Story perspectives

DNA Genealogy Names “Chelsea Jane Doe” as Tiffany Bradley.

6/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Investigators used DNA genealogy to finally name the victim known as “Chelsea Jane Doe.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the 2000 Chelsea, Massachusetts remains as 16-year-old Tiffany Bradley of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Eugene McCollom of Lynn, Massachusetts, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2005, is serving life for Bradley’s killing.
FBI Special Agent Ted Docks said the case underscores child sex trafficking across state lines.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 Barbara Rae-Venter helped identify the Bear Brook murder suspect using GEDmatch, proving public DNA databases could aid police. Building on that work, she and forensic investigator Paul Holes uploaded Joseph James DeAngelo’s crime-scene DNA to GEDmatch in 2017, and on April 24 2018 the Sacramento Sheriff arrested the Golden State Killer after matching the profile to over 13,000 volunteer submissions. The breakthrough spurred nationwide investment in DNA-genealogy units.

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Story summary

Investigators used DNA genealogy to finally name the victim known as “Chelsea Jane Doe.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the 2000 Chelsea, Massachusetts remains as 16-year-old Tiffany Bradley of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Eugene McCollom of Lynn, Massachusetts, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2005, is serving life for Bradley’s killing.
FBI Special Agent Ted Docks said the case underscores child sex trafficking across state lines.

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