Greensburg, PA – Through grant funding, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office is elated to announce a partnership with Othram, a private laboratory that uses genealogical research and technology to develop and apply advanced DNA testing to forensic evidence.

The $50,000 grant allows the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office to collaborate with Othram to test DNA from several unsolved cases. Detectives have identified several local cases to submit DNA evidence for testing through Othram to develop leads and effectuate an arrest.

District Attorney Ziccarelli said, “We are always looking at every avenue to develop leads and bring perpetrators to justice; this technology and partnership will be an invaluable resource. I cannot imagine the relief and reassurance this could bring a victim or family if it leads to a resolution and justice.”  

Othram has seen tremendous success in other counties in the Commonwealth.

In Bucks County, a human skull found in 1986 was identified as a missing person reported in 1985 thanks to the testing offered through Othram.

Recently, Othram helped Pennsylvania State Police in Lancaster County identify a suspect in a sexual assault case involving two juveniles that dated back to 1997. Upon the resubmission of DNA evidence to Othram, new leads were developed and a comprehensive DNA profile was built, and ultimately led police to a suspect who was criminally charged in 2023.

“This is a great opportunity to take some older investigations to the next level and use the most current technology and hopefully get justice for our victims,” Chief County Detective Ronald Zona said.

Othram developed Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® which uses proprietary technology and allows the lab to reliably and successfully process DNA evidence. 

Othram, the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence, was founded in 2018 and is based in Texas. To learn more about the company, visit: www.othram.com.