Barbara Rae-Venter “Solving Crimes at Home with your Computer” MEETING DATE: Thursday, August 28, 2025 6:45PM - 8:45PM (Zoom meeting room opens at 6:45 PM; Meeting starts at 7 PM) via Zoom virtual meeting.

Description

In the world of true crime, new technologies and investigative techniques often played a crucial role in solving crimes. Genetic genealogy, in recent years, helps investigators crack cases. In this presentation Barbara Rae-Venter is interviewed by Sacramento Public Library officials as they delve into the world of DNA and its role in finding criminals including capturing the Golden State Killer. Barbara Rae-Venter shares the story of her quest to trace her family history to Scotland, which led her to discover DNA testing and connections with adoptees seeking relatives.
Takeaways 1. Embrace the power of genetic genealogy. 2. Explore innovative techniques. 3. Discover your own roots.

Barbara Rae-Venter’s Background

Barbara Rae-Venter is a New Zealand-born American genetic genealogist, biologist, author of the book “I Know Who You Are”, and retired patent attorney best known for her work helping police and investigators identify Joseph James DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer. She is also the Founder of Firebird Forensics Company, a non-profit company that focuses on assisting law enforcement in identifying suspects in violent crimes and identifying unidentified human remains.
Connect Barbara Rae-Venter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-rae-venter
Website: https://www.firebirdforensics.org