Las Vegas, Nevada — A complex family saga is unfolding as Logan Gifford seeks to unravel the truth about his younger brother’s parentage. At just 15, the youth may have ties to Gifford that extend beyond siblinghood, a possibility that has emerged amid allegations of abuse involving their mother, Doreene Gifford.
Logan, 26, believes that Doreene, who was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges including attempted sexual assault, may have assaulted him starting at age 10. Doreene has consistently maintained her innocence and is now a registered sex offender. Logan was only 17 when he filed a paternity case earlier this year to clarify the biological relationship between himself and his brother.
Recent DNA testing has yielded inconclusive results, indicating that both Logan and their father, Theodore, share a 99.9% genetic match with the teenager. This ambiguity prompted Family Court Judge Vincent Ochoa to suggest that more thorough testing is needed to determine the true biological father and awarded Logan temporary custody of his brother, whose previous guardianship had just expired.
“I think we should have known that was going to come out that way from the very beginning,” Judge Ochoa remarked during a recent hearing. Logan expressed his determination to pursue additional testing to provide “genetic clarity” for his brother, emphasizing that the inquiry is ultimately for the teenager’s well-being.
In an interview, Logan described the situation as unbearably challenging. “He’s aware of what’s going on and he understands why we’re trying to get to the truth for him,” he said, stating that the pursuit of answers is about more than himself.
To assist with the legal battles and secure a stable home environment, Logan has established a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $2,000. He describes his current predicament as “a nightmare I never chose” and refers to the unsettling possibility of his brother being his biological son as a “haunting possibility.”
Logan also highlighted his intention to advocate for male survivors of abuse. In his GoFundMe description, he detailed his own past struggles, emphasizing the shame and disbelief he encountered. He hopes his efforts will help change perceptions and improve the system for other survivors.
Despite the initial inconclusiveness of the DNA tests, experts suggest that further analysis could yield definitive answers. Arthur Beaudet, a former president of the American Society of Human Genetics, indicated that cases like this require advanced investigation beyond standard lab procedures.
As Logan navigates through court proceedings and familial complexities, he remains committed to securing a brighter future for his brother, determined to ensure that the truth prevails.
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