CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Lawmakers propose bill allowing use of genetic tests in murder cases

Feb 13, 2023, 2:38 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 8:05 am
Utah lawmakers proposed a bill spelling out exactly how police can use genetic tests like 23andMe i...
FILE: A photo of Sherry Black and her first granddaughter taken in 1990 sits on a shelf in B&B Billiards and Books in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Black was brutally murdered in her bookstore in 2010. Photo credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers are looking at spelling out exactly how police can use genetic tests like 23andMe in criminal investigations.

Lawmakers have proposed a bill after the technology successfully solved hundreds of cold cases access the country.

The bill, sponsored by Todd Weiler was circled in committee, meaning it’ll still have to be discussed again before it moves forward.

More specifically, Senator Weiler’s Bill is inspired by the 2010 murder of Salt Laker Sherry Black.

Her family spoke in support saying police were able to finally give them peace after tracking down her killer.

Sherry’s daughter testified in a senate committee today. “This tool has allowed us to move forward focusing on the happy memories with my mom and given us a sense of peace back that we have lost,” said Sherry’s daughter. 

If this bill passes, police could use DNA from Ancestry and genetic tests, but only in certain cases like murder.

But there were concerns from public comments that it doesn’t do enough to protect personal privacy.

Relates reading

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

Juab County fatal cax...
Devin Oldroyd

16-year-old dead, 2 other teens injured in fatal crash in Juab County

A 16-year-old boy is dead after a fatal crash in Juab County Saturday. Four teens were in the vehicle during the crash. Two sustained injuries.
1 day ago
auto-motorcycle crash...
Devin Oldroyd

Auto-motorcycle crash sends one to hospital, causes TRAX delays

One person is in the hospital and TRAX is facing significant delays following an auto-motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon.
1 day ago
...
Ben McGonnell

Springville Police Officer has been shot and the suspect is dead.

SPRINGVILLE — At approximately 5 a.m. this Sunday morning, Springville Police received a call about multiple shots fired near 1500 West and 150 North. An hour later, the police found a car accident nearby and as one of the officers went to check on the driver, a man reportedly opened fire at the officer. Two […]
1 day ago
A male suspect was reported possibly stealing articles of women’s clothing at Brigham Young Unive...
Waverly Golden

Possible clothing thief at Brigham Young University

A male suspect was reported possibly stealing articles of women’s clothing at Brigham Young University.
2 days ago
An "ogden city police" patch is pictured...
Devin Oldroyd

One man dead after shooting in Ogden Tuesday morning

Ogden Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Tuesday morning. The shooting left one Ogden man dead, according to police.
3 days ago
South Jordan police cars pictured., a construction worker died after a fall in south jordan...
Kate Davis

70-year-old construction worker dies after worksite fall

Police said the 70-year-old construction worker suffered a 10-foot fall at his work site and was pronounced dead at the scene.
3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a new winter activity? Try skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.
Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...
Intermountain Health

Five common causes of Cervical Cancer – and what you can do to lower your risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.
Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
happy friends with sparklers at christmas dinner...
Macey's

15 easy Christmas dinner ideas

We’ve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy.
Spicy Homemade Loaded Taters Tots...
Macey's

5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes!)

Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. 
Happy joyful smiling casual satisfied woman learning and communicates in sign language online using...
Sorenson

The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success

Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.
Lawmakers propose bill allowing use of genetic tests in murder cases