Man Who Reported Mother’s Sexual Abuse Shares Reaction to Disturbing DNA Test Results for Younger Brother

Imagine growing up with a painful secret, only to face a question that could change your family forever.

Logan Gifford, a 26-year-old from Las Vegas, has lived through this nightmare.

After surviving years of abuse, he now wonders if his 15-year-old brother might also be his son.

His story, filled with courage and heartbreak, sheds light on a complex issue that affects many families.

A Painful Past

Logan was only 10 when the abuse began. In 2015, at age 16, he bravely reported his mother, Doreene Gifford, to the police. He described years of sexual assault, starting with an incident in his parents’ bedroom where an adult film played in the background.

Doreene was charged with serious crimes, including attempted sexual assault and incest. She took an Alford plea, meaning she didn’t admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict her. A judge sentenced her to 8-20 years in prison, and she is now a registered sex offender living in Massachusetts after a parole violation.

Logan’s childhood was marked by more than abuse. He faced exposure to drugs and the tragic loss of his youngest brother, Liam, who drowned at age three. These experiences left deep scars, but Logan has worked to rebuild his life.

He now lives with his wife and stepdaughter, has earned an associate’s degree, and advocates for voter ID laws in Nevada.

Paternity Uncertainty After Abuse

The question that haunts Logan came from a therapist when he was 17: could his younger brother, born when Logan was 11, be his son? The timing of the abuse aligns with the boy’s conception, raising a troubling possibility.

Earlier this year, Logan filed a paternity petition in Clark County Family Court to find answers. A DNA test was ordered, but the results were inconclusive. Both Logan and his biological father, Theodore, matched the teen’s DNA at 99.9%, a common issue in sibling-parent tests due to shared genetic markers.

Judge Vincent Ochoa called the results unsurprising, noting the difficulty of distinguishing paternity in such cases. He recommended more advanced testing, which could provide clarity.

Logan is determined to pursue this, not just for himself but for his brother, who faces cognitive challenges. “He deserves to know the truth,” Logan told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to his brother’s future.

Fighting for Family and Healing

Logan is now seeking custody of his brother, whom he already cares for. He started a GoFundMe to cover legal fees and support his brother’s needs, raising nearly $2,000. Beyond his personal battle, Logan speaks out for male survivors of abuse.

“I faced shame and a system that didn’t see me,” he said. He wants better training for Child Protective Services to spot signs of abuse and help others who suffer in silence.

The road ahead is tough. More DNA tests may bring answers, but they also reopen old wounds. Logan’s story is a reminder of the long-lasting impact of abuse and the strength it takes to seek truth and protect loved ones.

As he waits for clarity, he remains focused on giving his brother a safe and stable life, no matter what the tests reveal.

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