IMF Team
Intermountain Forensics encompasses a wide range of industry experience. Meet a few members of our team.
Karra J. Porter
CEO/Co-Founder
Karra Porter is the co-founder and CEO of Intermountain Forensics. Karra is an attorney in Salt Lake City, devoting most of her practice to DNA law, civil rights, and appeals. She was named Utah Lawyer of the Year in 2018 and is consistently selected as among Utah’s Legal Elite and a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer. Karra has been an invited speaker at more than 100 conferences, including at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Association for Justice, the Utah State Bar, and others. Karra’s grandfather was murdered by unknown assailants in 1963, and she has a longstanding passion for helping families and communities find answers. She is proud to volunteer her services to IMF and the Cold Case Coalition.
Danny Hellwig
Forensic Director
Danny Hellwig is a seasoned forensic scientist and laboratory leader with extensive experience in DNA analysis, laboratory management, and forensic innovation. Holding a Master’s in Forensic Science from Marshall University, he has held leadership roles at DNA Labs International, Intermountain Forensics and Sorenson Forensics, where he directed research, led laboratory advancements, and spearheaded strategic initiatives in forensic technology.
His expertise spans forensic DNA analysis, technical leadership, court testimony, and consulting for law enforcement and forensic labs worldwide. Additionally, Daniel has contributed as a technical educator and has held multiple board positions to advance forensic science in both public and private sectors.
Alison Wilde, AIGG
Director Emeritus of FIGG
Alison is a Genealogy Case Manager for special projects, such as our work on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre identifications. Alison specializes in relationship probabilities, investigative lead assessment, and mass graves investigations. She is frequently contacted for mentoring and consultation on these items, as well as her knowledge of Kintelligence and traditional genealogy research strategies. Alison was the former Director of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy at IMF and is currently part of the genetic genealogy team at DNA Labs International.
Alyssa Ellis
Co-Director of FIGG
Genealogy Project Manager - 1921 Tulsa Identification Project
Alyssa serves as the Co-Director of FIGG for the Cold Case Coalition as well as the Genealogy Project Manager for the 1921 Tulsa Identification Project. She started with CCC as a FIGG researcher in 2021 and has assisted in many cases since then. Alyssa is a graduate of Oregon State University with a BA in both History and Political Science. She has over 20 years of genealogical experience and 5 years experience in FIGG work. Alyssa is actively working on cases as a Team Lead/Senior Genetic Genealogist with CCC and sits on the executive board of the Humboldt County Historical Society. She also spends her time working with county administrators and law offices to research complex probate cases and has volunteered with the coroner's office to assist with finding next of kin.
Elizabeth Marshall
Co-Director of FIGG
Elizabeth “Liz” serves as the Co-Director of FIGG for Intermountain Forensics. She has over 36 years of genealogical experience and 7 years of experience as an investigative genealogist. Liz is a graduate of the Forensic Genealogy Training for Law Enforcement program and is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). Liz is an active member of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force. She has been a volunteer for Search Angels, an intern with Redgrave Forensic Services and is currently a Team Leader/Senior Genetic Genealogist with IMF as well as the co-founder of Red Earth Genetic Genealogy. When not working on cold cases, Liz is an accountant with the Oklahoma Police Pension and has worked for the State of Oklahoma for 36 years.