There is a common misconception that the recovery of DNA from a body will in itself always lead to a positive identification. But of course a comparison must be made, either with a source sample of the DNA of the person the deceased is suspected to be, if there is one on record, or with samples provided by direct family members (parents, siblings or offspring). The genetic link with a parent’s DNA would be equally as strong in, say, an estranged brother of the deceased, so if a family source is to be used it must be supported by other features of biological evidence specific to the missing
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