Belize Forensic DNA Project Identifies Missing Persons

The National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) in Belize is undertaking a DNA project to identify roughly twenty sets of human remains recovered across the country since 1998. By combining DNA testing, archival case files and a public outreach campaign, the service aims to match the skeletal remains with relatives of the missing.

The effort has already reunited one family with the remains of a loved one, and officials expect DNA results for three additional cases within the next month or two. NFSS Director Gian Cho explained that limited information on possible relatives makes identification challenging, and that the service is using media reports, police records and an online form to gather tips from the public. The agency is urging anyone with information about missing relatives to come forward to help restore names to the unidentified remains.