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

Question

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. No it is not. Swabbing the area again and again will not give more significant results because it may give a little more sample but will not provide with significant amount of DNA that is needed to carry out the tests.

B. Yes, the DNA profile from the pantyhose will be entered into CODIS if the victim was wearing it while the crime took place. If the DNA from different parts matched then it could be used for the exoneration or conviction of the accused.

C. Though the idea of a better and newer technology is always a welcome thought it does not provide with the justice needed today. We can only hope that science will advance and give us technology that will make catching criminals and punishing them easier. But we do not know how long that will take and till then we need to decide with the best options we have at hand and serve justice accordingly.

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