Case Study: Crime scene evidence suggests one unknown suspect raped and killed (

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Case Study: Crime scene evidence suggests one unknown suspect raped and killed (gunshot to chest) the female victim. When the crime occurred 25 years ago, sperm cells were identified in the SAEC kit. No DNA profile was obtained. The case is re-submitted and the remaining vaginal swabs are packaged in a plastic screw-top tube. The swabs appear brown-green in color, but do have a weak AP reaction. The half-life of AP is 12 years, so you expect a weak reaction if you get any reaction. Current DNA efforts provide 3 alleles out of 15. CODIS requires 10 alleles for searching purposes, so you need more evidence.

A. Is it reasonable to swab the interior of the tube in the area in which the swabs made contact? Explain.

B. AP from pantyhose is negative, but random sperm searches of alternative light source positives reveal low levels of sperm cells. Knowing the victim was a prostitute, would any DNA profile from the pantyhose be entered into CODIS? Why?

C. Is it a good idea to wait for newer technology to arrive and re-test your items at that time? Explain

Explanation / Answer

A. The swab cannot be used as it may be conytaminated with microbes which may not give accurate result.

B. Since the victim has been raped and murdered, the sperm cells remaining during that time will be of murderer's.

C. It is good idea to wat for new technology for getting accurate result.

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