Bloodline Detectives
Season 6
Overview
Bloodline Detectives focuses on familial DNA investigation, a search technique which uses genetic material from relatives to track down a suspect to solve violent crimes. Each episode shows detectives from all over the world solving cold cases by using the DNA of family members and how that additional DNA information is revolutionising genetic profiling to solve criminal cases.
Episodes
1. Murder in the Median
In 2024, Pamela Wittman, a 25-year-old from Indiana, was identified, solving the 1980 Daytona Beach cold case linked to a serial killer.
2. Jane Doe by the Road
Found shot near Highway 67 in 1986, Maria Pilar Del Gadillo Carrillo remained unidentified until 2024, when authorities used genetic genealogy and reopened her case.
3. Murder on Highway 243
Esther Gonzalez was killed in 1979 while walking in Riverside. Randy Williamson, cleared by polygraph, lived freely until 2014. In 2023, forensic genealogy closed the cold case.
4. A Forensic Gamechanger
In 1991, 16-year-old Sarah Yarborough was murdered outside her school. Eyewitnesses saw a man - but it took nearly 30 years and forensic genealogy to find him.
5. The Suspect List
DNA and genealogy reveal serial killer Jerry McFadden murdered Anna Hlavka in a 1979 Portland case.
6. Murder Between Two Floors
Found murdered in a Seattle garage in July 1967, Susan Galvin remained without justice until 2018, when DNA and genetic genealogy identified her killer, Frank Wypych.
7. Uncovered Truths
In October 2003, the San Diego County community was shaken by a tragic discovery: the dismembered legs of a woman were found in a dumpster.
8. The Last Valentine
In 1985, Terri McAdams is murdered in her fiance's apartment; in 2023, DNA and genealogy identify the killer.
9. A Confession in Cold Blood
In 1974, 25-year-old Mary K. Schlais is murdered while hitchhiking from Minneapolis to Madison, Wisconsin.
10. Stolen Youth, Stolen Lives
In 1976, 16-year-old Pamela Maurer's body is found along College Road in Lisle, Illinois.
11. Adopted by Death
A 65-year-old mystery is solved when DNA testing identifies the remains of 7-year-old Chester Alfred Breiney.
12. The Angel of Seaside
DNA and genealogy identify soldier Robert Lanoue as the murderer of 5-year-old Anne Pham.
13. The Hair That Called His Bluff
DNA and genealogy solve the murder of schoolgirl Rashell Ward after over 40 years.
14. Bloodshed
Mark Dribin vanishes in 1999. After over 20 years, DNA technology finally unmasks his killer and dark secrets.
15. No Safe Haven
In 2013, a newborn baby know as "Baby Precious" is found dead; DNA technology tracks down the child's parents.
16. The Stanford Murders
DNA technology helps solve the murders of two 21-year-old women in North Carolina in the 1970s.
17. The Phone Call Rapist
DNA and genealogy reveal the identity of a man responsible for home invasions from 1982 to 1997.
18. Murder in Montana
Danielle Houchins is found murdered. DNA technology finally unmasks the killer in the 2010s.
19. A Good Deed Punished
Teresa Solecki is murdered in 1984 in California. After more than 30 years, DNA technology reveals the killer.
20. A Stranger in Her Home
Genetic genealogy links a serial offender to the 1990 murder of Genevieve Zitricki.