DNAResource Report
News and Legislative updates for anyone seeking the latest information on forensic DNA policy and practice May 2007
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MAY FEATURE
Georgia DNA Database Statistics for May
 
CLICK HERE to see the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's DNA database successes report for May.
 
 
 
 
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The summary for the May 2007 DNA Resource Report is listed below.  Details on these and other forensic DNA news items can be found in the full report which is posted on the Internet at www.dnaresource.com.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:  Investigations and prosecutions aided by DNA evidence include:
  • Alaska - a cold hit with New Hampshire brings an indictment in a murder case (1994 case);
  • California - DNA evidence convicts a serial killer (10 victims); a cold hit identified a murderer (on database for parole violation);
  • Connecticut - a cold hit brings a murder confession;
  • Illinois - a cold hit identified a suspect in a robbery and assault case (DNA on soda can);
  • Louisiana - a cold hit convicts a robber (2004 case);
  • Massachusetts - a cold hit linked a burglary to a New Hampshire inmate;
  • New York - DNA frees one man and matches another on the database (1989 murder); "Spider Man" rapist is convicted with DNA; a cold hit identifies a burglar (on database for forgery);
  • Oklahoma - a cold hit identifies a murder suspect (on database for burglary);
  • South Dakota - DNA evidence convicts a robber.

POLICY AND FUNDING ISSUES:

Policy - Alaska enacted a law to require DNA for all felony arrests (bringing the total to 10).  Nevada became the 45th state to require DNA from all convicted felons, and New York legislation is moving forward to collect DNA from all criminal convictions.  Georgia closed a loophole to require DNA from felons sentenced to probation.  Florida may consider DNA collections for those judged mentally incompetent for trial.  See the bill tracking list on DNAResource.com for further details.

Funding - A Rhode Island town has purchased a mobile crime lab.  A South Carolina town is among applicants for federal funding for cold case squad DNA reviews.

OTHER FORENSIC DNA ISSUES: YSTR testing was presented in the trial of a serial rapist in Florida.  In New York, unknown remains have been identified as a missing woman, and the US military identified another missing Vietnam War era pilot.  Post conviction DNA testing on hair evidence may result in the release of two men convicted of murder.  Dallas (Texas) is appointing a special assistant for DNA evidence and conviction integrity oversight.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Backlogs in Australia and Canada made headlines. 

 

In England, thousands of DNA samples were mistakenly left off the database resulting in missed matches.  England's Operation Advance (review of cold cases for DNA) has had at least 20 convictions to-date, and Ireland is establishing a cold case review unit. All of England's bus drivers will soon be outfitted with "spit kits" for DNA collection.   

 

Bosnia will conduct DNA tests on remains from the Kenya airline that crashed in Cameroon.

 

In Portugal, DNA from an unidentified person has been identified in the hunt a missing British girl.