Delaware DNA Event Helps Families Find Missing Persons
The state’s new forensic collection day allows families to provide DNA samples to help resolve active missing-persons cases.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Substance Abuse
The Delaware Division of Forensic Science held its first Missing and Unidentified Persons Day to help families submit DNA and records for investigations. The event, which took place near New Castle, aims to connect families with agencies to help resolve cases.
Why it matters
Collecting DNA samples from relatives allows officials to enter data into the Combined DNA Index System, which is critical for identifying individuals in thousands of active missing-persons cases.
Official FBI data from 2025 indicates that over 490,000 people were reported missing, leaving 88,000 active cases by year-end. The effectiveness of community DNA collection programs in resolving these specific cases remains under ongoing evaluation.
The players
Delaware Division of Forensic Science
The state office responsible for death investigations and managing forensic data to assist law enforcement.
Delaware State Police
The primary law enforcement agency tasked with investigating incidents across the state.
The details
The event creates a centralized forum for families to meet with state investigators and provide biological samples. Experts use cheek swabs from biological relatives to obtain genetic profiles that are cross-referenced against the Combined DNA Index System to potentially match unidentified human remains.
Timeline
October 24, 2026, Delaware held its first Missing and Unidentified Persons Day.
In 2025, over 490,000 missing people were reported to the FBI.
By the end of 2025, there were 88,000 active missing-persons cases nationwide.
New York City has held similar events since 2014, and New York state for 23 years.
Health Landscape
This state-led initiative adopts a model established by New York's Missing Persons Day, which has provided a path for family participation for 23 years. It reflects a growing focus on leveraging forensic databases to address the high volume of active, long-term missing persons cases.
For families of missing individuals, participating in future forensic collection events can provide a vital channel for contributing DNA that investigators need. It is worth discussing with local law enforcement or forensic agencies if you are a biological relative of someone missing.
The takeaway
Forensic database matching relies on accurate, updated genetic samples from biological relatives to reconcile active cold cases. Families should keep contact information current with the investigating police department to ensure they are notified of future DNA collection opportunities.
Further reading
Learn more about support resources and state initiatives at Delaware Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Journal.
