We use investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to identify unidentified persons and break cold cases — bringing answers to families and justice to victims, at no cost to law enforcement.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Services at No Cost to Law Enforcement
DNA doesn't forget. We follow it until we find the truth.
Every Jane and John Doe has a name, a family, and a story. We work alongside medical examiners and law enforcement to give every unidentified person their identity back — and give families the answers they deserve.
Investigative genetic genealogy has cracked cases that sat unsolved for decades. When leads run out, DNA genealogy creates new ones — giving investigators a path forward on violent crimes and homicides with no other options.
Whether a missing loved one or an unresolved homicide, families shouldn't have to wait forever. Every identification we make closes a chapter that may have been open for years — sometimes generations.
A rigorous, science-driven process — from DNA sample to identity.
Law enforcement or a medical examiner contacts us with an unidentified decedent or violent crime case. We review eligibility and sign a case agreement.
A DNA sample is extracted and a forensic SNP profile is generated. The profile is uploaded to genealogy databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA to search for genetic relatives.
Our genetic genealogists build family trees from DNA matches, cross-referencing historical records, obituaries, and other public data to narrow down a list of candidates.
A lead is developed and handed back to law enforcement for confirmation. Traditional DNA comparison or other forensic methods verify the identity before any public disclosure.
A name is returned to a Doe. A family is notified. A case is closed. Every identification is a life honored.
Roots of Truth Initiative provides investigative genetic genealogy services at no cost to law enforcement agencies and medical examiners. We operate under strict protocols aligned with the U.S. Department of Justice guidelines for forensic genetic genealogy.
Complete this form to begin the intake process. A team member will respond within 48 hours.
Every identification requires significant resources — DNA extraction, database uploads, forensic lab fees, and dozens of hours of skilled genealogical research. As a nonprofit, we rely entirely on the generosity of donors and grant-makers to fund this work.
Your contribution directly funds:
Roots of Truth Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Make a Difference Today
No contribution is too small. Every dollar goes directly toward identifying the unidentified.
Donate NowInterested in a major gift or grant partnership? Contact us.
Anna Phillips is an investigative genetic genealogist and the founder of Roots of Truth Initiative. Driven by a belief that every person deserves to be identified and that every family deserves closure, she established Roots of Truth to bring the power of modern DNA science to law enforcement agencies and medical examiners who need it most.
Anna has worked cold cases & unidentified human remains cases across the country. She is committed to operating with the highest ethical standards and full compliance with law enforcement protocols.
Anna built her expertise through extensive IGG training, volunteer IGG work with United Data Connect and genetic genealogy research as a search angel for those trying to identify biological parents.
General inquiries, media, or grant partnership questions.
