I’d like to introduce you to this amazing woman I learned about – Christine Burke. She’s dedicated her life to helping families get answers about unidentified remains. As an author and forensic expert, she uses her skills in a really inspiring way.
Christine is totally committed to solving the heartbreaking mysteries around unidentified human remains. There are thousands of cases across the United States that are still unresolved. So she’s made it her mission to raise awareness and money to help identify these people and bring some peace to their families.
This article outlines Christine’s mission. As a forensic genetic genealogist, former law enforcement officer, and author, she’s combined her talents to make a huge impact on this issue. Her life’s work is all about bringing justice and closure to those affected by these tragic unknown cases.
The Unsettling Reality of Unidentified Human Remains
There’s an unsettling reality in the United States that most people are unaware of – over 14,500 cases of unidentified human remains exist. These are individuals who died without their identities being determined. Their families are left without closure or answers about what happened to their loved ones. Given the technological advancements we’ve made, it’s disheartening that genetic genealogy, which could help solve many of these cases, remains largely unused due to the high costs involved.
The website NamUs tracks these staggering numbers of unresolved cases. Christine understands this problem intimately through her work in forensic genetic genealogy. She recognizes the potential for DNA analysis to provide resolution for families, but also the financial obstacles that prevent wider adoption of this technology by police departments.
The Price of Solving the Unsolvable
Genetic genealogy involves using DNA analysis to identify biological connections, which can lead to determining the identities of unknown remains. However, high costs have hampered broader adoption of this technique. Police departments often lack the budgets to utilize genetic genealogy effectively.
Christine understands the prohibitive expenses involved. Testing a single case can cost between $4,500-$7,500, which most departments cannot afford. These departments are already underfunded, so the high price tag creates a substantial financial barrier to resolving these unsolved cases.
The Birth of a Remarkable Solution
Christine came up with a really innovative solution. She has a strong passion for justice and believes in the power of storytelling. With her background as a forensic genetic genealogist, law enforcement expert, and private investigator, she knew she could help bridge the gap between police and grieving families.
Christine decided to take matters into her own hands. Her idea was to use fiction writing to raise awareness and money to resolve these unidentified remains cases.
She started crafting compelling cozy mystery stories, not just to entertain readers but also shed light on the reality these families face and the technology that could provide answers. Her thought-provoking books could generate funds to help police pay for expensive DNA testing. It was a creative way to channel resources towards solving these mysteries.
Christine Burke’s Prolific Journey
Christine is so much more than just a writer on a mission. She has an amazing background and tons of experience. She’s been an award-winning private investigator and police officer. She’s shared her expertise on TV, with production companies, and on podcasts. Christine is adept at figuring out complex cases and providing insights to solve them. She’s highly respected in her field.
Not only that, but Christine’s books, Concrete Clues, Off The Rails, and Fabric Of Deceit have become best sellers. Her dedication to this cause really shines through in the stories she tells. She outlines these unsolved cases and keeps these important stories in the public conversation.
A Mission of Heart and Dedication
For Christine, this mission is really personal. She recognizes that each unidentified person was someone’s family – a parent, sibling, or child. They deserve dignity and to be remembered, not forgotten.
Christine is driven by empathy and a genuine desire to help grieving families find closure. Her determination shows the power of human compassion and how one person can make a huge impact.
Christine’s journey writing fiction books to fund DNA testing is so inspiring. She’s raised awareness about these forgotten cases and channeled real resources to help law enforcement solve them.
When you think about the thousands of unsolved cases out there, Christine’s story gives hope. It reminds us that even when things seem impossible, we all have the power to create change. Christine used her talents to make the world a little better.
Her journey shows the incredible potential within each of us. When we take action for good, just imagine the lives we can change.
Stay Connected
Twitter: @BurkevonRiddern
You may also find her Book links here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7SV5Y7C
