SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Advanced DNA technology is offering new hope in a decades-old Springfield murder case, with investigators using forensic investigative genetic genealogy to potentially identify the killer of a 17-year-old girl.

The 1990 murder of Shana Price in Blunt Park has not been forgotten, according to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. Investigators have had a DNA profile connected to the killer for years, but have not identified any matches. “There is evidence that we believe is from one of the offenders or the offender that we have not been able to link up to an identity,” Gulluni said.

Forensic investigative genetic genealogy, known as FIGG, is becoming more common to find criminals by using DNA from the general population. The process works similarly to consumer DNA tests like 23andMe, where a simple cheek swab is added to a database. “It’s the most efficient way to solve a case,” Gulluni explained.

The technology compares crime scene DNA to genetic profiles in databases to identify potential family connections to suspects. “The bigger database we have, the more it covers the population, the more likely we are to connect that by some sort of family relation, by some aspect of that person’s DNA to an offender,” Gulluni added.

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is conducting FIGG testing on Sunday, December 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the MassMutual Center during the Springfield United Toy Drive and Holiday Celebration. The testing involves a simple, non-invasive cheek swab that could help identify potential relatives of unknown suspects, including possibly the murderer of Shana Price.

Earlier this year, FIGG technology helped investigators identify and bring justice to a decades-old sexual assault case in Holland. While the testing can be costly for authorities, Gulluni said the expense is worthwhile. “It will provide us leads that might lead to an arrest, so the expense is something that we’re willing to take on to pursue justice and to pursue closure in these kinds of cases,” he noted.

Gulluni ensures that all DNA data is completely protected and secure.

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