Nevada Man Seeks Truth and Closure as Court Orders DNA Test in Complex Family Case

A Nevada man at the center of a painful and complicated family history has taken a major step toward uncovering the truth, after a court approved his request for a DNA test to determine whether he is biologically connected to the teenage boy he is raising.

Logan Gifford, 26, from Las Vegas, has been granted temporary guardianship of his younger brother, a 15-year-old with cognitive challenges. But new legal proceedings aim to determine whether the boy may, in fact, be Gifford’s biological son—an outcome that could redefine their relationship and transform the nature of the legal case from a guardianship into a custody matter.

Gifford’s concerns stem from deeply personal experiences that first emerged when he was a teenager, involving complex allegations of familial misconduct and trauma that led to the sentencing of a family member in 2015. That individual, a close relative, served time and was later released on parole before being rearrested in 2024 for violating the terms of her release.

Now, nearly a decade later, Gifford is working not only to care for his younger brother but also to establish the full truth about the boy’s parentage—both for his own peace of mind and for the teenager’s well-being.

A court has ordered a DNA test be carried out in the case of Nevada man Logan Gifford, who was sexually abused by his mom and fears his brother (pictured) could be his son

“The court’s decision to order a DNA test marks a critical step forward in our journey toward truth, healing, and legal clarity,” Gifford told 8 News Now. “It’s what we’ve been aiming for this whole time, and we appreciate the assistance we’ve received to get this far.”

The younger boy, born in late 2009, has lived with Gifford since last year under a court-appointed guardianship order. Though the legal designation is temporary, Gifford has taken on the full responsibilities of care and support, including helping the teen manage his medical needs, educational challenges, and social development.

“This is about giving him stability,” Gifford said. “He deserves the chance to grow up in a loving home, and I’m doing everything I can to provide that.”

Doreene Gifford sexually abused her son from the ages of ten to 16

The path to this moment has been long and emotionally draining. According to Gifford, the suggestion that he might be biologically connected to his brother first came from a therapist when he was just 17 years old—a revelation that left him shaken. Since then, the question has remained unresolved, weighing heavily on his mind.

“To sit here and wonder if I could be both a brother and a parent is not something I ever expected to face,” he said. “But no matter what the results show, I want to do right by him.”

In legal terms, the outcome of the DNA test will determine the next steps. If Gifford is confirmed as the father, the case will shift into the realm of custody law, requiring a different set of legal standards and possibly more long-term arrangements. If not, the guardianship proceedings will continue as planned.

Gifford as a boy. He believes his brother could have been conceived around late 2008 when another instance of sexual abuse took place. He is seen here as a youth

Either way, Gifford says, he is committed to supporting the teen as best he can.

“He’s been through enough,” he said. “He deserves a chance at a good life, and that means giving him the truth—however hard it may be.”

In the meantime, Gifford has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with ongoing legal costs, medical expenses, and support services for the teen. The GoFundMe campaign outlines the challenges of navigating the family court system, especially when mental health and past trauma are involved.

“The court process is tough, and with his cognitive struggles and our complicated family history, I need help to secure his future and give him the life he deserves,” the fundraiser reads.

Support for Gifford has grown steadily, with friends, advocacy groups, and members of the public voicing admiration for his strength and commitment. Many see his decision to confront the situation head-on—not to bury the past, but to bring clarity to the present—as both courageous and necessary.

Gifford, seen here at the age of 10 around when the abuse began, had previously testified in court about how his mother’s abuse began

“I’ve filed a paternity petition to get answers, not just for me, but for him,” Gifford said. “He deserves the truth.”

While the DNA results will likely bring some form of resolution, Gifford understands that the emotional journey won’t end there. But in taking this step, he hopes to lay a foundation for healing, not only for himself but for the young boy who calls him both brother and caregiver.

“It’s never easy facing the past,” he said. “But it’s the only way forward.”