Second 9/11 Victim Identified Using Genetic Genealogy Technology

Investigators have identified a second victim of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack using advanced investigative genetic genealogy, New York City officials announced on October 14, 2026. The victim, a woman who was killed when the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, will not be publicly named at her family’s request, according to the city medical examiner’s office. This identification marks the second successful identification by the medical examiner’s office of a World Trade Center victim through this technique, following an initial breakthrough in August. The technology, known as investigative genetic genealogy, compares a victim’s genetic profile with publicly available ancestry databases and was also used in the case of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann. The NYPD conducts this research through its specialized genetic genealogy squad, which analyzes data to reconstruct family lineages. Lt. Maria Powers, commander of the genealogy squad, stated that the work is exacting and tedious, sometimes involving tracing back hundreds of years of family history. When the NYPD is confident in a potential identification, they notify the medical examiner’s office, which then contacts the families. Jennifer Odien, assistant director of forensic anthropology, noted that families are often shocked to learn their loved ones have been identified and are eager to learn more about the process. Harsh conditions at Ground Zero, where 2,753 lives were lost in the terror attacks and 1,098 victims remain unidentified, have made extracting viable DNA challenging. However, the medical examiner’s office has collected 47 new genetic samples capable of undergoing genealogical review, offering renewed hope to families still seeking closure 25 years later, according to Mark Desire, assistant director for forensic biology at the city medical examiner’s office. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney described the latest discoveries as “great” and emphasized the importance of embracing this technology. In 2025, the same advanced technology was used to collect DNA evidence against Heuermann, helping to identify victims like Karen Vergata, initially known as “Fire Island Jane Doe.” Judge Timothy Mazzei, who presided over Heuermann’s trial, supported the use of this technology and expanded its scope during the investigation. Tierney expressed confidence in the case, stating, “If I wasn’t confident in this case I would’ve never brought it to trial.”