DNA technology company, forensic genealogy pioneer
Reston, Virginia DNA technology firm offering Snapshot phenotyping and genetic genealogy to police. It was not involved in the 2018 Golden State Killer identification and launched its genealogy unit afterward.
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What is Parabon NanoLabs?
Parabon NanoLabs is a Reston, Virginia DNA technology company, founded in 2008, that offers Snapshot DNA phenotyping and investigative genetic genealogy to law enforcement. It played no role in identifying the Golden State Killer: that work was done by genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter and investigators. Parabon launched its genetic genealogy service, led by CeCe Moore, on May 8, 2018, about two weeks after the April 2018 arrest was announced.
Key dates
- 2008-03-04 — Parabon NanoLabs was founded, initially focused on therapeutics built on DNA nanostructures. Parabon NanoLabs
- 2014-12-17 — Parabon announced its Snapshot forensic DNA phenotyping service, developed with U.S. Department of Defense funding. Parabon NanoLabs (press release)
- 2018-05 — Moore's first Parabon genealogy lead led to William Earl Talbott's arrest in a 1987 double murder near Seattle. MIT Technology Review
- 2018-05-08 — Parabon launched its Snapshot Genetic Genealogy Service with CeCe Moore leading the new unit, citing the method used in the DeAngelo case but not claiming any role in it. Parabon NanoLabs (press release)
- 2022-01-19 — Parabon reported its 200th positive identification through its genetic genealogy work. Parabon NanoLabs (press release)
Last reviewed 2026-10-18. Statements are attributed to the linked sources; inclusion on this page does not imply wrongdoing.
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Parabon NanoLabs became a leading forensic genealogy provider, solving hundreds of cases after the GSK breakthrough.
Frequently asked questions
Did Parabon NanoLabs identify the Golden State Killer?+
No. The genealogy work that led to Joseph DeAngelo was done by genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter with investigator Paul Holes and other law enforcement. MIT Technology Review reported that CeCe Moore was not involved. Parabon's May 2018 press release refers to the DeAngelo case only as an example of the method, without claiming involvement. MIT Technology Review
When did Parabon start doing genetic genealogy?+
Parabon announced general availability of its Snapshot Genetic Genealogy Service on May 8, 2018, after piloting it. CeCe Moore, known from PBS's Finding Your Roots, led the unit. Parabon NanoLabs (press release)
What is Parabon Snapshot?+
Snapshot is Parabon's forensic DNA phenotyping service, announced in December 2014. It predicts traits such as skin, eye and hair color, face shape and ancestry from a DNA sample. The U.S. Department of Defense funded three years of its development. Parabon NanoLabs (press release)
