Annasmom said:I have mentioned it to my contact at the NCMEC, who said "that might be a good idea", but I think both the National Center and our local sheriff's department put such old cases at an extremely low priority, especially considering present constraints on their budgets. I believe that if an unidentified Jane Doe turned up with similarities to our case, they would ask me for a DNA sample; as it happens, they have not, and I haven't pushed for it.
Annasmom, I am appalled at the lackadaisical attitude it appears they have about this. It doesn't matter if your case has been voted most likely not be solved. It is your right to get this done and I encourage you to forge ahead with a big stick and do it. What if Anna was one of those remains and you could find your answer?
I had a series on my blog that covered issues like this. I wrote:
"Important note to all families of the missing: If your missing loved one has been gone for more than 30 days, and you do not have anything of theirs for to process for DNA, you may get your own (or other appropriate family member) DNA processed FREE of charge and entered into CODIS by the DNA lab. (Even if you do not live in the same state as where the person went missing, you can still do this.) Contact the LE handling the case. If the person is over age 20, have them contact the National Center for Missing Adults at 1-800-690-FIND for instructions. If the missing person is under age 21, have them call NCMEC at 1-800-THE LOST. If your LE refuses to do this, call these organizations directly for assistance."
The LE will be sent a DNA kit and all they have to do is get the sample and send it to the lab. That's it.
The databases do checks for matches on a regular basis.
Please follow up on this.
Kelly