Resolve Forensics

08/05/2026

From our CEO, Danny Hellwig:

For more than 15 years, the murder of Theresa Morlock has been part of my professional life.

I worked on this case during my time at Sorenson Forensics, Intermountain Forensics, and now Resolve Forensics. Through multiple laboratories, changing technologies, and many years without an answer, the case never went away.

Last week, James Petersen pleaded guilty to Theresa’s 1993 murder after DNA evidence and investigative genetic genealogy helped investigators finally identify him.

It is difficult to describe how much joy and relief I feel seeing this case resolved after 33 years. Cases like Theresa’s are why so many of us stay committed to this work, even when the answers take days, weeks, years..or decades..to arrive.

I am deeply grateful to the Salt Lake City Police Department investigators including the absolute bulldog, Cordon Parks who never let this investigation go and the forensic scientists and genealogists at Intermountain Forensics, the prosecutors, and everyone else who continued pushing this case forward.

Most importantly, I hope this guilty plea brings some measure of justice and peace to Theresa’s family and everyone who loved her.

Theresa was not forgotten. Not for one single moment!

-Danny

James Wallace Petersen III admitted on July 27 to the murder of a woman whose body was found by a maintenance man over three decades ago. He was charged earlier this year after a DNA breakthrough.

07/24/2026

The ceremony returning Reginald “Reggie” Frisby to his family touched all of us at Resolve in a powerful way.

There was something deeply moving about seeing so many years of work, persistence, and care come together in a moment centered entirely on Mr. Frisby and the people who loved him. It was a beautiful reminder that behind every case is a family carrying questions, grief, and hope.

We are grateful to everyone who helped bring Mr. Frisby home with such dignity, and we send our warmest wishes to his family and friends.

https://www.resolveforensics.com/post/reggie-frisby-returned-to-his-family

Support the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force:
https://www.calaverascoldcase.org/donate/

On Monday, July 13, 2026, Reginald “Reggie” Frisby was returned to his family after more than four decades. It was a quiet and deeply meaningful conclusion to years of investigative work. Surrounded by flowers, members of Mr. Frisby’s family joined the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, law enfor...

07/21/2026

After 48 years, Riverside County Sheriff's Office / Coroner has identified Riverside Vernon John Doe as Mark Alan Smith.

We’re grateful Resolve could support Riverside County and GenGenies by providing the forensic DNA sequencing for this identification.

Read Riverside County’s announcement:
https://www.riversidesheriff.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/7245

Read our post:
https://www.resolveforensics.com/post/riverside-county-sheriff-coroner-identifies-mark-alan-smith

Support GenGenies:
https://gengenies.org/donations

Let’s change the world—one name, one family, and one answer at a time.

07/20/2026

Seeking Information on a Decades-Old Case:

In June 1969, Fontella Galloway was viciously attacked in her home in Roosevelt, UT. Her attacker tried 3 different windows before prying open a fourth with a shovel. Her body was found 3 days later.

With the passage of time, we understand that those who may have known her, lived nearby, or heard details at the time were likely very young and today may be reflecting on memories from long ago.

We are gently asking for help from anyone who may have:
• Known her or her family
• Lived in the area during that time
• Attended school, church, or community events where she may have been known
• Heard conversations, stories, or rumors over the years that have stayed with you

We recognize that memories from so long ago may feel uncertain or incomplete but even small details or recollections could be meaningful.

👉 You can contact Roosevelt PD directly at 435-722-2330, call the CCC Anonymous Tipline at 385-CLUE-313 (385-258-3313) OR message us on FB.

Sharing this post may help us reach someone who remembers something important.

07/20/2026

Every time a case is solved through Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), another family gets answers—and countless other families are reminded that hope is still alive.

These advances continue to change what's possible in cold case investigations.

In the comments, share a case solved through FIGG that left an impression on you. What stood out about it?

Every solved case reminds us why continued research, collaboration, and advocacy matter.

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06/25/2026

We’re honored to welcome Bradley Pierson as Senior Advisor, Canada Operations.

Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Trouvay and brings deep experience at the intersection of DNA genealogy, law enforcement, Indigenous partnership, and community-based identification efforts.

His work has focused heavily on helping bring home Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and supporting the thoughtful use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy in service of families, communities, and truth.

At Resolve, Bradley will advise us on Canadian outreach, agency engagement, partnership strategy, and responsible forensic genomics support for Canadian-led initiatives.

This work depends on trust, context, education, and relationships. We are grateful for Bradley’s voice, experience, and leadership as we continue supporting responsible forensic genomics work in Canada.

Welcome to the Resolve Forensics family, Bradley!

Read more:

Resolve Forensics is honored to welcome Bradley Pierson as Senior Advisor of our Canadian Operations, an advisory role focused on supporting Canadian-led forensic genomics and forensic investigative genetic genealogy initiatives.Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Trouvay, a Canadian organization work...

06/16/2026

Strong investigations start with strong investigators.

Last week, Jen Spears and Brian Tully worked with investigators in Virginia Beach on homicide investigations, cold case strategy, and modern investigative tools, including forensic sequencing and FIGG.

The conversations were outstanding, and there is already excitement around new ideas, new approaches, and potential investigative paths for cases that were discussed during the week.

We're proud to support the education, training, and collaboration that help agencies bring answers to victims and families.

Read more:

Last week, Resolve Forensics Manager of Client Advocacy & Training, Jen Spears spent the week in Virginia Beach, Virginia, working with investigators from the Virginia Beach Police Department and surrounding agencies as part of an Advanced Homicide and Cold Case Investigations training program throu...

06/11/2026

This is exciting to see.

A huge congratulations to the San Antonio Police Department for investing in forensic genetic genealogy and giving investigators new tools to solve cold cases and bring answers to families. It takes vision to recognize how game-changing this science can be and courage to invest in it in such a meaningful way.

One thing that jumped out at me in this article was the reported cost of $20,000-$30,000 per case.

We can do better! We need to do better!

Not by lowering standards. Not by cutting corners. Not by sacrificing quality.

The best science, the most rigorous validation, and accredited laboratory processes should be available to more agencies, not fewer.

If we want to identify more victims, solve more cold cases, and bring answers to more families, we have to continue driving costs down, improving technology, expanding databases, and making this science more accessible.

That's one of the core missions of Resolve Forensics.

The future of FIGG isn't just solving cases. It's making sure the highest quality is available to every agency that needs it.

Article:

SAPD will expand DNA testing through a new forensic genealogy program aimed at solving unsolved homicide and sexual assault cases.

06/09/2026

FIGG has already changed what is possible for medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement, cold case investigators, victims, and families.

After participating in the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice Spring Symposium, we’re reflecting on an important question: where else can this powerful tool help us get closer to the truth?

That includes identifying victims, generating investigative leads, answering long-unresolved questions, and, in some cases, thoughtfully exploring claims of innocence.

Thank you to the Quattrone Center for including Resolve Forensics in such an important conversation. We were honored to participate.

Read more:

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion at the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice Spring Symposium at the University of Pennsylvania.I’m grateful to the Quattrone Center for including me in such an important conversation, and I appreciated the c...

06/08/2026

More than 400 families in Utah are still waiting for answers.

On September 26, the Sherry Black Foundation will bring together families, investigators, advocates, and supporters for Missing & Unsolved Day to remember the victims, support those left behind, and continue the pursuit of justice.

We're proud to support this mission, intend to be there at the event and are eternally grateful for everything the Sherry Black Foundation does for victims and families.

Because every family deserves answers.

September 26th The Sherry Black Foundation is proud to host a day where families impacted by missing and unsolved cases can come together, access resources, and find support as they continue advocating for their loved ones.

Utah’s cold case database contains more than 400 unsolved cases. Behind every case is a victim, a family, and loved ones still waiting for answers and justice.

Utah Missing and Unsolved Day is a reminder that these cases still matter — and that each of us has the power to make a difference.

Families need support, and investigators need resources and tools to move these cases forward. Take time to explore Utah’s cold case database, share these stories, and help generate the tips and leads that could make all the difference.
Sept 26 Miller Campus Sandy, UT