npr.org
Genetic Genealogy Solves 200-Year-Old Cold Case of Sea Captain
Undergraduate students at Ramapo College used investigative genetic genealogy to identify the nearly 200-year-old skeletal remains of Henry Goodsell, captain of the schooner Oriental, which sank off the coast of New Jersey in 1844, after bone fragments were discovered on area beaches between 1995 and 2013.
- What broader implications does this case have for solving other historical cold cases, particularly those involving unidentified human remains?
- This case establishes a precedent for utilizing investigative genetic genealogy in identifying extremely old skeletal remains. The successful identification of Captain Goodsell after nearly two centuries underscores the potential for future applications of this technology in solving other historic cold cases. Further collaborations between law enforcement and academic institutions will likely lead to more breakthroughs in similar investigations.
- What specific methods of investigative genetic genealogy were employed to link the discovered bone fragments to Captain Henry Goodsell's identity?
- The successful identification of Captain Goodsell highlights the increasing power of investigative genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, even those centuries old. By combining DNA analysis with genealogical research, the team linked bone fragments to Goodsell's family, demonstrating the technology's potential to provide closure in long-unsolved mysteries. This method successfully connected fragmented remains to a specific historical event, showcasing its effectiveness in situations where traditional methods fail.
- How did the collaboration between Ramapo College students and law enforcement successfully identify the nearly 200-year-old skeletal remains of Captain Henry Goodsell?
- Undergraduate students at Ramapo College, in partnership with the New Jersey State Police, identified the skeletal remains of Henry Goodsell, a 29-year-old sea captain who perished in 1844. Goodsell's schooner, the Oriental, sank a mile from shore while carrying marble to Philadelphia. The remains, discovered on South Jersey beaches between 1995 and 2013, were identified using investigative genetic genealogy, comparing DNA from the bones to consumer DNA databases.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentence immediately establish the positive and successful outcome of the investigation. The narrative then emphasizes the technological achievement and the partnership between law enforcement and the college, framing the story as a triumph of science and collaboration. This positive framing overshadows other potential aspects of the story, such as the challenges involved and the human element of the case.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual. Terms like "ill-fated voyage" and "watery graves" add a degree of dramatic flair, but do not appear to be overly loaded or biased. The quotes from officials are largely positive and celebratory, contributing to the overall positive framing of the story.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the successful identification of the remains and the collaboration between the state police and Ramapo College. It mentions the ship's cargo and destination, but omits details about the crew beyond Captain Goodsell. There is no mention of the impact on the families involved, whether they were notified or their reactions. Further details on the condition of the remains, challenges encountered during the identification process, and the overall timeline of the investigation beyond key dates are lacking. While brevity is understandable, these omissions limit a complete understanding of the case.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a clear success story, highlighting the positive outcome of using modern technology to solve an old mystery. It doesn't explore potential limitations or drawbacks of investigative genetic genealogy, or other alternative methods that might have been used. This framing may unintentionally present a simplified view of the complexities involved in such investigations.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the male captain, with little to no information provided about other potential crew members or their genders. While the lack of detail may be due to the nature of the available information rather than explicit gender bias, it's worth noting that the emphasis on the male captain without any information about other potential crew members could inadvertently reinforce a gender imbalance in the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on identifying historical human remains; it does not directly relate to poverty reduction.