Charlotte J. Word, Ph.D.

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, DNA

Address

P.O. Box 35153
Richmond, VA 23235-0153
Phone: 804-320-0616
Send Email

Additional Info

Consultant in Forensic DNA testing - RFLP, DQA1/PM, STRs, Y-STR. >25 years experience; formerly at Cellmark Diagnostics Laboratory, Germantown, MD.
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Dan Krane, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

Forensics Bioinformatics
2850 Presidential Dr., Suite 160
Fairborn, OH 45324
Phone: 937-426-9270
Fax: 937-426-9271
Send Email
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Additional Info

CEO of Forensic Bioinformatics. Population geneticist.
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Deanna D. Lankford

Expertise: DNA

Address

Orchid Cellmark, Inc.
Dallas, TX
Phone: 1-800-872-5227
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Additional Info

Associate Laboratory Director
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Dr. Heather Miller Coyle

Expertise: DNA

Address

University of New Haven
Henry C. Lee College Forensics Science Dept. 300 Boston Post Rd.
West Haven, CT 06516
Phone: 203-479-4595
Alt Phone: 914-438-8223 (cell)
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Additional Info

Assistant Professor of Forensic Science. Previously worked as DNA Analyst at Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory. Has consulted on several NC cases.
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Dr. Randell T. Libby

Expertise: DNA

Address

4616 25th Avenue NE – Suite 708
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 425-869-9536
Fax: 425-885-2932
Send Email
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Additional Info

Molecular Geneticist who specializes in Neurogenetics and Forensic Genetics
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Edward Blake

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, DNA

Address

Forensic Science Associates
3053 Research Drive
Richmond, CA 94806
Phone: 510-222-8883
Fax: 510-222-8887
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Additional Info

Specializes in field investigation, forensic serology and DNA analysis.
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Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D.

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, DNA

Address

1534 N. Moorpark Rd No. 364
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: 805-553-0445
Alt Phone: 805-320-0160 (cell)
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Additional Info

Ph.D. in Immunology. Forensic scientist specializing in evidence examination and DNA analysis since 1991. Established DNA Laboratory in Harris County Medical Examiner's Office in Houston.
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Henry Lee, Ph.D.

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, Blood Spatter, Crime Scene, Hair, Trace Evidence

Address

Forensic Research and Training Center
82 Limewood Ave.
Branford, CT 6405
Phone: 203-932-7460 (for consults)
Alt Phone: 203-488-1475, 203-932-7540
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Additional Info

Former Director of Connecticut State Police Forensic Lab. Specializes in bloodstain pattern analysis, microscopy, DNA, and hair.
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Huma Nasir

Expertise: DNA

Address

Orchid Cellmark, Inc.
Dallas, TX
Phone: 1-800-872-5227
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Additional Info

Technical Leader, mtDNA and Y-STRs. Conducts scientific analysis on multiple forms of biological evidence for forensic casework utilizing PCR-based DNA analysis. Routinely uses these systems: Profiler Plus, COfiler, Identifiler, Identifiler Plus, PowerPlex 16 HS, Y-STR, MiniSTR, and Mitochondrial DNA analysis using the ABI 310, 3100 and 3130 Genetic Analyzers and the ABI 377 DNA Sequencer platforms.Prepares case reports and is available as an expert in Molecular Biology and Forensic DNA analysis for court testimony.
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J. Thomas (Tom) McClintock, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA, Entomology

Address

DNA Diagnostics, Inc.
P. O. Box 11101
Lynchburg, VA 24506
Phone: 703-927-9090
Alt Phone: 703-927-9090
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Additional Info

Specializes in forensic DNA analysis, forensic entomology, molecular and microbiology.Voted Top 15 Forensic DNA Analyst in the U.S. in 2013.
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Joan Gulliksen

Expertise: DNA

Address

13988 Diplomat Dr. Suite 100
Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-271-8337 (direct)
Alt Phone: 800-872-5227(gen)
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Additional Info

Orchid is the forensics department that branched off from Cellmark Diagnostics.
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Julie A. Heinig, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

DNA Diagnostics Center, Inc
One DDC Way
Fairfield, OH 45014
Phone: 800-406-1940
Alt Phone: 513-881-7806 ext. 2283
Fax: 800-310-9746
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Additional Info

Ph.D. in cell biology; primarily a DNA scientist (Forensic Director and DNA Technical Leader) that oversees all DNA analysis in DDC's Forensic laboratory, an ANAB-accredited lab; regularly consults and testifies as DNA expert, with particular expertise in post-conviction DNA analysis of difficult, degraded samples.
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Laura Gahn, Ph.D., D-ABC

Expertise: DNA

Address

Cellmark Forensics, LabCorp Specialty Testing Group
Dallas, TX
Phone: 1-800-872-5227
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Additional Info

Administrative and technical responsibility for all aspects of the Cellmark Forensics Dallas facility, which performs all US forensic casework and databasing testing for LabCorp and manufactures and administers the IQAS proficiency testing program.
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Lawrence Kobilinsky, Ph.D.

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, DNA

Address

Forensic Science Consulting Inc.
Oceanside, NY 11572
Phone: 516-353-4395
Fax: 516-536-1084
Send Email
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Additional Info

I work in the area of serology and DNA analysis of crime scene evidence and assist primarily criminal defense attorneys with their cases.
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Maher (Max) Noureddine, Ph.D., MS

Expertise: DNA, Serology

Address

ForensiGen LLC
P.O. Box 250
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
Phone: 336-441-0221
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Additional Info

PhD in molecular genetics, expertise in forensic DNA and serology analysis, complex human genetics/genomics, mitochondrial DNA, laboratory practices, casework review, and court testimony. Provides custom training/CLE in forensic DNA and serology evidence.
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Marc Scott Taylor

Expertise: DNA, GSR, Toolmark

Address

Technical Associates Inc., Forensic Science Consultation and Laboratory Testing
4125 Market Street, Suite #3
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805-677-2155
Fax: 805-676-1638
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Additional Info

DNA consultation & analysis, GSR consultation & analysis, toolmarks, general criminalistics, evidence collection, attorney education, assistance with cross-examination of experts.
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Matthew Quartaro

Expertise: DNA

Address

Quartaro Forensics, LLC
Plano, TX 75023
Phone: (214) 293-5313
Send Email
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Additional Info

Matt Quartaro is a forensic DNA expert with almost 20 years of experience in the industry. Mr. Quartaro provides case review, trial preparation/consulting and expert witness testimony.
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Meghan E. Clement

Expertise: Blood and Bodily Fluids, DNA

Address

Clement Consulting, LLC
PO Box 18014
Raleigh, NC 27619
Phone: 919-539-6806
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Additional Info

Provides DNA case reviews and consultation on STR, Y-STR and mtDNA analysis, assists in court preparation, cross examination questions, provides expert testimony.
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Mehul B. Anjaria, MS,D-ABC

Expertise: DNA

Address

MBA DNA Consulting, LLC
633 West 5th Street, 26th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone: 310-801-1848
Fax: 310-295-2161
Send Email
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Additional Info

Forensic DNA Consulting. Mr. Anjaria has previous experience as a law enforcement criminalist and as co-founder/director of the first ASCLD/LAB-International accredited private DNA lab in California.
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Melanie S. Trapani, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

Orchid Cellmark, Inc.
Dallas, TX
Phone: 1-800-872-5227
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Additional Info

Associate Laboratory Director, Production Manager and DNA Technical Leader-Autosomal STRs
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Norah Rudin, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

650 Castro St., Suite 120-404
Mountain View, CA 94041
Phone: 650-605-3411
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Additional Info

Reviews and interprets DNA typing results. Has assisted both prosecution and defense. Has qualified as an expert witness in forensic DNA analysis and general criminalistics.
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Orchid Cellmark

Expertise: DNA

Address

13988 Diplomat Dr., Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75234
Phone: 800-872-5227
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Additional Info

Private laboratory that performs DNA analysis. Performs case reviews which will review the accreditation and procedures of the original testing lab.
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Ronald T Acton, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

South Arising Consultants
1632 Dobbs Lane
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Phone: 205-960-7207 (cell)
Send Email
Visit Website

Additional Info

Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology. Postdoctoral training in immunogenetics, human genetics and molecular genetics - primarily a molecular geneticist. Consults as DNA expert. Testified in 22 States, Federal, State and Military courts. Board certified as a High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director and as a Technologist in Molecular Biology.
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Sandy Zabell, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

Northwestern University Department Of Statistics
2006 Sheridan Rd.
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: 847-491-5564
Alt Phone: 847-491-5752
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Additional Info

Mathematician and statistician. Ph.D. in mathematics. DNA identification evidence.
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Simon Ford

Expertise: DNA

Address

Forensics Bioinformatics
2850 Presidential Dr., Suite 160
Fairborn, OH 45324
Phone: 937-426-9270
Fax: 937-426-9271
Send Email
Visit Website

Additional Info

Senior Research and Development Scientist for Forensic Bioinformatics. Ph.D. in molecular biology. Works in CA, but this is the correct contact information. Dan Krane is President of the company.
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Terry Melton, Ph.D.

Expertise: DNA

Address

Mitotyping Technologies
2565 Park Center Boulevard, Suite 200
State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-861-0676
Fax: 814-861-0576
Send Email
Visit Website

Additional Info

Field of Expertise: DNA, especially mitochondrial DNA, difficult samples, and hair analysis. Has worked with prosecution and defense teams. Has worked with indigent defense and Innocence Projects.
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William C. (Bill) Thompson, Ph.D., JD

Expertise: DNA

Address

School of Social Ecology, UC-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Phone: 949-824-6156
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Additional Info

JD and Ph.D. Performs forensic DNA testing. Provides statistical testimony and analysis of the social science of evidence.
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William Shields

Expertise: DNA

Address

SUNY-ESF
116 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Dr.
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315-470-6771
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Additional Info

Primarily a population geneticist, has also been qualified each time as a molecular geneticist. Has testified concerning DNA profiling, population genetics and mitochondrial DNA testing.
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You are here: Home / Forensic Disciplines / DNA

DNA

Contents:

  • Reports and Publications
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Reports and Publications

  • A Review of Legislation Associated with Lawfully-Owed DNA Samples, FTCOE

    Convicted offender DNA sample collection laws vary in each state in terms of what type of offense obligates an offender to provide a sample, whether a conviction should be the trigger for sample collection, and which agency is responsible for collecting the sample. Because of this interstate variability, the effectiveness of DNA sample collection laws may vary, and in some cases this can result in missed opportunities to identify and collect lawfully owed DNA samples. In those situations, modifying current legislative language could provide the needed clarification to improve policies and practices associated with collecting DNA samples from convicted offenders.

    To provide examples of legislation that may offer an improved approach to addressing lawfully owed DNA samples, the FTCoE, in partnership with AEquitas, conducted a legislative review and analysis of statutes associated with the collection, tracking, and testing of DNA samples from convicted offenders. This report does not aim to recommend a specific legislative preference regarding DNA collection laws but rather to identify areas where questions and conflicts may arise and subsequently highlight jurisdictions that have drafted statutes that address and minimize those issues.

  • SDPD Crime Laboratory – Forensic Biology Unit, Validation of the STRmixTM Software MCMC Markov Chain Monte Carlo
  • Procedure for Analysis Interpretation of STR DNA Profiles

    NC State Crime Lab

  • DNA Mixture Interpretation: A NIST Scientific Foundation Review

    By: John M. Butler, Hari Iyer, Rich Press, Melissa K. Taylor, Peter M. Vallone, & Sheila Willis

  • NIST Publishes Review of DNA Mixture Interpretation Methods, NIST

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published a draft report, DNA Mixture Interpretation: A Scientific Foundation Review, which reviews the methods forensic laboratories use to interpret evidence containing a mixture of DNA from two or more people.

  • OSAC Registry Approved Standards, NIST
    Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Evidence (OSAC) is developing documentary standards for each forensic discipline. Standards under consideration as well as approved standards are available in the OSAC Registry.
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Documents

    The AAFS Standards Board develops documentary standards for forensics through a consensus process, involving participation by all directly and materially affected persons. Standards are being developed for each forensic discipline. The standards that have been published are available on the ASB website.

  • No Longer the Gold Standard: Probabilistic Genotyping is Changing the Nature of DNA Evidence in Criminal Trials

    Author: Bess Stiffelman Esq.

  • DNA Audit Summary

    The NC State Crime Laboratory has posted its DNA Section Audit Reports (1999-2018). If you would like a summary of these audits, with issues that may be relevant to casework highlighted, email Sarah Rackley Olson.

  • DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer

    NIST created this document to explain why DNA mixture interpretation can be so complex and to explain how likelihood ratios and probabilistic genotyping software can assist with interpreting complex mixtures.

  • American Bar Association Standards on DNA Evidence (2018)

    Standards and best practices for the collection, preservation, and testing of DNA evidence and for its use at trial.

  • Forensic DNA Analysis: A Primer for Courts

    In Nov. 2017, the Royal Society published this primer to assist the UK judiciary when handling DNA and serology evidence in the courtroom. The primer provides a good introduction to forensic DNA analysis, including a description of different types of DNA mixture interpretation software.

  • Making Sense of Forensic Genetics

    This 2017 guide presents information about DNA forensics in a way that is accessible to both a general audience and legal professionals. It focuses on topics such as the context in which DNA evidence is discovered, DNA databases, statistics, and use of DNA to predict appearance or ancestry.

  • NIST Research Enables Enhanced DNA “Fingerprints”

    Starting Jan. 1, 2017, forensic labs that participate in the FBI’s National DNA Index System (NDIS) increased the number of genetic markers analyzed from 13 to 20. Analyzing an increased number of genetic markers will make the DNA profiles more compatible with international DNA searches and will decrease the likelihood of a random match of two individuals within the NDIS database.

  • Weak DNA evidence could undermine justice, experts say

    Chicago Tribune article uses a case example to demonstrate the dangers of using DNA evidence that has very little probative value. New technology is allowing DNA analysis to be performed on very small amounts of DNA which may generate incomplete genetic profiles that may or may not be meaningful in a case.

  • Forensic DNA Statistics: Still Controversial In Some Cases

    by William C. Thompson, Laurence D. Mueller, and Dan E. Krane. The Champion, Dec. 2012. A must-read article for attorneys dealing with cases with DNA evidence. The authors show how subjectivity and bias may play a role in DNA analysis, particularly in cases involving very small amounts of DNA, partial profiles, or mixtures.

  • DNA for the Defense Bar

    This manual was written by a group of experienced defense attorneys and DNA experts. Its approach to basic and advanced topics is easy to understand. In addition to explaining the science and techniques of DNA analysis, the manual offers advice on topics such as opening and closing statements, jury selection, and cross examination.

  • Fallible DNA evidence can mean prison or freedom

    by Linda Geddes, New Scientist, August 11, 2010 – gives an explanation of how subjectivity and bias affect DNA analysis. Discusses issues such as partial profiles, allelic drop-out and drop-in, mixtures, and thresholds for analysis.

  • Forensic Trace DNA: A Review

    by Roland AH van Oorschot etal. Investigative Genetics (2010). In a very accessible way, this article describes issues associated with what is often called “touch DNA.” Topics covered include evidence collection, DNA extraction, amplification, profiling and interpretation of trace DNA samples.

  • National Academy of Sciences Report

    See pp. 128-133 for the National Research Counsel’s description of the forensic use of Deoxyribonucleic acid

  • The Potential for Error in Forensic DNA Testing (and How That Complicates the Use of DNA Databases for Criminal Identification

    by William C. Thompson, for the Council for Responsible Genetics (2008) – discusses how false incriminations can occur in forensic DNA testing, including coincidental DNA profile matches, accidental transfer of DNA, errors in labeling of samples, and misinterpretation of test results.

  • Communicating Statistical DNA Evidence

    by Samuel Lindsey etal. Jurimetrics 43 (2003). This article presents what DNA analyses can and cannot reveal and a way to improve judges’ and jurors’ understanding of evidence involving probabilities and statistics.

  • Application of Low Copy Number DNA Profiling
    Article by Peter Gill, Croatian Medical Journal (2001). Describes considerations that must be taken into account with Low Copy number (LCN) DNA, including allele dropout and the possibility of contamination. Low Copy number DNA analysis allows a DNA profile to be obtained from just a few cells.

From the Blog

  • Corrective Action investigation of former Bode DNA analyst Mollie Megahee, 1/10/2023
    Defense attorneys should be aware of an issue involving a DNA analyst at Bode Technology. Bode is a private accredited laboratory that performs DNA and other forensic analyses. Bode has a memorandum of understanding to perform DNA testing of previously untested sexual assault kits for the NC State Crime Lab. Also, Bode is a lab …
  • DNA-only evidence not sufficient in CT case, 8/14/2021
    State v. Andre Dawson (2021) – Connecticut Supreme Court found that the state failed to present sufficient evidence of constructive possession where the defendant could not be excluded from a DNA mixture containing a partial profile found on a firearm.
  • Testimony regarding an inconclusive DNA mixture, 2/27/2020
    State v. Phillips, COA19-372 (Dec. 2019) – NC Court of Appeals found that the admission of testimony about an inconclusive DNA mixture was expert testimony, was not based on sufficient facts or data nor is the product of is the product of reliable scientific principles and methods, and that the trial court erred in admitting the testimony which prejudiced the defendant.
  • MI federal judge disallows testimony about DNA mixture interpretation, 11/6/2019
    Oct. 2019 – United States District Judge found that in a case involving interpretation of a complex DNA mixture where the relevant contributor contributed 7% of the DNA in the mixture, the STRmix software report did not meet the Daubert reliability standard for admissibility as evidence.
  • Granting of new trial in capital case with unreliable DNA evidence affirmed, 10/7/2019
    In 2010, Michael Ryan was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death for a 2007 homicide. While the case was on direct appeal and as a result of the Motion for Appropriate Relief hearing, an order issued by Judge W. Erwin Spainhour granted Michael Ryan a new trial in 2017. The State appealed …
  • DNA testing issue at NMS Labs, 7/19/2019
    Attorneys from several counties have received notice through discovery that their cases were potentially affected by a DNA testing issue at National Medical Services (NMS) Labs in Pennsylvania. DA's offices in various jurisdictions have sent samples to NMS Labs for DNA testing in recent years.
  • Probabilistic genotyping software for interpreting DNA mixtures, 7/1/2019
    NC attorneys may be aware that software programs are being adopted by crime laboratories to assist with interpreting complex DNA mixtures. The NC State Crime Laboratory is working on validating a procedure for the use of STRmix probabilistic genotyping software, which will likely go online in the coming months.
  • Online tracking system for Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits now available, 6/28/2019
    In 2018, the NC General Assembly passed legislation (S.L. 2018-70) requiring the creation of the a statewide tracking system to track the testing of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs) from collection to completion of forensic testing. The tracking system is now available for all stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
  • New Trial Ordered in DNA Case, 6/6/2019
    Superior Court Judge Chris Bragg has overturned Mark Carver’s murder conviction and ordered a new trial. Mr. Carver had been convicted in 2011 of the murder of a UNC Charlotte student. Chris Mumma, executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, represents Mr. Carver. She argued and the court ruled that Mr. Carver …
  • DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer, 5/7/2019
    NIST has created a primer on interpretation of DNA mixtures that explains what are DNA mixtures and why are they sometimes so difficult to interpret.
  • Click here for more blog posts on this topic

Featured Articles

  • Evidence Collection and Analysis for Touch DNA in Groping and Sexual Assault Cases
    Julie Valentine et al. in Journal of Forensic Nursing (2021)
  • Defending IEEE Software Standards in Federal Criminal Court

    June 2021 article by Marc Canellas. IEEE’s 1012 Standard for independent software and hardware verification and validation (IV&V) is under attack in U.S. federal criminal court. As software spreads through the criminal legal system, scientists, engineers, and IEEE have an essential role in ensuring courts understand and respect IEEE 1012 and IV&V. If not, courts will continue to allow unreliable scientific evidence to deprive people of their life and liberty.

  • A preparatory guide for court prepared for DNA examiners by STRmix

    This document responds to the DNA Mixture Interpretation: A NIST Scientific Foundation Review (draft) document from June 2021. STRmix prepared this document as guidance for STRmix users who may encounter the NIST review in the court setting.

  • The Probabilistic Genotyping Software STRmix: Utility and Evidence for its Validity

    By: John S. Buckleton, D.Sc.; Jo-Anne Bright, Ph.D.; Simone Gittelson, Ph.D.; Tamyra R. Moretti, Ph.D.; Anthony J. Onorato, M.C.I.M., M.S.F.S.; Frederick R. Bieber, Ph.D.; Bruce Budowle, Ph.D.; and Duncan A. Taylor, Ph.D.

  • The Forensic Microbiome: The Invisible Traces We Leave Behind, NIJ
  • AI Case Study: Probabilistic Genotyping DNA Tools in Canadian Criminal Courts

    A report of the Law Commission of Ontario which considers the role and impact of AI-driven probabilistic genotyping technology to generate evidence used in the criminal justice system. The report makes a number of recommendations based on concerns that PG DNA evidence may lead to wrongful convictions if not properly regulated.

  • PG Software and the Courts: The Verdict So Far, The Prosecutor

    Bruce Budowle provides an overview of challenges to STRMix and other PG software for The Prosecutor magazine.

  • NIST Scientific Foundation Reviews, NIST
    Document outlining NIST's approach to conducted scientific foundation reviews (including data sources used, evaluation criteria, and expected outputs) of DNA mixture interpretation, bitemark analysis, digital evidence, and firearms examination.
  • Trying Mitochondrial DNA Cases

    Prepared by the Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office

  • Trying Y-STR DNA Cases

    Information prepared by the Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office

  • No Longer the Gold Standard: Probabilistic Genotyping is Changing the Nature of DNA Evidence in Criminal Trials

    Author: Bess Stiffelman Esq.

  • Timeline of DNA Analysis in North Carolina

    This 2013 document traces the development of forensic DNA analysis and its use by the NC State Crime Lab. It attempts to identify what technologies were available at what time. Information about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Laboratory is not included.

Trainings

  • Whiskey in the Courtroom 9: Evolving Trends in Forensic Science – DNA Evidence
    Sponsored by IDS, Duke Law CCJPR, and Wilson Center. In person only. $25 to attend.
  • DNA Mixtures Webinar: Likelihood ratios and challenges to STRMix evidence, NCIDS
    Free-to-attend webinar presented by Dr. Max Noureddine and Attorney Elizabeth Vasquez, Sponsored by IDS
  • Foundation of DNA Defense: Unpacking the 2021 NIST Report
    Free to attend 3-day webinar offered by the Legal Aid Society of NY
  • 7th Annual Questioning Forensics Conference
    Free multi-day webinar offered by the NY Legal Aid Society
  • Probabilistic Genotyping of Evidentiary DNA Typing Results
    A series of eight online modules aimed at increasing knowledge, understanding, and the reliable application of probabilistic genotyping to evidentiary DNA typing results.
  • Stability and persistence of touch DNA for forensic analysis, FTCOE
    Webinar reviewing existing scientific literature, describing lessons learned and best practices for conducting experiments with touch DNA, and describing the initial results of a study designed to evaluate the stability of touch DNA under different environmental conditions.
  • ANSI/ASB Standard 018, Standard for Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems, First Edition, 2020 (Part 4), Promega
    Webinar providing information on new/emerging standards and best practice recommendations applicable to forensic biology and DNA testing laboratories. This fourth webinar will describe the ANSI/ASB Standard 018, Validation Standard for Probabilistic Genotyping Systems, First Edition.
  • STRmix software suite demo

    11-minute demonstration of how the STRmix software suite works. This video will provide attorneys with an introduction to the user interface and reports produced by STRmix software.

  • Forensic DNA Profiling Video Series: Probabilistic Genotyping

    55-minute introduction to probabilistic genotyping by Dr. Dan E. Krane of Wright State University.

  • DNA Evidence Essentials Webinar – Preparing for Expert Testimony with a Forensic DNA Analyst: New Technology
    Webinar focusing on: basics of DNA analysis, compare/contrast types of services available at public vs. private lab, what is probabilistic genotyping, questions attorneys should ask the experts, related case law, and preparing for testimony. The archived recording of the webinar is available online.
  • BBC Knowledge Explainer DNA

    3-minute video explains the basics of DNA’s form and function. Though the focus of this animated film is not forensic DNA, it gives important introductory information that is useful as a building block for understanding forensic DNA analysis.

  • DNA Mixture Lessons
    Lessons on interpretation of DNA Mixtures online. Includes many helpful examples of the complex phenomena discussed in the lessons.
  • Forensic DNA Mixups
    Feb. 2015 Ted Talk video by Dr. Greg Hampikian covers forensic DNA errors including statistical and interpretation errors and contamination issues.

Websites

  • Human DNA Standard — A Q&A With NIST’s Becky Steffen

    NIST scientist Becky Steffen answers questions regarding her preparation of a “Human DNA Standard” which helps forensic laboratories maintain accurate DNA test results.

  • Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts

    Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.

  • NIJ Funded Software Tools, Apps and Databases

    Free or low-cost software tools that may be of assistance in understanding forensic evidence disciplines of digital forensics, arson investigation, DNA, death investigation, and more.

  • A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science

    The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.

  • Forensic Bioinformatics

    DNA experts in OH with videos, articles, and a glossary of DNA testing terms available for free download on their website.

  • Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet DataBase

    Forensic DNA analysis resources compiled by John Butler. Includes training materials, technical information, and a collection of data by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

  • Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)

    A group of approximately 50 scientists representing federal, state, and local forensic DNA laboratories in the United States and Canada. SWGDAM periodically issues new Interpretation Guidelines that crime labs then implement. The 2017 guidelines that supersede the 2010 guidelines are available on the SWGDAM website. FAQ page contains helpful information.

    • 2013 SWGDAM Interpretation Guidelines for Mitochondrial DNA Analysis by Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
    • 2015 SWGDAM Guidelines for Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems
  • Evolutions in DNA Forensics

    Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals compiled this list of books, articles, and other publications that treat different aspects of DNA evidence, including DNA databases, forensic interpretation of DNA evidence, 4th and 5th Amendment concerns, and more.

  • Supreme Court Upholds Taking DNA Upon Arrest

    UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty on the Supreme Court case Maryland v. King which allows the taking of DNA from arrestees.

Attorneys may use or borrow these books from the IDS Forensic Library located in Durham.

Books

  • Erin E. Murphy, Inside the Cell: The Dark Side of Forensic DNA
  • John M. Butler, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Interpretation
  • John M. Butler, Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing
  • John M. Butler, Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers (2d ed.)

Cases

  • United States v. Gissantaner, 990 F.3d 457 (6th Cir. 2021).
  • State v. Carver, _ N.C. App. _ (April 20, 2021)

    Defendant successfully appealed a murder conviction on a motion for appropriate relief by showing, with expert testimony, that SBI policies for interpreting mixture DNA evidence at the time were outdated and inaccurate based on current accepted practices. A new trial was awarded.

  • State v. Phillips, 836 S.E.2d 866 (2019)

    The prosecutor had a DNA analyst testify about an inconclusive mixture. Such testimony was not “based on sufficient facts or data” nor “the product of reliable principles and methods.” Erroneous admission of expert testimony regarding DNA evidence recovered from minor victim was prejudicial in statutory rape prosecution.

  • State v. Phillips, __ N.C. App. __, __ S.E.2d __ (Dec. 3, 2019)

    New trial ordered where State Crime Lab forensic scientist was required to testify about DNA sample despite her insistence that the testimony was not scientifically valid. Court of Appeals found that the testimony was expert opinion testimony and did not satisfy prongs 1 or 2 of Rule 702 where the expert was asked to testify regarding an inconclusive profile in a DNA mixture.

  • United States v. Gissantaner, 417 F. Supp. 3d 857 (W. D. Mich. 2019)

    Successful Daubert challenge to the admissibility of STRMix genotyping software due to the complexity of the DNA mixture in the case at hand. Defendant’s Daubert motion and the ruling are linked in this article.

  • Supreme Court Upholds Taking DNA Upon Arrest

    UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty on the Supreme Court case Maryland v. King which allows the taking of DNA from arrestees.

Motions and Briefs

  • Bean Motion, Lab Reports, and Transcript

    Three reports were written about the same SBI DNA testing in this case: the first report in 5/09 said defendant excluded as source of DNA; the second report in 6/09 changed the conclusion and said the results were “inconclusive” (the internal SBI lab “reviewer” made the analyst change the report); and the third report in 8/11 said defendant was excluded. For more information about this case, click here.

    • Motion for Sanctions for Brady Violations
    • Lab Reports
    • Transcript of Analyst Winningham’s testimony
  • Motion to Suppress DNA Evidence

    Motion to exclude the SBI’s analysis of DNA evidence where analysis entirely consumed the sample and was performed in violation of a court order. Drafted by Lisa Dubs and Mark Rabil.

    • Orders – Orders from the case above, including Order to Preserve Evidence and Notes, order to not test evidence without written consent of the state and the defense or upon a court order, order excluding evidence of SBI testing, and dismissal of charges.
  • Third Motion for Production of Discovery Regarding DNA and Forensic Evidence and Motion to Prevent Consumptive DNA Testing
  • Motion for Discovery of Laboratory/Scientific Evidence

    Sample discovery motion regarding DNA evidence.

  • Discovery checklist

    This checklist can help attorneys identify what DNA lab reports have been received in discovery and what additional items may need to be requested.

DNA in the News

  • How Police Actually Cracked the Idaho Killings Case, by Heather Tal Murphy, Slate, 1/10/2023
  • Police are using DNA evidence in the Idaho case. Here are the potential pitfalls., by Miriam Aroni Krinsky and Rebecca Blair, NBC, 1/10/2023
  • WSP: Regional crime lab’s proposed use of Rapid DNA has ‘considerable problems’, by Emily Goodell, Yakima News, 12/16/2022
  • Queensland’s forensic DNA lab inquiry finds ‘serious’ failures reduced prospect of conviction, thousands of samples may be retested, by Rachel Riga, ABC News, 12/12/2022
  • 4 analysts at Houston Forensic Science Center fired after starting own DNA company, officials say, by Miya Shay, ABC News, 12/12/2022
  • DNA database mistake leads to Portland murder suspect, by Maxine Bernstein, Oregon Live, 12/10/2022
  • New bill would limit police use of DNA collected from newborn blood screening, by Dana Defilippo, New Jersey Monitor, 11/30/2022
  • Cops Might Already Have Your DNA, Without Your Consent, by Albert Fox Cahn and Ayesha Rasheed, Daily Beast, 11/14/2022
  • Click here for more articles on this topic

DNA Experts

  • Ronald T Acton, Ph.D., Vestavia Hills, AL
  • Mehul B. Anjaria, MS,D-ABC, Los Angeles, CA
  • Edward Blake, Richmond, CA
  • Meghan E. Clement, Raleigh, NC
  • Dr. Heather Miller Coyle, West Haven, CT
  • Simon Ford, Fairborn, OH
  • Laura Gahn, Ph.D., D-ABC, Dallas, TX
  • Joan Gulliksen, Dallas, TX
  • Julie A. Heinig, Ph.D., Fairfield, OH
  • Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D., Thousand Oaks, CA
  • Lawrence Kobilinsky, Ph.D., Oceanside, NY
  • Dan Krane, Ph.D., Fairborn, OH
  • Deanna D. Lankford, Dallas, TX
  • Henry Lee, Ph.D., Branford, CT
  • Dr. Randell T. Libby, Seattle, WA
  • J. Thomas (Tom) McClintock, Ph.D., Lynchburg, VA
  • Terry Melton, Ph.D., State College, PA
  • Huma Nasir, Dallas, TX
  • Maher (Max) Noureddine, Ph.D., MS, Oak Ridge, NC
  • Orchid Cellmark, Dallas, TX
  • Matthew Quartaro, Plano, TX
  • Norah Rudin, Ph.D., Mountain View, CA
  • William Shields, Syracuse, NY
  • Marc Scott Taylor, Ventura, CA
  • William C. (Bill) Thompson, Ph.D., JD, Irvine, CA
  • Melanie S. Trapani, Ph.D., Dallas, TX
  • Charlotte J. Word, Ph.D., Richmond, VA
  • Sandy Zabell, Ph.D., Evanston, IL

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