New Florida Rape Kit Law

Florida is taking the first steps toward cutting its backlog of thousands of untested rape kits.

New legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Rick Scott requires law enforcement agencies to submit rape kits for processing within 30 days. Then, crime labs have 120 days to complete an analysis of the kits.

In addition, the six state labs run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement — in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa — will get $2.3 million this summer to begin processing old sexual assault kits.

"It will take us about three years to complete backlog testing at state labs, and that's with outsourcing the work, too," said agency spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger.

Microbial DNA

A new method of forensic identification, based on the bacteria that populate a person’s skin, has the potential to bolster cases where conventional DNA and other more traditional forms of identification cannot be obtained.

“It's a small, emerging sector of the technology,” says Professor Tiffany Roy of Palm Beach Atlantic University. “The idea behind it is that each person has a unique mixture of bacteria on their skin. When they handle an item routinely there would be a transfer of their unique signature of different types of bacteria that are transferred to the item. That can be then swabbed and, if conventional DNA testing doesn’t work out then they can perform microbial DNA testing which will give a microbial fingerprint.”

The uniqueness of microbial DNA is the result of a number of factors, says Professor Roy: “The soaps that you use when you bathe, the frequency with which you bath, the foods that you eat, your level of nutrition – all of those things affect which bacteria thrive and grow in which concentration on your skin. It is affected by all of your environmental interactions and also your own body chemistry. Everybody’s body chemistry is slightly different, their metabolism is different, it can be affected by medications that they might be taking, genetic diseases and variations – all of those things will alter the composition of the bacteria that is on a person’s skin.”

http://www.policeprofessional.com/news.aspx?id=25842

 

DNA Mixture Interpretation and the Law

DNA mixtures

Recent developments in the Texas criminal justice system may point towards the necessity of, once again, looking back at convictions because of DNA. This time however, the issue is not the certainty which DNA can provide a jury that other evidence cannot. Rather, the issue centers around the recent changes in interpretation guidelines for mixtures, and the extent to which convictions based on the previous methods of calculating results were misleading to juries. This issue may be much more problematic for criminal justice systems to deal with then the first time DNA gave us reason to look backwards. But deal with it they must.

Read more  here

 

 

ABA Rule of Law Initiative Training- Cairo, Egypt

ForensicAid, LLC will be taking part in a training for Attorneys provided by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative in Cairo, Egypt in mid-February and mid-March. 

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative is an international development program that promotes the rule of law by working with in-country partners to build sustainable institutions and societies…

For more about the program, visit:

http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law.html

 

What Attorneys Can Take Away from "Making a Murderer"

It's no surprise that innocent people face charges for crimes they did not commit every day in this country. No one ever said our system was perfect, but it's the best we've got. Netflix's new documentary, "Making a Murderer" should be a wake up call to Attorneys representing clients faced with serious crimes. A lot CAN and DOES go wrong, and forensic testing is no exception to this rule. This documentary clearly demonstrates the absolute NEED for attorneys to consult with qualified experts to ensure that everything was done correctly with regard to evidence in their respective cases. Attorneys can no longer trust crime labs to do the right thing. The science is moving fast. There is very little in the way of standardization and forensic oversight in the United States. 

Only you can prevent a miscarriage of justice.

http://mobile.onmilwaukee.com/movies/articles/makingamurdereralternativesuspects.html

 

5 Amazing and Alarming Things That Can Be Done With Your DNA

“You’re a male, you’re 34-years-old and your 5-foot-10 ½ inches tall.”

That’s a prediction that Craig Venter, long a pioneer on the frontier of genomics, offered to me while we spoke on the phone. He took a wild guess after five minutes of conversation, to illustrate the kinds of things his researchers at Human Longevity Inc. are now predicting thanks to genetic data. Had he recorded the conversation and fed it through his computers, he says he could have nailed my precise age (32) and height (6-4).

Read more at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/12/14/5-amazing-and-alarming-things-that-may-be-done-with-your-dna/

DNA Examiner position Ft. Gillem GA

PAE is hiring for a DNA Examiner for station at the Ft. Gillem, GA lab with ~50% domestic travel and international travel.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Examine evidence in consultation with firearms and latent print analysts (as needed) to ensure proposed collection approach will not negatively impact collection of other forensic data from the evidence.
  • Collect potential DNA samples from evidence using approved procedures designed to minimize the possibility of sample contamination.  All samples shall be properly packaged, marked and stored in preparation for extraction.
  • Generate STR DNA profiles from evidence and reference samples.
  • Analyze and interpret data from analysis which typically consists of complex mixtures and low level samples.
  • Use photographic equipment to capture still images of each evidence item and relevant key portions of the evidence item, or other exhibits, to support further analysis, conclusions, and documentation.
  • Annotate the case file documentation, detailing the processing techniques and the examination results.
  • Perform administrative and/or technical reviews of reports and worksheets.
  • Ensure proper chain of custody is maintained.
  • Perform instrument maintenance.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree coupled with 4+ years’ experience working in a forensic laboratory performing DNA analysis on criminal evidence. Experience must include the following:
    • Identification of blood and bloodstains, body fluids, and stains of body fluids, hair and other items requiring DNA or related analysis.
    • Performance of visual and microscopic examination of hairs.
    • Generation of STR DNA profiles.
    • Comparison of evidence from victims, scenes, or instruments of incidents to evidence from suspects.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a skills assessment.
  • Able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
  • Physical ability and commitment to deploy globally as a team member.

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Professional certification such as American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is desired

LED lights reduce the PCR cycle time

New technology developed by UC Berkeley bioengineers promises to make a workhorse lab tool cheaper, more portable and many times faster by accelerating the heating and cooling of genetic samples with the switch of a light.

This turbocharged thermal cycling, described in a paper published in the journal Light: Science & Application, greatly expands the clinical and research applications of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, with results ready in minutes instead of an hour or more.

read more at : http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2015/08/heating-and-cooling-light-leads-ultrafast-dna-diagnostics

DNA Double Helix

ABC Certification Examination Review Course at Bay Path University

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Bay Path University

 This workshop involves lectures and discussion in preparation for the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification examinations.  The workshop is directed at forensic practitioners to assist them in focusing their study for certification examinations in Comprehensive Criminalistics and in the following specialty disciplines: Molecular Biology, Drug Chemistry, Fire Debris Analysis, Trace Evidence (Hairs & Fibers), and Trace Evidence (Paints & Polymers).

 The morning will focus on ABC exam preparation strategies including timeline, study guides, resources, and discussion of the general exam categories across all specialties (legal, quality, common KSA's).  The afternoon will consist of breakout sessions into each discipline for more in-depth information using the ABC study guides. The afternoon will also include a “mock examination” for the participants to test their current knowledge and identify weak areas for further study.

 At least 3 registrants for each section will need to be registered in order for a breakout session to be offered.

 Agenda:

 8am-10am                   History/overview of the ABC, ABC Test Taking Strategies –Professional standardized tests         

 10am-12pm                General topics/General Criminalistics           

 1pm-3pm                    Specialty Discipline Overviews

 3pm-6pm                    Timed Mock Examination

  - $75 NEAFS members, $125 non-members

Registration for NEAFS Members

Registration for Non-NEAFS Members

Local Accommodations Suggestions:

Local Accommodations

 

 

Amended FBI Allele Frequencies

ERRATUM* 1

REFERENCE: Budowle B, Moretti TR, Baumstark AL, Defenbaugh DA, Keys KM. Population data 2 on the thirteen CODIS core short tandem repeat loci in African Americans, US Caucasians, Hispanics, 3 Bahamians, Jamaicans and Trinidadians. J Forensic Sci 1999;44(6):1277-86. 4

5

Since the development in the late 1990s of the original short tandem repeat (STR) typing systems that 6 included the 13 CODIS core loci, new amplification kits that expand the number of loci to 24 in a 7 multiplex reaction are now commercially available. To establish allele distributions for the additional 8 loci, population samples that were originally genotyped using AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus, COfiler, 9 Identifiler (Thermo Fisher Scientific, South San Francisco, CA) and/or GenePrint PowerPlex 10 (Promega Corp., Madison, WI) (1,2) were retyped using GlobalFiler (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and 11 PowerPlex Fusion (Promega Corp.). For any sample where a given locus is typed with different 12 amplification kits, concordant genotypes should be obtained irrespective of the kit(s) used, with the 13 exception of genotype differences due to rare primer binding site variants and improvements in allelic 14 ladders that expand allele identification capabilities (e.g., an allele may be designated as <11 in one 15 system and as 9 in another). 16

During a comparison of the 1100 profiles from African Americans, Caucasians, Southwest Hispanics, 17 Bahamians, Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Filipinos and Chamorros in the original (3,4)1 and new studies, 18 genotyping discrepancies were revealed. Discrepancies were attributable to (a) human error, typically 19 due to the limited software capabilities for genotyping with manual data editing and recording, and (b) 20 technological limitations (e.g., insufficient resolution for distinguishing microvariants by 21 polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The published genotype data (3,4) from which allele frequencies 22 were calculated also includes data or sample processing errors (e.g., known genotype duplications). 23

1Electronic genotype data corresponding to the published allele frequencies are not available for the Southeast Hispanic, Apache, Navaho and Minnesota Native American populations (6), as well as Filipino and Chamorro populations (except for D2S1338 and D19S433) (7), and could not be assessed for concordance with GlobalFiler and Fusion genotypes.

Genotyping errors were made in 27 samples, affecting the reported frequencies of 51 alleles. 24 Additionally, 6 samples exhibited full or partial genotype duplications, which affected all allele 25 frequencies at the duplicated loci in the respective populations due to the change in N that resulted 26 from removal of duplicate genotypes. The minimum allele frequency (5/2N) was amended 27 accordingly. For alleles requiring a frequency correction, the magnitude of the change in frequencies 28 ranged from 0.000012 to 0.018 (average 0.0020 ± 0.0025). See Table 1. 29

The published allele frequencies (1,2) have been used in the past to generate profile probabilities for 30 autosomal STR typing results using FBI PopStats software. Empirical testing suggests that any 31 discrepancy between profile probabilities calculated using the original and corrected data is expected 32 to be less than a factor of two in a full profile. The actual minimum ratio that we could obtain for a 33 constructed profile in the direction of the profile probability being more rare in the original as 34 compared to the amended data was for a highly homozygous partial profile in the Jamaica dataset. It 35 was 0.76, which is well within the factor of 10 suggested by previous studies and the National 36 Research Council (7-10). See Figure 1 and Table 2. Amended data will be available at fbi.gov and 37 through FBI PopStats. The authors are of the view that these discrepancies require acknowledgement 38 but are unlikely to materially affect any assessment of evidential value. 39

Pre-Publication Copy Released with Permission of the Journal of Forensic Sciences

2

References 40

1. Budowle B, Moretti TR, Baumstark AL, Defenbaugh DA, Keys KM. Population data on the 41 thirteen CODIS core short tandem repeat loci in African Americans, US Caucasians, 42 Hispanics, Bahamians, Jamaicans and Trinidadians. J Forensic Sci 1999;44:1277-86. 43

2. Budowle B, Collins P, Dimsoski P, Ganong C, Hennessy L, Leibelt C, Rao-Coticone S, 44 Shadravan F, Reeder D. Population data on the STR loci D2S1338 and D19S433. Forensic 45 Science Communications 2001;3(3). 46

3. Budowle B, Moretti TR. Genotype profiles for six population groups at the 13 CODIS short 47 tandem repeat core loci and other PCR based loci. Forensic Science Communications 48 1999;1(2). 49

4. Budowle B. Genotype profiles for five population groups at the short tandem repeat loci 50 D2S1338 and D19S433. Forensic Science Communications 2001;3(3). 51

5. Budowle B, Shea B, Niezgoda S, Chakraborty R. CODIS STR loci data from 41 sample 52 populations. J Forensic Sci 2001;46:453-89. 53

6. Budowle B, Defenbaugh DA, Keys KM. Genetic variation at nine short tandem repeat loci in 54 Chamorros and Filipinos from Guam. Legal Medicine 2000;2:26-30. 55

7. National Research Council. The evaluation of forensic DNA evidence. Washington, DC: 56 National Academy Press, 1996. 57

8. Monson KL, Budowle B. Effect of reference database on frequency estimates of polymerase 58 chain reaction (PCR) – based DNA profiles. J Forensic Sci 1998;43:483-8. 59

9. Budowle B, Monson KL, Giusti AM, Brown B. The assessment of frequency estimates of 60 Hae III-generated VNTR profiles in various reference databases. J Forensic Sci 1994;39:319-61 52. 62

10. Budowle B, Monson KL, Giusti AM, Brown B. Evaluation of Hinf I-generated VNTR profile 63 frequencies determined using various ethnic databases. J Forensic Sci 1994;39:988-1008. 64

65

Tamyra R. Moretti, Ph.D. 66

DNA Support Unit 67

Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory 68

Quantico, VA 69

70

Bruce Budowle, Ph.D. 71

Institute of Applied Genetics 72

University of North Texas Health Science Center 73

Fort Worth, TX 74

75

John S. Buckleton, Ph.D. 76

Institute of Environmental Science and Research 77

Auckland, New Zealand 78

79

Murder Case Could Set Precedent in 'Junk Science' Writs

Texas' highest court for criminal matters on Wednesday took up the issue of whether a state law that allows for new trials in cases where forensic science is flawed also covers mistakes by expert witnesses.

Clearly divided on the issue after it ruled last November for a new trial in a Montgomery County case, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals quickly made it clear that Gov. Greg Abbott may decide the issue - if he signs into law a just-passed bill intended to affirm its earlier decision.

Either way, the complicated case could have significant impact on future cases - and is being watched nationally as one of the first such decisions on so-called "junk science" writs.

At issue is whether Neal Robbins, serving a life sentence for killing his girlfriend's 17-month-old daughter, Tristen Skye Rivet, should get a new trial because medical examiner Patricia Moore changed her autopsy decision from homicide to undetermined eight years after Robbins was sent to prison in 1999.

Texas' initial law allowing new trials in cases where junk science was confirmed - the first in the nation, passed in 2013 - did not cover instances where witnesses later recanted their testimony, as in Robbins' case.

Read more at the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Murder-case-could-set-precedent-in-so-called-6305565.php?

Consulting Opportunity with BBC Worldwide

My name is Erin Tomasello and I am a casting director at BBC Worldwide Productions  (a global TV company).  I’m currently working on a new show and wanted to reach out to you  and see if you could be of some assistance.

I’m looking for blood spatter analyst to discuss the possibility of interviewing them for a new show in development.


I would LOVE the opportunity to go over the details over the phone and see if you would be interested in being interviewed or can assist me in spreading the word.

Erin Tomasello
Casting Director
BBC Worldwide Productions

O: 323-785-8802

C: 818-588-5847

 

 

f you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Ms. Tomasello.

NEAFS Call for Papers

http://www.neafs.org/images/forms/Annual_Meeting/NEAFS2015_call_for_papers.pdf

Reserve your room by calling the group reservations office at (866) 828-9111 or (508) 775-7775 and mention you are with the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists conference to receive the discounted rate of $109.00 single/double occupancy or $119.00 triple/quad occupancy (plus 11.7% tax per night).  The deadline for reserving a room at the group rate is September 13, 2015.

The meeting will include a variety of workshops, scientific presentations, as well as an Educator’s Forum and the 2nd Annual “Kirk Cup” Collegiate Competition and Outreach Program. Be sure to stick around for our first ever Murder Mystery Dinner Presidents Reception!

DNA on Pizza Crust led police to Suspect

Authorities searched a Maryland home overnight in the investigation of a deadly mansion murder, going through the trash and removing bags of evidence -- but in the end it was a piece of pizza crust that could lead to the suspect's arrest.

Daron Dylon Wint, 34, was identified on Wednesday as the key suspect in the quadruple slaying and arson attack in Northwest, a section of Washington, D.C. A court issued an arrest warrant for Wint with “murder one while armed,” authorities said.

Two sources familiar with the case told ABC News that DNA found on the crust of a Domino's pizza that had been delivered to the house led authorities to identify Wint as the suspect.

Read more at ABC dot com.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/mansion-fire-dna-pizza-crust-led-authorities-dc/story?id=31199895

Massachusetts Begins Case Review of Forensic Hair Analysis Convictions

Following revelations the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent innocent people to prison using flawed hair forensics, Massachusetts is launching its own review of cases to see if state crime lab technicians made similar errors.

Watch the report

"I think it is quite possible that innocent people are in prison due to flawed forensic testimony that came out of the Massachusetts State Police Crime lab," said Lisa Kavanaugh of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Counsel Services.

Read more at: http://www.wcvb.com/news/state-launching-review-of-convictions-to-find-faulty-hair-forensics/33031382

SelectaDNA makes debut at TN Subway Sub Location

A Subway franchise in Knoxville, Tenn. is the first US business to arm itself with “intruder spray,” which tags would-be robbers with a product called SelectaDNA. According to the manufacturer, the solution contains “a unique DNA code which can be used to uniquely mark and trace both items of property and criminals.”

SelectaDNA’s US distributor, Johan Larsen, told the Knoxville News-Sentinel that the system is already being used in Australia and Europe. Successfully, at least according to company claims.

Anyone bold enough to ignore warning signs and break into (or bust out of) the sandwich shop will be coated in a fine mist of synthetic DNA. The spray is “traceable for weeks” and is “only visible with a glow under ultraviolet light,”

Read more at: http://truecrime.io9.com/restaurant-installs-intruder-spray-to-tag-burglars-wi-1703737555

FBI Admits Faulty Hair Match Testimony

With federal officials’ acknowledgment that nearly an entire unit of FBI forensic examiners overstated testimony about hair matches for decades, legal analysts say the question now is how courts and prosecutors will respond to criminal convictions that may have relied on such evidence. Read more at the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/after-fbi-admits-overstating-forensic-hair-matches-focus-turns-to-cases/2015/04/20/a846aca8-e766-11e4-9a6a-c1ab95a0600b_story.html

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announces overstatement of forensic hair matches in hundreds of cases over two decades.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announces overstatement of forensic hair matches in hundreds of cases over two decades.

National Commission on Forensic Science Draft Documents

The National Commission on Forensic Science has released another round of draft documents for public comment. Criminal Justice stake holders are encouraged to weigh in on the policies being suggested for implementation in the field. Comments are due by May 15th. Take an active role in shaping the field.

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;dct=FR+PR+N+O+SR;rpp=10;po=0;D=DOJ-LA-2015-0004