Nicole Novroski, an assistant professor and forensic geneticist at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus, says this is an 'exciting time' for genetic experts as more cold cases are solved but urges caution in the use of DNA databases.
"The technology itself is incredibly useful and incredibly powerful within this investigative arena," she told CBC Toronto.But Novroski also said it's important that the database collected is done so with public consent. The process involves cross-referencing DNA found at crime scenes with samples voluntarily submitted to services such as 23andMe or Ancestry.
"The only way that this was solved was the advances in science," Smith said at the news conference Monday. Michael Arntfield, a former London, Ont., police officer and detective who has been following the double murder case for several years, said the arrest has made for a "tremendous development," in genetic genealogy helping solve cold cases.