On January 1st, the police were given the opportunity to do so-called family searches in the DNA register. Something that was recently used in the investigation of the unresolved double murder in Brattås, outside Härnösand.

In the investigation of the murder of 16-year-old Malin Lindström in Husum, the technology has also been discussed as there is a DNA trace to be analyzed.

Breakthrough with family search

The technology has already led to breakthroughs in other cases for the police. This is the so-called Billdalsfall. In 1995, an eight-year-old girl was assaulted, beaten and raped when she was on her way home from school in Billdal between Gothenburg and Kungsbacka. Police technicians were able to secure DNA traces on the girl but despite 350 people being topped up, the case was never solved.

Twenty-four years later, the National Forensic Center (NFC) conducted a so-called family search since the law was amended. It gave a hit and a man could be arrested. National Police Chief Anders Thornberg believes that the working method is only in its infancy and that it will become an increasingly common method.

- This case is going to be tried in court so we have no ruling yet. But this is becoming more common all over the world and we want to use all legal means. In the general legal consciousness, they want the police to clear up crimes.

Can solve old cases

The method is still in its infancy, but throughout the organization, from the regional investigative activities to the group that works with cold cases together with the NFC and through international cooperation, the method will be developed.

- Here we may have a chance to resolve cases that have been traumatic, perhaps for the entire country or for especially vulnerable victims, says Anders Thornberg.