DNAResource Report
News and Legislative updates for anyone seeking the latest information on forensic DNA policy and practice August 2007
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AUGUST FEATURES
 
Senior Justice in England calls for universal forensic DNA database
 
 
 
US Department of Justice launches missing persons website at www.namus.gov
 
 
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If you have materials of interest to the global community you would like to share, please contact Lisa at report@dnaresource.com
 
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The summary for the August 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 at www.dnaresource.com.

LAW ENFORCEMENT:  Investigations and prosecutions aided by DNA evidence include: 

  • Alaska - DNA identifies a suspect in a missing persons case;
  • California - a cold hit identified an attempted rapist (on database for receiving stolen property);DNA helps to convict a man in two murders;
  • Kentucky - a cold hit brings a guilty plea for two 1993 rapes;
  • Maryland - a cold hit identified a serial killer (three murders linked);
  • Massachusetts - a cold hit identifies a rapist (on database for B&E;
  • Minnesota - DNA evidence links a man to three separate attacks;
  • Missouri - a cold hit identifies a rapist;
  • North Carolina - post conviction DNA tests free a man after 18 years in prison and matched the DNA sample to a known criminal;
  • South Dakota - DNA evidence is key in the trial of 1998 murder suspect;
  • Texas -DNA evidence ties a man to a 1986 murder case;
  • Wisconsin - a cold hit with Illinois identifies a serial rapist (five rapes, on database for drug possession);
  • Federal - DNA links a man to numerous crimes in three states (KY, IN, OH).

POLICY AND FUNDING ISSUES:

Expansion - New Jersey may soon consider requiring DNA from arrestees; and a New York article cites a preventable murder if that state required DNA from arrestees.  Jurisdictions in Indiana and South Carolina intend to work DNA for more burglary crimes.

 
Funding - Federal grants for DNA backlog reduction made headlines in New Hampshire, New Mexico and Vermont.
 

Backlogs - Concentrated backlog reduction efforts have gained success in Maryland, New Jersey, and Wisconsin; but the FBI's DNA backlog has grown significantly.  A national article also discussed the preventable crimes that can occur as labs struggle with DNA backlogs

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Legal Issues --A 1980's triple homicide conviction that was overturned and later gained acquittal by civilian courts will now be tried by the military due to new DNA evidence.  Maryland's high court places burden of a thorough search for evidence in post conviction DNA cases on prosecution.  A Nebraska court ruled the state post conviction DNA statute does not allow an inmate to require DNA samples from victims. 

 OTHER FORENSIC DNA ISSUES: Poaching cases are increasingly leaning on DNA for identification of suspects and convictions.  American Indians have two years to either participate in a state's sex offender system (including DNA collection) or develop their own.   Colorado is establishing a special task force to review statewide retention policies and practices for evidence.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: 

England is considering expanding their database to include non-recordable offenses - and an Australian state is closely watching the developments.  Australia's national DNA database is coming online, with interstate hits occurring instantly as the data is uploaded.  Also in Australia, a rule requiring destruction of certain DNA samples after 12 months may have serious consequences for a murder case that has been delayed.

  • Canada - DNA has identified a suspect in the murder of an actress;
  • England - DNA from a cigarette leads to charges in a contract killing; a cold hit secured a guilty plea from a child rapist, and identified another rapist (on database for petty theft);   
  • Ireland - DNA identifies a serial rapist.