Evidence samples at a crime scene have often been subjected to harsh environments and may have degraded as well as damaged DNA often present in very small amounts. Our research involves development of assays for forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as autosomal markers using pyrosequencing, Sangersequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS). New, sensitive and highly discriminating assays that can handle challenging samples will also be helpful in genetic investigations of historical samples. e improved assays have allowed successful DNA analysis from the putative remains of Hermann Göring’s wife Carin, Saint Birgitta and her daughter, Nicolaus Copernicus, as well as viking age remains.