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Notes From the Field
Promega Hosts Annual Human Identification Symposium
The burgeoning new applications of DNA technology to forensic science was
one of several important themes of the 14th International Symposium on Human
Identification, sponsored by Promega Corporation and held in Phoenix Sept. 29
through Oct. 2, 2003. Paul Ferrara, director of the Virginia Division of Forensic
Science, delivered a powerful presentation on the analysis of the first 1,000
database hits in Virginia since the implementation of point-of-arrest DNA collection.
He added that so far in 2003, Virginia has had 432 hits.
Dovetailing with Ferrara's talk, Trevor Howitt, deputy chief executive and
business development director of the Forensic Science Service, described the
success the United Kingdom has had with its national DNA database, which has
shown that 60 percent of cases involve some sort of DNA element. "Harnessing
the full potential of DNA will change our crime-solving capabilities,"
Howitt said. "DNA is an incredible tool for crimefighters. Once you reach
critical mass in the database, the hits come at an incredibly fast pace."
Other highlights of the event included a presentation by Bruce Budowle, of
the FBI Laboratory, on DNA and its role in solving microbial forensic biocrimes,
as well as a talk on the automation of the forensic lab by Theresa Caragine,
of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City. Addressing large-scale
identification efforts were Ed Huffine of the International Commission on Missing
Persons and Stephen Niezgoda pf the National Institute of Justice. Lois Tully,
also from the NIJ, shared with attendees current efforts to reduce the DNA analysis
and processing backlog plaguing state and federal forensic laboratories, including
the No-Suspect Casework DNA Reduction Program and the Convicted Offender DNA
Backlog Reduction Program.
The Promega symposium provided ample opportunity for attendees to learn about
the latest advances in technology, including development of a male-specific,
12-locus fluorescent multiplex by Promega; development of a Y-chromosome STR
genotyping system by Reliagene; as well as presentations on RT-PCR, mtDNA and
SNPs by Applied Biosystems, Roche Molecular Systems, QuestGen Forensics and
Orchid Biosciences. Genetic Technologies, Inc. demonstrated use of its proprietary
software platform known as eDNA, which is designed to provide complete support
for parentage testing and forensic DNA typing activities within the laboratory.
The forensic module has expanded sample tracking and communication logs that
are necessary in the crime lab environment. In addition, the module incorporates
capabilities for the preliminary interpretation of mixed DNA profiles.Major/minor
contributors as well as mixed profile calculations are incorporated into this
module using criteria defined by the user based upon the user lab's policies
and procedures.
Henry C. Lee Headlines ACFE International Conference
Renowned forensic scientist Henry C. Lee, PhD, director of the Henry C. Lee
Institute of Forensic Science and chief emeritus of the Connexticut , delivered
the keynote speech kicking off the American College of Forensic Examiners International
conference held Oct. 9-11 in Scottsdale, Ariz. In his presentation, "New
Advances in Forensic Science," Lee admonished attendees to "Let the
evidence speak," explaining that "We solve cases not because we're
smart but because we look at the evidence and what it tells us." He emphasized
that the core components of the crime scene, eyewitness information, trace evidence
and data mining is at the heart of any investigation, and that new and evolving
technology -- including advances in DNA typing, light sources, protein enhancement
reagents, portable video microscopes and telecommunications -- serves to enhance
investigators' detection and analytical skills.
The conference also featured a medical investigator certification program workshop
by Cyril Wecht, MD, JD, as well as presentations by numerous ACFEI members and
forensic science experts. A technical exhibits area gave participants an opportunity
to learn about new products and services in the field and network with colleagues.
News Briefs
DNA Testing Identifies Long-Term Missing Child
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A partnership between the National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children (NCMEC) and ChoicePoint resulted in the first identification
of the remains of a long-term missing child. As part of an expanded charitable
initiative, Bode Technology Group provides free DNA identification testing to
NCMEC. Medical examiners and coroners submit samples to Bode for DNA analysis
and a comparison can be made to reference samples provided through NCMEC.
DNA testing by Bode led to the identification on Aug. 15, 2003 of Kevin Lee
Gilpin in Casey County, Ky., whose remains were discovered in June at the bottom
of an abandoned well. Gilpin was 19 years old when he was reported missing in
April 1997. Officials estimated the remains had been in the well for five to
10 years, and were determined to be a white male between 17 and 20 years old.
A comparison of missing person records indicated a possible match with Gilpin.
Dental records were not available, leaving DNA testing as the only possible
means of identification. A DNA profile was generated from a reference sample
provided by Gilpin's mother. These results were compared with a DNA profile
from samples of the remains provided by the Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner.
The testing established that the remains in the well were those of Gilpin. Kentucky
State Police are now investigating the case as a homicide.
"Without this assistance from Bode and NCMEC, this person would have never
been positively identified," said Dr. Emily Craig, forensic anthropologist
with the Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner. "This remarkable service
... makes technology within reach of local budgets."
Victim Identification Project Launches Software for Mass Fatality Situations
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, there was no software
capable of managing the task of compiling, sorting, managing and matching thousands
of DNA samples so that medical examiners could identify victims with certainty.
New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner turned to Howard Cash and
his bioinformatics company, Gene Codes Corp., to try to create the software
that could handle a mass fatality situation.
"I told my team it was a nearly impossible job, the requirements would
probably change by the hour, and it would require an unbelievable commitment,
but I felt it was our calling to take this on," Cash said. "Everyone
agreed that we had to do this."
Gene Codes doubled its staff and by mid-December 2001 delivered the first version
of a new computer software program, M-FISys, short for Mass Fatality Identification
System. The day the program began operation, the forensic scientists at the
ME's office were able to find 55 DNA matches that led to positive identifications.
So far, there have been no misidentifications related to the software.
M-FISys sorts information from three different DNA tests on human remains and
matches them with DNA samples taken from victims' personal effects. In the World
Trade Center case, M-FISys managed data from about 20,000 human remains and
14,000 DNA samples. Of the nearly 3,000 victims, more than 1,500 have been identified;
more than half relied solely on DNA evidence.
Off the Bookshelf
Blood Evidence: How DNA is Revolutionizing the Way We Solve Crimes
By Henry C. Lee, PhD and Frank Tirnady; Perseus Publishing, 2003
As one of the masters of combining rigorous scientific and academic study with
anecdotal information derived from mainstream, popular culture sources, Lee
raises the bar with his latest endeavor while simultaneously tapping into the
global discussion of how DNA is reshaping forensic science and criminal justice.
He paints an exhaustively comprehensive portrait of the new DNA paradigm at
the beginning of the book; so wide is it that upon completion of this introductory
chapter, the stage is set to delve deeply into the delicious well of information
and case studies that follow. The authors cover everything, from Sir Alec Jeffrey's
discovery of DNA fingerprinting, to state-of-the-art technologies and their
applications in solving some of the most obscure and celebrated cases. This
impossibly detailed yet highly accessible and readable book will be enjoyed
by everyone employed along the medicolegal continuum. www.perseuspublishing.com
Crime Laboratory Management
By Jami J. St. Clair, Jo Ann Given and Michael St. Clair; Elsevier Science
Ltd./Academic Press, 2003
As the President's DNA Initiative circulates through Capitol Hill, it's more
imperative than ever that crime lab directors be ready to put new funding to
work to help deal with DNA sample backlogs and ever-increasing caseloads. This
new text, which understands that most crime lab supervisors are "promoted
not on their management abilities but on their analytical abilities," helps
individuals sort out the befuddling number of challenges posed by the role of
crime lab manager. Throughout the 290-page book, the authors interject classic
management theories proposed by experts Steven Covey and Ken Blanchard and apply
them to the specific needs of forensic laboratory management. Chapters address
timely topics such as fighting crime lab stereotypes as perpetuated in the media;
clarifying the crime lab's role; HR issues, ethics, quality control, management,
communication, safety, plus a helpful section on budgeting, grant writing and
guidelines from lab-related organizations. www.academicpress.com
Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigations
By Cpl. Robert G. Teather; Best Publishing Co., 1994
The retrieval of Laci Peterson's body from a lake in the well-publicized Modesto,
Calif. case this year casts new light on underwater investigations with forensic
imperatives. Teather, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, says he
wrote this manual to "remove the mystique from underwater investigative
procedures." As a compilation of material from more than 500 underwater
recovery investigations - and accepted as court reference in a homicide trial
in a U.S. Superior Court - this 186-page text explains basic and advanced concepts
in underwater investigative procedures and assists investigators in preparing
evidence to reconstruct a crime or accident for criminal or civil court proceedings.
The chapters cover an impressive amount of information, including specifics
on recovery of bodies and skeletal remains, investigation of death, reporting
procedures, collection and preservation of evidence, types of evidence, court
testimony, and procedures for the recovery of firearms, aircraft, and vehicles.
Also available is the self-study companion volume, "Underwater Investigations
Correspondence Course," which allows participants to earn an underwater
investigator's certificate. (800) 468-1055 or www.bestpub.com
12/04/2003
Cal State L.A. Offers Winter Series Focus on Forensic Science
11/25/2003
DNAPrint Announces Forensic Eye Color Results at Amsterdam Forensic Meeting; World's First Genomics-Derived Test For Forensics Investigation With Predictive Capabilities
Orchid Cellmark Awarded FBI Contracts to Develop SNP Technology for Advanced Forensic Applications
11/17/2003
Zebra Technologies and Porter Lee Partner to Fight Crime; CSI Bar Code Application Increases Security While Reducing Time in Tracking Evidence From Collection to Disposition
11/14/2003
LUC Treats Launches Line of Mints/Gum to Help Stop Domestic Violence
New Evidence About the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy Revealed
11/11/2003
Study Documents Law Enforcement Efforts Combating Internet Sex Crimes Against Children
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