Klaus Berninger was 16 the day he was murdered in a forest between Hesse and Bavaria. Today, 34 years later, the police have yet to find the perpetrator – a man is suspected of the murder, but there is no conclusive evidence of guilt.

Now, most of the time, the authorities manage to identify the perpetrators of crimes in such cases, the so-called “cold cases” – that is, cases that were opened many years ago, even decades ago, but were never solved.

How; Taking evidence collected by the police at the time the investigations began and checking for DNA traces – as long as the offender’s genetic material is on file so that it can be cross-referenced and identified. Of course, the police would be able to perform their work even more effectively if they could use technological means such as artificial intelligence.

For many years the authorities in Germany could only determine a person’s gender with DNA traces and not specific external features such as the color of their skin, eyes and hair or their age. From the end of 2019, however, the prediction of phenotypic characteristics is allowed – that is, the creation of a profile of the perpetrator through the analysis of his genetic material.

DNA analysis gives more possibilities

Sebastian Green works at the Bavarian Forensic Agency (LKA) in Munich as a DNA analyst. There are about ten “cold cases” in his office. The biologist examines DNA traces almost on a daily basis, sometimes making predictions of phenotypic characteristics.

According to the expert, however, the technology can offer much more possibilities: “When we have an unknown lead, which we can’t connect to any individual, it could be helpful to have police information about the biogeographical origin of the individual, so that we can steer the inquiries in a particular direction,” Green explains. . But until now the biologist and his colleagues are not allowed to process data about biogeographical origin.

And there are probably good reasons to change that: “When one knows the biogeographic origin values, we can make the phenotypic traits somewhat more precise,” Green points out. After all, this is something that is allowed in several countries.

The role of forensic archaeology

In Germany there are approximately 3,000 unsolved cases involving serious crimes. And when, for example, bones are discovered in a forest by a passer-by or by a dog, the authorities ask for the help of even archaeologists, in order to establish whether someone deliberately placed the bones in that particular place with the aim of misleading the authorities.

“When the authorities find bones in a forest or dig up a pile, an archaeologist can provide valuable help,” points out Patricia van der Burgt from the Dresden Archaeological Service. “Thus, not only do the procedures move faster, but the results of specific investigations can also be presented in court.”

Forensic archeology is a rather unknown discipline in Germany. “The interesting thing is that most people think that anyone can dig up a corpse. And that can often be the truth. Archaeologists, however, offer significant help in the correct recording of the process”, says the expert. In addition, forensic archeology experts can determine, among other things, whether a “grave” was dug in haste or whether there are traces of the perpetrator.

BKA is looking for perpetrators in every way

Those investigating past cases sometimes turn to the media and now to social media.

Through publications and broadcasts, the authorities can also reach out to older people, who may have evidence of a fairly old crime. Since last summer, the Federal Criminal Investigation Agency (BKA) has been using the Whatsapp platform, on which millions of people in Germany have accounts, for the same purpose.

In addition, the authorities often post on digital boards in crowded places, such as public transport stations, in order to put further psychological pressure on the perpetrator and his immediate environment.

Deepfake-videos as a research tool

Another tool that the authorities can use is deepfake-videos. These videos are usually created by criminals, with the aim of deceiving the viewer with the use of technology and artificial intelligence.

But this technology can also be useful for the police. A typical example is a murder case in the Netherlands: in 2003, a 13-year-old child was murdered in Rotterdam – and the authorities searched for the perpetrator for years without success. All this until 2022, when they published a deepfake video, in which the victim himself appears.

Authorities made the video using a photo of the murdered boy. It shows Sedar, as the child was called, on a football field wearing his training uniform, marching alongside relatives, friends, teachers and coaches.

“He wanted to be a professional soccer player,” his sister says in the spot. “But his dream will never come true. Because Cedar is no longer alive.” The 13-year-old “came back to life specifically for this video” so he could learn the truth about his murder. Then Sedar and his sister address the viewer: “Do you know something more? Then, speak now.’

As strange as this method may sound, the goal is to create empathy in the audience, to affect the viewer emotionally. And the more people get excited, the more likely someone will be there to provide some important information.

Edited by: Giorgos Passas