Following the recent arrest of Grim Sleeper suspect Lonnie Franklin, the New York Times has launched a discussion on whether or not using familial DNA searches to track down convicted criminals is ethical.

Franklin was arrested and charged with at least ten counts of murder after police conducted a familial DNA test on his son, Christopher, who was in jail for a felony weapons charge.

Authorities say the DNA matched at least some evident in the 11-murder Grim Sleeper case file.

Some argue familial DNA search is essential, others, say that the technique is a invasion of privacy and can be abused by law enforcement officials.

“What are the benefits and perils of using familial DNA in solving crimes?” the Times asks.

Mitchell R. Morrissey, the district attorney of Denver, and Jeffrey Rosen, law professor and author, have been asked by the New York Times to debate the question.

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