The developments in DNA analysis, combined with genealogy and old-fashioned detective work, means that unidentified remains can now more easily be linked to missing people, providing finality for the families, and in cold case crimes bringing a perpetrator like Joseph DeAngelo – the Golden State Killer – to justice over three decades after his crimes. Associate Professor Jodie Ward established the AFP National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons as part of her role at the AFP, for the identification of human remains. She talks with Associate Professor Xanthé Mallett, forensic anthropologist, criminologist and author, who also specialises in the identification of people using their DNA.