NCJ Number
112423
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 259 Issue: 15 Dated: (April 15, 1988) Pages: 2193-2194
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprinting, developed by Alec Jeffreys in 1985, produces a visual representation of a suspect's genome and permits identification of perpetrators of crimes from biological evidence such as hair, blood, semen, or skin.
Abstract
The technique uses restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, radiolabeling, and autoradiography to produce a vertical array of light and dark bands that visually represent the individual's DNA pattern. The probability that an individual will have a particular DNA fingerprint is approximately 1 in 30 billion. With the exception of identical twins, this virtually excludes the possibility that any two people in the world will have the same DNA fingerprint. The technique was first used in England to solve two rape/murders occurring in 1983 and 1986. Semen and blood samples taken from the two victims indicated that the same man was responsible for both. Over 5,500 samples voluntarily provided by men in the locale were screened. It was learned that one man had submitted two samples -- one in his own and the other in a coworker's name. Testing of the coworker confirmed his identity as the perpetrator. The suspect confessed and was convicted. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is planning a DNA fingerprint computer data base to be used in investigation and prosecution. While a new technique, DNA fingerprinting should provide a powerful forensic tool.