NCJ Number
179907
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 2-3 Dated: June-September 1999 Pages: 67-73
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A case is presented in which DNA was successfully recovered from fragments of a contact lens in a vacuum cleaner bag taken from a vacuum used to clean a crime scene in Canada after a crime involving brutal sexual assault and forcible confinement had occurred.
Abstract
The female victim alleged that she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted by a male who had befriended her and asked for assistance with a medical condition. A contact lens was knocked from her eye during the assault. She escaped after the assault, but did not report the crime to the police for 3 days due to her fear from the attacker's threats. The DNA was amplified using three separate PCR multiplex systems; 9 or 10 autosomal STR loci attempted produced an interpretable DNA profile, as well as gender determination. The DNA fragment sizes were generated electronically through the use of GeneScan software. The DNA profile originating from the 19 fragments of the contact lens matched that of the known sample taken from the victim within a very narrow tolerance. The results were relayed to the investigating police officers. These findings effectively placed the complainant at the crime scene and corroborated her statement. The suspect subsequently pleaded guilty to the offense. Figures, table, photographs, footnotes, and 10 references (Author abstract modified)