ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota authorities are asking families of missing loved ones to provide DNA samples as part of an effort to identify about 100 sets of human remains.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says many of the unidentified remains were discovered decades ago, before DNA testing was available. The remains being tested in this effort were found in Minnesota from the 1970s to the 1990s.

DNA obtained from the remains will be entered into an FBI index, where it can be compared with samples taken from family members.

BCA Forensic Science Laboratory Director Catherine Knutson says the information could help bring missing loved ones back home.

The BCA is also contacting medical examiners' offices around the state to see if there are more remains out there that have not been identified.

 

More From AM 1240 WJON