DNA and genealogy databases have become powerful new tools for investigators trying to solve decades-old crimes.New Hampshire investigators spent years trying to unravel the mystery of a woman and three children whose bodies were found in metal drums in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown in 1985 and 2000. Investigators linked the victims to a suspected serial killer known as Robert Evans, but DNA testing eventually led to his real identity, Terry Peder Rasumussen, officials said.>> Download the FREE WMUR appThe victims found in Allenstown have not yet been identified, but investigators said they believe Rasmussen is also responsible for the disappearance and death of Denise Beaudin, of Manchester. Officials said advances in technology helped them crack the case."The more precise that testing has become, the better these techniques become for law enforcement," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin.The use of DNA databases and genealogy to help identify victims and suspects is proving to be an effective tool in solving crimes."What has happened over the years is that law enforcement would have unidentified human remains and would not be able to identify who that person was, and now, by using genealogy, there are some cases where law enforcement is actually able to follow family trees and identify that person or persons," Strelzin said.Strelzin said investigators can now take DNA from crime scenes, submit it to genealogy testing databases and get back lists of individuals who might be related."The investigators would go out and speak to that person or persons and say, 'I have a victim of a homicide. We believe it's a female between the ages of 18 and 22,' and they would describe things and say, 'Is there anyone in your family that would fit that description?'" Strelzin said.Experts said that even though the technology has helped with investigations, there are some concerns."In theory, it's a great idea," said Albert "Buzz" Scherr, University of New Hampshire law professor. "It's a creative use of forensic DNA evidence. It's in the application that things get messy."Scherr said authorities should be aware of privacy concerns when utilizing genealogy websites."The database is taking this information from these people without informing them they may use it for this purpose," he said. "If they said, 'By the way, by contributing your profile at X amounts of genetic locations, you are authorizing us (to release information) if the police ask,' then that it is fine."But he said some sites don't have such warnings, so he warns those who are uploading their information to ask questions."All they say is, 'We may use this information we gather from your DNA for other purposes,'" Scherr said. "That is all they say. That is not enough."Experts said privacy concerns will only grow as the technology continues to advance and DNA testing becomes more accessible to consumers.