy Chief, Homicide Bureau

Karen L. Ross is an investigative and legal strategist with nearly 30 years of experience leading high-profile homicide and cold case investigations in New York City. As the founding Chief of the Queens District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Unit and Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, she developed a strategic model for solving decades-old homicides and unidentified remains cases. 

A national leader in forensic innovation, Karen led the successful prosecution of New York City’s first case utilizing investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to resolve a 45-year-old murder. She is a three-time FBI-certified IGG professional and has secured over $1.5 million in federal funding to enhance cold case investigations and support forensic backlogs.

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