The power of forensic DNA data bases in solving crime cases

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigss.2017.09.085Get rights and content

Abstract

Forensic DNA databases constitute an important investigative resource in contemporary criminal justice systems. The centralized and computerized storage of DNA profiles in a database enables the systematic comparison and automated matching of crime scene samples and individual profiles. Many countries operate forensic DNA-databases to identify owners of crime related stains. Using DNA to trace people who are suspected of committing a crime has been a major advance in policing. When DNA profiling is used wisely it can help to convict people who have committed serious crimes or exonerate people who are innocent. DNA database is a computer database containing records of DNA profiles. Usually there are two different sources of these DNA profiles: crime scene DNA samples and individuals’ DNA samples. The use of DNA databases in criminal investigations requires an individual’s identity to be revealed only if there is a match between their DNA profile and a crime scene DNA profile.

We present two homicide cases where killers where identified by comparing the unknown STR’s profile found on ropes, which were used to tie the victims, and exhibit from the crime scene with the Macedonian forensic DNA database stored in Forensic department of MIA. Statistical analyses were performed using DNA View software.

Introduction

Forensic DNA databases constitute an important investigative resource in contemporary criminal justice systems. The centralized and computerized storage of DNA profiles in a database enables the systematic comparison and automated matching of crime scene samples and individual profiles [1]. Many countries operate forensic DNA-databases to identify owners of crime related stains [2]. Using DNA to trace people who are suspected of committing a crime has been a major advance in policing. When DNA profiling is used wisely it can help to convict people who have committed serious crimes or exonerate people who are innocent [3]. DNA database is a computer database containing records of DNA profiles. Usually there are two different sources of these DNA profiles: crime scene DNA samples and individuals’ DNA samples. The use of DNA databases in criminal investigations requires an individual’s identity to be revealed only if there is a match between their DNA profile and a crime scene DNA profile.

Section snippets

Case report 1

In a village near by the city of Kicevo a married couple was found killed and bodies were corded. During the autopsy blood from the two victims, nail debris and pieces from the ropes were sent for DNA analysis. Extraction of DNA was made with Qiagen mini kit. PCR reaction was performed with Identifier Amp Kit, and capillary electrophoresis was done on 310 Genetic analyzer. DNA profile from the rope which was used to tie the male’s victim legs show autosomal STR profile from unknown male. The

Case report 2

In village Rankovce, an old woman was found killed in her barn and her body was corded on the mouth, hands and legs. During the crime scene investigation cigarette butt and other exhibit material were found in the house of the victim, which were taken for DNA analysis. During the autopsy blood from the victim, nail debris and pieces from the ropes were sent for DNA analysis. Extraction of DNA was made with Qiagen mini kit. PCR reaction was performed with Identifier Amp Kit, and capillary

Discussion and conclusion

The forensic DNA database may help criminal investigators to establish links between a particular suspect of a specific crime and other unsolved crimes, or can provide support to identify potential suspects while clearing other suspects in the early stages of an investigation [1].

The political and financial investments in the implementation of forensic DNA databases and the ethical issues related to their use and expansion justify inquiries into their performance and general utility. The main

Role of founding

Financial support was provided by self founds from the Institute of forensic medicine, criminology and medical deontology, Faculty of medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia.

Conflict of interest

None.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Robert Janevski, Tanja Ilijevska, and Ksenija Nikolova

References (8)

  • H.M. Wallace et al.

    Forensic DNA databases—ethical and legal standards: a global review

    Egypt. J. Forensic Sci.

    (2014)
  • F. Santos et al.

    Forensic DNA databases in European countries: is size linked to performance?

    Life Sci. Soc. Policy

    (2013)
  • Kees van der Beek

    Measuring The Effectiveness аnd Efficiency of Forensic DNA databases. 26 International Symposium on Human Identification

    (2016)
  • DNA Databases and Human Rights|Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative,...
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

View full text