Advances in DNA technology are aiding in the identification of victims of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister, thanks to the work of Dr. Krista Latham and the Human Identification Center at the University of Indianapolis. Latham, who took over as director in 2016, explained that the process is slow but thorough to ensure accurate identification of all remains found at Fox Hollow Farms in 1996.
So far, out of 100 bone fragments submitted for DNA profiling, 50 have been completed and seven victims have been identified. However, only three of these victims have been matched to a name. The fragments are small and damaged, requiring meticulous testing that may result in the partial destruction of each sample.
Latham emphasized the importance of close relatives of people who went missing in the 80s and 90s coming forward to provide DNA samples for matching. This will help in the identification process and ensure that all victims receive the respect and dignity they deserve.
The advancement in DNA technology has made it possible to create profiles from samples that were previously inaccessible, allowing for more accurate identification and closure for families of the victims. The process, though slow, is crucial in ensuring that all victims of the suspected serial killer are identified and remembered properly.
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