This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads can help solve violent cold cases.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/QanKOSk9ICE

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:15 Meet Misty and Her Work

00:54 Subscribe and RootsTech Update

02:22 Case Intro Danielle Clause

03:06 What Is Investigative Genetic Genealogy

04:48 Databases GEDMatch and FTDNA

06:31 Reading Matches and Centimorgans

08:57 From Lead to CODIS Confirmation

10:22 Danielle Clause Case Background

11:55 Evidence and Early Investigation

12:44 Building Trees and Common Ancestors

14:56 Kinship Test Narrows Suspects

17:03 Phenotyping and Identifying Larry Welch

21:13 Break and Sponsor Message

21:52 Post Break Bloodline Detectives Talk

22:42 Law Enforcement Workflow and Outreach Rules

23:43 Why GEDMatch Matters

27:19 More Cases and Impact of IGG

30:39 Victims Families and Remembering Danielle

31:43 Wrap Up and How to Help

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

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Finding Family DNA, Danielle Clause, Larry Devon Welch, cold case murder, Ventura California crime, investigative genetic genealogy, GEDmatch, forensic genealogy, DNA cold case solved, 1991 murder case, phenotyping DNA, kinship testing, true crime podcast, unsolved murder solved

This week, we meet Linda Rasmussen — Jay’s right-hand woman and the intake specialist for BirthParentFinder.com. Linda introduces us to the powerful case of Victor, a young man living in a homeless shelter, whose search for his birth family becomes one of the most emotional reunions the team has worked on. With Linda’s investigative support and Jay’s guidance, Victor reconnects with his biological mother and sister after decades of separation. What begins as a pro bono case turns into a moving journey of resilience, forgiveness, and unexpected love.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/Z8zHJs9jTT4

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Meet Linda Rasmussen

01:00 Victor's Story Unfolds

03:51 The Search for Tiffany

06:29 Reunion on Zoom

13:44 Victor's Struggles and Resilience

18:00 Bella's Perspective

24:25 Reconnecting with a Long-Lost Sibling

25:07 Multilingual Journey and Cultural Exploration

26:26 Reflections on Upbringing and Family Dynamics

27:32 Estranged Relationship with Birth Father

28:46 Complex Relationship with Birth Mother

33:14 Plans for Reuniting with Victor

37:42 Final Thoughts and Messages of Hope

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

#FindingFamilyDNA #AdoptionReunion #BirthFamilySearch #FamilyConnections #TrueStoryPodcast #GenealogyPodcast #ProBonoCase #FosterCareJourneys #DNAReunion #FamilyHealing

Jay and Misty sit down with Shanna Daloussi, a past giveaway recipient, who shares the emotional and unexpected journey of discovering her biological father. With Jay’s help, Shanna used DNA testing to uncover the truth: the man who raised her was not her biological father — and the person who was turned out to be someone already inside her family circle. What follows is a raw and vulnerable conversation about betrayal, hidden truths, grief, and ultimately, reclaiming one’s identity. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of DNA and the resilience required to face the truth.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/X6woL_BLmPM

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Meet Misty Gillis: Genealogist Extraordinaire

01:32 California's New Senate Bill 381

02:52 Holiday Giveaway Story

06:36 Transparency in Adoption

07:06 Shanna's Journey

12:18 Revelations and Reactions

15:56 Reflecting on Mother's Choices

16:39 Her Mother's Reaction to DNA Reveal

17:36 Strained Relationship with Mother

18:30 Family Dynamics and Children's Awareness

19:22 Genetic Health Concerns

25:05 Alcoholism and Seeking Help

27:36 Final Thoughts

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, DNA reunion, adoptee stories, family secrets, Shanna Daloussi, biological father search, genetic genealogy, DNA testing, identity discovery, trauma and healing, sexual abuse awareness, Jay Rosenzweig, Misty Gillis