Experts say DNA can sort out polygamists

Published: April 21, 2008 at 5:24 PM

SAN ANGELO, Texas, April 21 (UPI) -- Experts in DNA analysis think it will be difficult, but not impossible, to match the 416 kids living at a Texas polygamists compound to their true parents.

Scientists told the Salt Lake Tribune that closed communities often have a high degree of shared ancestry; however, there should be enough diversity to figure out who belongs to whom.

"They are not so close we can't tell them apart at the genetic level," said Lynn Jorde, a genetics professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

A Texas judge recently ordered DNA testing to begin this week as authorities in San Angelo sort out the convoluted population of the compound owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The request was made by child protective services officials who said the children had no clear idea who their mothers and fathers are, and the women of the group were vague about their family structures, as well.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Fatal UConn fight started with comments (53 min)
Rollins leads NL Gold Glove winners
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Hewlett Packard to acquire 3Com
UPI NewsTrack Business
NFL suspends Joselio Hanson 4 games
Crude oil holds near $79 per barrel
fark
Banana robber to face trial. He's expected to file a peel
Photoshop this building site break
Imposter busted for posing as decorated Marine. Bonus: Charade was discovered at H.S. reunion when...
The coolest photo of Devils Tower you've seen since your routine training flight went missing in...
Find yourself recently single and with no clue how to proceed? You are in luck. Come on out to the...
Remember when New London took those homes and the Supreme Court said it was OK because they had...