Dental Mold DNA - Using Innovation to Solve a Cold Case Part 2

In the intriguing world of crime investigations, sometimes the most unconventional clues can hold the key to solving a case. In part 2 of this series, Jared Bradley continues the discussion with Olivia McCarter, J.T. Thornton, and Danny Hellwig, about the fascinating story of a dental mold that holds the key to identifying the deceased, Ada Fritz.

Olivia shares the surprising discovery of the cremation of Ada Fritz by the anatomical donations program at the University of South Alabama in 1979, leaving them with no body or DNA to work with. However, they uncover an old dental mold that had been inserted into her mouth, leading them to take a chance to test it for DNA.

Danny then explains the process of using the M-Vac tool to extract DNA from the dental mold, despite its challenging shape and condition. The results are beyond their expectations, with 145 nanograms of DNA obtained. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of finally identifying the woman they've been searching for.

Olivia McCarter is a genealogy analyst for the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. JT Thornton is a Sergeant with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. Danny Hellwig is the Director of Laboratory Development for Intermountain Forensics.

Takeaways:
1. Don't underestimate the potential of unconventional evidence.
2. Collaboration and communication are vital.
3. Persistence pays off

Resources:
1.) M-Vac, Dental Mold, and Genealogy Help Restore Ada Fritz’s Name After 47 Years

Connect:

Danny Hellwig
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hellwig-a051472b
Website: https://www.intermountainforensics.com

Olivia McCarter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-mccarter-7a5629162
Website: https://www.moxxyforensics.com

JT Thornton
Website: https://www.mobileso.com

Jared Bradley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredvbradley

https://www.m-vac.com/

All Things Crime is a new, comprehensive video series that will explore every aspect of crime and the ensuing investigation, one video interview at a time. The host, Jared Bradley, is the President of M-Vac Systems, which is a wet-vacuum-based forensic DNA collection system and has experience traveling the world training all levels of law enforcement and crime lab DNA analysts in using the M-Vac to help solve crime. Along the way he has met people from all walks of life and experience in investigating crimes, so is putting that knowledge to use in another way by sharing it in these videos.

If you are interested in more videos about the M-Vac, DNA, and investigations, also check out the M-Vac's channel https://www.youtube.com/@UC4TgqlFFXuAoTPD-QkDKyog

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#coldcase #AllThingsCrime #dna