LEGAL MEDICINE

1.2B DNA EVIDENCE

Location and Collection of

Evidence
Collection Techniques
Preservation of Evidence
Packaging and Storage
Documentation-Chain of Custody

Applications of DNA Analysis

Criminal Investigations - matching
suspect with evidence
Parentage Testing - identifying
parent(s)
Historical investigations
Missing persons investigations
Mass disasters positive
identification of the deceased
DNA databases

DNA ANALYSIS IN CRIME INVESTIGATION

Each persons DNA is
different from every
individuals, except for
identical twins.
DNA collected from a
crime scene can either
link a suspect to the
evidence or eliminate a
suspect, similar to the
use of fingerprints.

Where Is DNA Contained in the Human

Body?

Blood
Semen
Skin cells
Tissue
Organ

Perspiration
Fingernails
Mucus
Saliva
Muscles

Brain
Bone
Etc

SOURCES of BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES:

Muscle tissues

Body fluids
- blood
- semen
- saliva
- sweat
- urine

Hair
Teeth

Bones

Where can DNA evidence be

found at a crime scene?
Virtually anywhere!
Use your investigators instinct!

Why is DNA evidence useful

in criminal investigation?
DNA testing has become an established part of
criminal justice procedures, and the admissibility of
DNA in court is routine.

Facts on DNA
The same DNA is found in all cells of the body. The
same DNA profile is recovered, no matter what the
sample (cell) type.
DNA is unique for all individuals except identical
twins.
Your DNA does not change through your life.
Any cellular material left at a crime scene may be a
useful source of DNA.
DNA is formed by combination of DNA from his or her
parents with half coming from the mother and half
from the father. is unique for all individuals except
idencal twins.

Physical vs Biological Evidence

Physical evidence is any
tangible object that can
connect an offender to a
crime scene.
Biological evidence, which
contains DNA, is a type of
physical evidence.
However, biological
evidence is not always
visible to the naked eye.

SEARCH FOR DNA EVIDENCE

DNA Evidence is Transfer Evidence.
DNA Evidence is Trace Evidence.

DNA Evidence is Transfer Evidence

Evidence

Possible Location of DNA Sources of DNA

evidence

Baseball bat or
similar weapon

Handle, end

Sweat, skin, blood

Hat, bandanna,
mask

Inside

Sweat, hair, dandruff

Facial tissue,
cotton swab

Surface area

Mucus, blood, sweat,

semen, ear wax

Dirty laundry

Surface area

Blood, sweat, semen

toothpick

Surface area

Saliva, blood

Fingernail, partial
fingernail

scrapings

Blood, sweat, tissue

Through and
through bullet

Outside surface

Blood, tissue

eyeglasses

Nose or ear pieces, lens

Sweat, skin

DNA Evidence is Transfer Evidence

Evidence

Possible Location of DNA Sources of DNA

evidence

Used cigarette

Cigarette butt

Saliva

Stamp or envelop

Licked area

Saliva

Tape or ligature

Inside /outside surface

Skin, sweat

Bottle, can, or
glasses

Side, mouthpiece

Saliva, sweat,

Bite mark

Persons skin or clothing

saliva

Used condom

Inside/outside surface

Semen, vaginal or rectal

cells

Blanket, pillow,
sheet

Surface area

Sweat, hair, semen, urine,

saliva

tissue

cigarette butt

fingernails

Broken window

DNA Evidence is Trace Evidence

Evidence such as hair, fiber,
body fluids, are types of
physical evidence that is
small and transient, but
measurable. When larger
items of physical evidence are
subjected to closer
examination in the
laboratory, trace evidence
may be detected.

DNA Evidence Collection And

Preservation

Collection Priority
The first Priority are trace materials and
evidence of a fragile nature.
The second priority would be to collect
swabs from handled items that have been
moved, are out of place or do not belong to
the resident.
A third priority type of evidence that may
be at the scene includes the potentially
lower-quality biological evidence.

COLLECTION OF DNA EVIDENCE

As a general rule air dry any
sample taken. If it is in the
form of tissues, either freeze or
soak in lysis buffer solution.
If DNA evidence is not properly
documented, collected, packaged,
and preserved, it will not meet the
legal and scientific requirements for
admissibility in a court of law.

GENERAL GUIDELINES
Degradation of biological evidence is
most commonly caused by exposure to
moisture and heat, which encourages the
growth of bacteria.
This can lead to destruction of the
DNA and the possibility of incomplete or no
DNA typing results being obtained.

DNA Source Example: Ashtray

In this example, DNA
evidence left by the
suspect and/or the
victim could be
found in the form of
saliva, skin cells and
sweat on the
cigarette.

DNA Source Example: Laundry

In this example,
DNA evidence
from both the
victim and suspect
can be found in
the form of sweat,
saliva, blood
and/or semen.

DNA Source Example: Baseball Bat

At first glance, the
victim's DNA evidence
(hair, blood and bone
fragments) would be
found at the tip of the
baseball bat. After
further consideration,
DNA evidence left
behind by the suspect
(sweat and skin cells)
could be found on the
handle of the bat.

Collection Procedures
Personal Protection
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS CAN CONTAIN PATHOGENS SUCH AS:

Hepatitis
Syphilis
TB
Gonorrhea
Measles
HIV
NOTE: Assume that all stains, wet or dry, are infectious!

Considerations for Handling

1. Always wear latex gloves when handling biological
evidence.
2. Change gloves between handling of each item of
evidence.
3. Process biological evidence on a clean area (such as a
fresh piece of butcher paper). Use a 10 % bleach
solution to clean areas at which biological evidence
will be handled.
4. Be careful not to talk excessively over biological
evidence. Wear a mask if necessary.
5. Only work with one piece of evidence at a time.
6. Never allow items of biological evidence to come into
contact with each other.

Body Fluid Stains

Blood stains
Seminal stains
Saliva stains
etc.

Special Situations
For Liquid Containers:
Empty liquid containers by poking a hole in the
bottom to avoid liquid contact with the mouth area.
Swab mouth area of the container using sterile
cotton swabs. Package in paper envelope.
Submit entire item if swabbing is not possible.
Request test for both DNA and latent fingerprints.
Mark aluminum cans for "Room Temperature
Storage," as cold or frozen storage causes
condensation on metal, which may dilute biological
evidence.

Wet Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces

Use one or more sterile swabs (or sterile gauze for
larger stains) to soak up the stain.
Concentrate the stain on one portion of the tip of
the swab.
Allow to thoroughly air-dry.
Collect the control sample by slightly moistening
the swab with distilled water and rubbing an area
of the surface in an unstained region near the
stain.

Dry Stains on Absorbent Surfaces

(examples: wood frame and carpet)
Cut out the stained area and package in paper.
Collect a portion of the unstained area as a
control sample.
Package and label each sample separately.

Dry Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces

Swabbing method (wet absorption).
Moisten sterile swab with distilled water.
Concentrate stain on the tip of the cotton swab.
Allowed swabbed stain to air-dry.

Scraping method.
Use a new or clean scalpel blade to scrape the stains from the surface.
Collect the flakes onto clean paper and fold the paper in a bindle.
If the stain is on wood, shave the area of the bloodstain with a new or clean
scalpel blade.

Package each item separately.

Place sample in a labeled envelope that provides reference
information on where the sample was collected.
Take a control swabbing from unstained areas using a new sterile
swab slightly moistened with distilled water. Allow the control
swab to air-dry, label and package in paper.
Submit entire item if swabbing or scraping is not possible.

Blood and Body Fluid Collection

Cuttings. Remove a section of the
item containing the stain using a
sterile or clean cutting device.
Wet absorption.
Moisten sterile swab with distilled water.
Press or rub the swab into the stain.
The stain should be concentrated on the
tip.
Allowed swabbed stain to air-dry.

Blood and Body Fluid Collection

Scraping method. The sample is
scraped with a clean razor blade or
scalpel, into a clean piece of paper that
can be folded and packaged in a paper
envelope.
This is a method to be used in a
controlled environment (i.e., no wind or
traffic) and where the scrapings will
not contaminate other evidence.

Cigarette Butts
Select only the cigarette butts that may be of
evidentiary value.
Collect individually
Air dry before packaging in PAPER envelope
Do NOT handle with your bare fingers.
Do NOT include the ashes.

Fingernail Clippings, Swabs, Scrapings

Fingernail clippings are generally preferred where
possible.
Fingernail Clippings

Fingernail Swabs

Fingernail Scrapings

DNA from Fingernails

Fingernail clippings:

Clip nails using sterile clippers or scissors

Use one clipper/scissor per hand
Place clippings in druggist folds fold
Use a separate piece for each hand
Place the evidence in separate labeled
envelopes.

Fingernail Swabs:
Moisten a sterile cotton swab with distilled water
and swab under fingernails.
Use one swab per hand.
Place the evidence in separate labeled envelopes.
Fingernail Scrapings:
Collect scrapings using a rounded end of a toothpick.
One toothpick per hand.
Collect the scrapings (and the toothpick) into
druggist fold (use a separate piece for each hand).
Place the evidence in separate labeled envelopes

Hair
Collect all questioned hairs from the scene that
have possible evidentiary value.
Note position of hairs in the crime scene.
Use clean forceps or gloves to collect.
Place in druggist folds; try not to bend samples.
Avoid damaging the root of the hair.
Air dry if wet, prior to packaging.
Combing: Using clean exam paper and comb
thoroughly and vigorously comb questioned
region (head/public) and collect all hairs
recovered.

HOW TO MAKE A DRUGGIST

FOLD
1. With the material in a position just
right of centre in the middle of the
paper, fold the paper upwards in
half.
2. Keeping the entire sample to the
right, fold the paper half way over.
3. Shake the sample into the left
corner of the pocket that is formed,
and then fold the paper back in half.

4. Fold the top down and place the

packaged sample in an envelope.

Transporting the Victim

In a sexual assault case, it may be the
responsibility of the first responding
officer to transport the victim for a
medical examination. Prior to being
transported to the hospital, be sure to
cover the victim with a CLEAN blanket,
CLEAN sheet or a CLEAN paper wrap. This
will help protect any evidence that may
be located on the victim.
Collect samples from the victim to act as
control

DNA Sample Collection Consent Form

Known Control Samples

Living Subjects: Collect Buccal Swabs
Procedure:
Collect oral swabs from possible
suspect(s), victim(s), and known
references (those with access to
the scene, such as
homeowners).
Document collection through
photograph and consent forms.
Do not pre-wet swab.
Rub dry swab on the inside of
cheek until wet. Collect at least
two swabs from cheeks.
Identify item with donor's name
on swab box and envelope.
Thoroughly air-dry the swab
before packaging.

Known Control Samples:

Deceased Subjects
1. Buccal swab: Cadaver without blood in the oral cavity.
2. Blood swab: Liquid blood sample removed from body
at time of autopsy must be stained on a sterile cotton
swab and air dry.
3. Best tissue sample: If no blood sample is available,
collect an approximate inch square piece of the best
tissue sample available, (psoas muscle, liver, spleen,
stomach).
4. Bone marrow or teeth with tissue: If no tissue sample
is available.
5. If cadaver is embalmed: cut skin from earlobe,
prevent cutting too deep as formalin may leak.
Optional: Hair sample may be collected as additional standard sample.
Collect at least 15 head or pubic hairs (PULLED, NOT CUT), package, label
and submit to the lab.

Liquid Blood Sample Procedure

Should be done by licensed Medical
Practitioner
Collect in purple-topped vacuum tubes
that contain the preservative
ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid.
Identify item with donor's name on blood
tube.
Refrigerate. Do not freeze or store near
high heat (above 100 F) to prevent the
glass from fracturing.
Alert evidence officers of refrigerated
samples.

Known Control Samples

Deceased Subjects
Place tissue specimen in a leak proof
container.
Seal and label.
Keep frozen prior to submission to the lab.
NOTE: Do not store tissue sample in
alcohol, or any other liquid.

PNPCL DNA Lab is not yet capable of

analyzing Mitochondrial DNA, which is
present in skeletonised and decomposed
human remains.

Leak proof container for tissue samples.

Deceased Subjects
1. Buccal Swabs: without blood in the oral cavity.
2. Blood swab: Liquid blood sample removed from body at
time of autopsy must be stained on a sterile cotton swab and
air dry.
3. Best tissue sample: If no blood sample is available, collect
an approximate inch square piece of the best tissue sample
available, (psoas muscle, liver, spleen, stomach).
4. Bone marrow or teeth with tissue: If no tissue sample is
available.
5. If cadaver is embalmed: cut skin from earlobe, prevent
cutting too deep as formalin may leak.
Optional: Hair sample may be collected as additional
standard sample. Collect at least 15 head or pubic hairs
(PULLED, NOT CUT), package, label and submit to

Place tissue specimen in a leak proof

container.
Seal and label.
Keep frozen prior to submission to the
lab.

Do not store tissue sample in alcohol,

or any other liquid.
PNPCL DNA Lab is not yet capable of
analyzing Mitochondrial DNA, which is
present in skeletonised and
decomposed human remains.

Secondary Standard
Secondary standards are collected when collection of
primary standards is impossible, such as in cases of missing
victims.
Buccal swabs from parents, or
Buccal swabs from child and wife, or
Buccal swabs from a known identical twin/
Personal Belongings such as toothbrush, razor,

Thoroughly air-dry samples.

Package in paper envelopes/ bags.
hairbrush.

Examples of DNA Evidence

According to Nature of Case

remember DNA is a transfer

evidence

Rape
From Victim:
Stained underwear or
clothing
Vaginal Swabs
Fingernail Clippings
Standard
From Suspect
Clothing with bloodstain
Standard
From Crime Scene
Seminal stains
Bloodstains

Stabbing Incident
From Victim:
Fingernail Clippings
Standard
From Suspect
Clothing with bloodstain
Standard
Weapon
From Crime Scene
Bloodstains

Shooting Incident
From Victim:
Fingernail Clippings
Standard
From Suspect
Clothing with bloodstain
Standard
Weapon
From Crime Scene
Bloodstains

Found Dead Body

From Victim:
Fingernail Clippings
Vaginal Swab/underwear
(Female)
Standard
From Suspect
Clothing with bloodstain
Standard
Weapon
From Crime Scene
Body fluid stains

HANDLING OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR

DNA EXAMINATION

CHAIN OF CUSTODY
Record of individuals who have had
physical possession of the evidence.
Integrity of chain of custody
The fewer people handling the evidence,
the better, the lesser chance of
contamination and a shorter chain of
custody for court admissibility hearings.

Seal and Markings on the

Evidence to be submitted:

SEAL

Seal maintains the integrity of the

specimen; to further prove that no
tampering took placed.
May use commercially available
tamper-proof evidence tapes.
May use scotch or masking tapes,
marked, initialed, or signed for
tamper proofing.
Do not use staples.

MARKINGS on Evidence
Information to ensure that the items can be
identified by the collect anytime in the
future.
This precaution will help immeasurably to
establish the credibility of the collectors
report or testimony and will effectively avoid
any suggestions that the item has been
misidentified.

Markings on Evidence
A. Case number.

B. Identifier (letters, numbers, or combination)

C. Time and date of collection.
***It is also important to note the place or
location where the evidence was collected.

Markings on Evidence
DATE AND TIME OF COLLECTION

08-12-2012
0600H

STAIN

CASE NUMBER

IDENTIFIER

Ideal Manner of Packaging

Integrity seal

Initial/Signature
of the Collecting
Officer/who did
the packaging

Ideal Manner of Packaging

Ideal Manner of Packaging

Ideal Manner of Packaging

Improvised Manner of Packaging

SOCO CASE NUMBER

SPECIMEN
DESCRIPTION

LOCATION WHERE
SPECIMEN WAS FOUND

TIME & DATE OF COLLECTION

NAME AND SIGNATURE OF

COLLECTOR

IDENTIFIER

Improvised Manner of Packaging

SEALS (Scotch tape)WITH

SIGNATURE OR INITIALS OR
ANY IDENTIFIER FOR THE
COLLECTOR

Documentation & Labeling

Documents needed:

1.Letter Request
2.Court Order
3.Chain of custody form (Ideal)

Ideal Letter request

containing all information as
to:

Brief summary of the case.

Source of the specimen.
Markings.
Packaging.
-

LIMITATIONS
DNA cannot be used to:
Tell how long the suspect was at the crime
scene.
Tell how long the suspect handled an object.
Determine how long ago the cells were
deposited on the item.

Many items need to go through other

sections of the lab

Common requests:
Latent Prints
Firearms
Important to decide based on case,
which evidence has priority

LIMITATIONS
Environmental factors such as heat,
bacteria and mold can destroy DNA
evidence.
Identical twins share identical DNA.
DNA can not be used to determine WHEN
the suspect was at the crime scene.

How long does crime scene DNA last?

If items have been stored properly, DNA
can last decades (30+ years).
Exposed to harsh environment (eg: heat,
sunlight, moisture, mold), DNA may only
last a few days or weeks.
In the laboratory: we cant tell in advance
whether or not an item will yield any DNA.
DNA can be present, but too degraded to
give a result (partial DNA profiles).

Admissibility of DNA Evidence

People v. Vallejo: 382 SCRA 192 (2002)
discussed the probative value, not admissibility, of DNA
evidence
In assessing the probative value of DNA evidence,
therefore, courts should consider, among other things,
the following data: how the samples were collected, how
they were handled, the possibility of contamination of the
samples, the procedure followed in analyzing the
samples, whether the proper standards and procedures
were followed in conducting the tests, and the
qualification of the analyst who conducted the tests.
[431 Phil. 798 (2002)].

Common DNA evidence submission mishaps:

THINGS NOT TO DO!
1. MARKINGS DO NOT MATCH
2. DESCRIPTIONS DO NOT MATCH with DESCRIPTION
OF SPECIMEN
4. NO MARKINGS
5. NO SEAL
6. PART OF SPECIMEN EXPOSED: Ex. Only blade part of
the knife is wrapped with paper.
7. VARIETY OF SPECIMENS IN ONE PACKAGING
8. WET SPECIMEN
9. PLASTIC PACKAGING

Admissibility of DNA Evidence

Herrera v. Alba. 460 SCRA 197 (2005).
in the Philippines, evidence is admissible when it is relevant
to the fact in issue and is not otherwise excluded by statute
or the Rules of Court. Evidence is relevant when it has such a
relation to the fact in issue as to induce belief in its existence
or non-existence. Section 49 of Rule 130, which governs the
admissibility of expert testimony, provides as follows: The
opinion of a witness on a matter requiring special knowledge,
skill, experience or training which he is shown to possess may
be received in Evidence. This Rule does not pose any legal
obstacle to the admissibility of DNA analysis as evidence.
Indeed, even evidence on collateral matters is allowed
when it tends in any reasonable degree to establish the
probability or improbability of the fact in issue.

Rule on DNA Evidence

A.M. No. 06-11-5-SC October 2, 2007
Took effect
15, 2007
Sec.October
1. Scope.
- This Rule shall apply whenever DNA

evidence, as defined in Section 3 hereof, is offered, used,

or proposed to be offered or used as evidence in all
criminal and civil actions as well as special proceedings.
Sec. 4. Application for DNA Testing Order. - The
appropriate court may, at any time, either motu proprio or
on application of any person who has a legal interest in the
matter in litigation, order a DNA testing This Rule shall
not preclude a DNA testing, without need of a prior court
order, at the behest of any party, including law enforcement
agencies, before a suit or proceeding is commenced.

Rule on DNA Evidence

A.M. No. 06-11-5-SC October 2, 2007
Took effect
Sec. 7. Assessment of probative value of DNA evidence. - In assessing
October
the probative
value15,
of 2007
the DNA evidence presented, the court shall
consider the following:
(a) The chain of custody, including how the biological samples were
collected, how they were handled, and the possibility of contamination of
the samples;
(b) The DNA testing methodology, including the procedure followed in
analyzing the samples, the advantages and disadvantages of the
procedure, and compliance with the scientifically valid standards in
conducting the tests;
(c) The forensic DNA laboratory, including accreditation by any reputable
standards-setting institution and the qualification of the analyst who
conducted the tests. If the laboratory is not accredited, the relevant
experience of the laboratory in forensic casework and credibility shall be
properly established; and
(d) The reliability of the testing result, as hereinafter provided.
The provisions of the Rules of Court concerning the appreciation of
evidence shall apply suppletorily.

Right Against Self Incrimination

Applicable to testimonial evidence, not when
obtaining DNA samples.
The contention is untenable. The kernel of the right
is not against all compulsion, but against testimonial
compulsion. The right against self-incrimination is
simply against the legal process of extracting from
the lips of the accused an admission of guilt. It does
not apply where the evidence sought to be excluded
is not an incrimination but as part of object
evidence. People v. Yatar. 428 SCRA 504 (2004) at
518

Right Against Self Incrimination

The Court ruled in People v. Rondero [G.R. No.
125687, 9 December 1999, 320 SCRA 383] that
although accused-appellant insisted that hair samples
were forcibly taken from him and submitted to the
National Bureau of Investigation for forensic
examination, the hair samples may be admitted in
evidence against him, for what is proscribed is the use
of testimonial compulsion or any evidence
communicative in nature acquired from the accused
under duress. Hence, a person may be compelled to
submit to fingerprinting, photographing, paraffin,
blood and DNA, as there is no testimonial
compulsion involved.
People v. Yatar. 428 SCRA 504 (2004) at 518

Right Against Self Incrimination

Under People v. gallarde, [G.R. No. 133025, 27
February 2000, 325 SCRA 835] where
immediately after the incident, the police
authorities took pictures of the accused without
the presence of counsel, we ruled that there
was no violation of the right against selfincrimination. The accused may be compelled
to submit to a physical examination to
determine his involvement in an offense of
which he is accused.
People v. Yatar. 428 SCRA 504 (2004) at 518

DNA is unique except for?

a.Twins
b.Siblings
c.Identical twins
d.None. DNA is unique.

You are investigating a rape case. You

collected and submitted the victims
underwear with alleged seminal stain.
What standard biological sample from
the accused would you submit?
a. Semen
b. Blood
c. Buccal swab
d. Tissue sample

You are investigating a murder. The male

victim, who is still unidentified, was
apparently beaten to death and put
inside a bag before being dumped on the
sidewalk. What biological evidence
would you ask the SOCO to collect from
the victim?
a. Nail clippings
b. Tissue sample
c. A and b.

You are investigating a murder. The male

victim, who is still unidentified, was
apparently beaten to death and put
inside a bag before being dumped on the
sidewalk. What standard samples would
you collect and compare to the DNA
profile generated from the victims tissue
sample?
a. Parents buccal swabs
b. Used personal belongings
c. His twins buccal swabs
d. Any of these

You are investigating a cold case. A rape

incident that occurred 20 years ago,
where the previous investigator was able
to collect the victims underwear with
alleged seminal stain. The underwear is
still kept safe in your evidence room. An
eyewitness surfaced, pointing to a
suspect. You were able to arrest the
suspect. Is it possible to use the evidence
collected 20 yrs ago for DNA analysis?
a. Yes
b. No

CASE STUDY
Case no.1: Paternity

Facts of the case: A wealthy old man died of natural

causes. No last will and testament was ever recorded by
him. He had one (1) legitimate child and two (2)
illegitimate children. To settle things, his three (3) closest
friends asked the services of the DNA-lab to retrieve
specimens from the old man for future references.
Question: What the purpose of asking the services of the
laboratory?
Answer: His three (3) closest friends blackmailed the
legitimate child into giving them 1/3 of the old mans
wealth or they will go public.

Php 200,000,000.00+++

Case no.2: Rape/Paternity

Facts of the case: A 16-year old girl gave birth to twins mid
2004. She accused a wealthy old man that he was the
alleged father, but later retracted saying that he had a
previous boyfriend and was the true father of her
offspring. Nevertheless the old man still pursued for a
DNA examination.
Result: He could not be the father of the alleged children.
Question: What drove this man to have a sexual affair
with the girl?
Answer: Curiosity

Nakatikim ka na ba ng kinse anyos?

Case no.3: Rape

Facts of the case: A 20-year old woman accused his 45-year old
neighbor of raping her. During the hearing the man challenged
the prosecutor for a DNA examination using the vaginal swabs
that was taken from the woman when she was examined by a
medico-legal officer and firmly stated in his affidavit that he
had never raped the victim.

Result: The foreign DNA profile found in the vaginal swab

matched the DNA profile of the suspect and is now serving his
time in prison.
Question: Why was the suspect so confident in challenging the
prosecutor for a DNA examination?
Answer: The man knew that he didnt ejaculate during the
intercourse and was convinced that no DNA specimen of his could
ever be found on the swabs.

Case no.4: Murder

Facts of the case: A middle-aged woman and her lady companion
was killed in their house. The investigators then turned to the
womans boyfriend who was present at the crime scene and
submitted his t-shirt and shoes with alleged bloodstain for DNA
examination. Stated in his sworn affidavit, he arrived at the
scene and found his girlfriend lying on the floor. Shocked, he held
onto his girlfriend before investigators arrived and causing blood
to be stained on his shirt and shoes.
Result: The man was charged with double murder and was
sentenced to death.
Question: Why was he found guilty?

Answer: Results showed that the DNA profile found on his shirt
and shoes matched the DNA profile of the lady companion of the
woman.

Has Forensic DNA Profiling replaced

other forensic techniques?
Not all cases can be solved with DNA.
Not all cases can be solved with
fingerprinting.
The disciplines can work in synergy.
Forensic science is multidisciplinary:
pathology, biology, anthropology,
odontology, toxicology, ballistics,
fingerprints, etc.