The Megyn Kelly Show Genetic Genealogy and DNA Evidence - Part 3 of Megyn Kelly Investigates Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance | Ep. 1276
Mar 19, 2026
Will Geddes, elite bodyguard and security expert, outlines scene control and transnational threat risks. James Hamilton, former FBI supervisory special agent, analyzes investigative strategy and responsibility theories. Suzanna Ryan, forensic DNA analyst, explains genetic genealogy, SNP vs STR testing, where to collect DNA in a home, and challenges like mixed or transferred DNA. They debate how DNA could — or might not — lead to answers.
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Boy In The Box Identification Through Genetic DNA
- Suzanna recounted the 'boy in the box' cold case solved by genetic DNA decades later.
- That breakthrough shows genetic genealogy can finally name unidentified victims even when original investigations predate modern tools.
Move To SNP Testing When CODIS Is Empty
- If CODIS yields no match, pursue SNP testing and upload to GEDmatch Pro and FamilyTreeDNA for genealogy leads.
- Ensure enough original sample remains for SNP testing because touch DNA may not leave sufficient material.
Mixed DNA Makes Genealogy Much Harder
- Mixed DNA complicates SNP-based genealogy because SNP searches analyze hundreds of thousands of single base sites.
- If the perpetrator is only a minor contributor or the sample is a multi-person mix, building a reliable SNP profile may be nearly impossible.