More Issues of Questionable Identity
Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D.1, Meghan E. Clement, M.S.1, Anita L.
Matthews, M.S.1, Mark Stoneking, Ph.D.2,
Anne Stone 2
1Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (formerly Roche Biomedical), 1912
Alexander Drive,
RTP, NC 27709
2Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, 409 Carpenter
Building,
University Park, PA 16802-3404
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The use of DNA technology has provided the forensic community with several new tools to assist in the detection of genetic variation in the population. PCR based analysis has moved to the forefront in the fields of forensic and parentage testing. The sensitivity and robustness of the PCR based systems, combined with the ability to utilize STR loci in a multiplex reaction, provides more information while using lower quantities of template DNA which may be severely degraded.
We will present several cases where PCR analysis was utilized in reverse parentage testing to assist in studies of human remains, the association of body parts, and in linking victims to an incriminating location.
One case involves the identification of two individuals, as well as the association of multiple body parts, which were found in barrels containing a tar-like material. In this case DQ-Alpha™, D1S80, several multiplex STR systems, and the X-Y Amelogenin system were utilized for the analysis.
In the second case, a small bloodstain removed from a car was analyzed at DQ-Alpha™, PM™, D1S80 and several multiplex STR systems. Reverse parentage studies could place the victim’s blood in the suspect’s vehicle.
The last case to be discussed is one of a missing person/homicide of a body found in water in 1988. Due to the condition of this sample, very limited results were obtained with a single multiplex STR system and the samples were forwarded to the laboratory of Dr. Mark Stoneking for additional confirmation of identity by mtDNA testing.
We will present the results, conclusions, and statistical calculations performed in each of these cases and discuss problems and considerations which must be evaluated when dealing with certain "difficult" specimens.
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