Green River Task Force Summary

Krimsky, Sheldon.Simoncelli, Tania. 2011. “Using DNA for Justice” Pp 234.-239 in Rethinking the Color Line, 5th Edition, edited by Charles Gallagher. New York, NY: McGraw

This paper examines Carrell et al’s research along with three other scholarly research articles to better understand the effects that the DNA recovered from a crime scene has on a particular case and the forensic science community.

Lee has also worked on so many famous cases such as the JonBenét Ramsey murder, the Helle Crafts woodchipper murder, the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, the post-9/11 forensic investigation, the Washington, DC sniper shootings and to reinvestigate the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Which surprisingly most people aren’t aware of. One of Dr. Lee’s teams discovered a new method to extract DNA from evidentiary samples, a technique to enhance bloody fingerprints, images and procedures for estimating the volume of blood found at a crime scene, and a method to develop footprints. Being such an inspiration for many people the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven was conceived by Dr. Lee and other forensic scientists in the early 1990s. His internationally renowned reputation as one of the world’s leading forensic scientists coupled with the University of New Haven’s 35 year history as one of the foremost academic forensic programs in the country was the catalyst for the creation of the

For Iowa Lakes Criminal Justice class Introduction to Corrections I read the book Bloodsworth By Tim Junkin for my book report. The book follows the story of a man named Kirk Bloodsworth. Bloodsworth was convicted and charged for the murder and rape of a nine-year-old girl in 1984. He was sentenced to death for those charges in Maryland and gas chamber was the execution put fourth. During his whole time in prison Kirk Bloodsworth said he was innocent. He researched everyday he could and read law book after law book. He researched about DNA testing something that was very new to the time, and he searched for a lawyer that would take on his case after he had been incarcerated for over nine years. DNA testing would become very beneficial to him.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, the development of DNA analysis technology has revolutionised the field of forensic science within the criminal justice system. As the refinement of procedures and technology continues, even minute samples of biological material (including blood, saliva, semen and skin cells) are able to be analysed and used to link or acquit perpetrators of crimes. (Whitney, R n.d.)

Today in the crime world, DNA evidence is strongly accepted in solving crime cases. This is all based in part by allowing a crime laboratory to have a designated unit whose main goal is to analyze DNA evidence to aid investigators with positive outcomes in crime case solving. With that being said we are going to discuss the functions of a DNA unit within a crime lab as well as address the vital role these units play in solving crime.

A man by the name of Darryl Hunt was apprehended at the age of 19. He was charged and convicted of a murder that he did not commit in the year of 1984 in North Carolina. During the trial, the testing of DNA results proved the innocence of Mr. Hunt in 1994, however it took an additional 10 years of legal appeals to free him. The death of Deborah Sykes, a 25 year old copy editor at a local newspaper, whom was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death is what Mr. Hunt was accused of doing. Until this day this crime still touches many including Mr. Hunt.

DNA’s certainty is dramatized in today’s society, which gives lay people the impression that DNA is infallible; however, in the case of Wayne Butler and others, the fallibility of DNA is exposed. Wayne Butler was accused of sadistically murdering Natasha Douty who was found beaten to death on Brampton Island in 1983. Wayne Butler was vacationing on Brampton Island during the timeframe of the murder; however, claimed to be jogging during this time. After submitting a blood test, Butler was eliminated as a suspect. However, Butler was arrested in 2001 for this murder because semen, which was found on the towel at the crime scene, was found to be a match. The John Tonge Centre performed a DNA test on the evidence on the towel. Butler was found innocent after it was identified that the John Tonge Centre mislabeled the test tubes containing the crime scene evidence. (“DNA Evidence”) This case proves that DNA testing may not be as reliable as we think.

The article examines the first exoneration from DNA of the wrongfully convicted Gary Dotson. The article then further explains the DNA testing and conclusions from the initial trial. In addition, the article shared the detailed outline of the rape case of Cathleen Crowell. Also, the article explains which methods were used in collecting and testing the DNA that was found. Gary Dotson was eventually exonerated due to the proper testing of the DNA in this case and from the recanting of the story from the

The Night Stalker. Ted Bundy. The Green River Killer. These are some of the many notorious killers that put the nation into a panic. With the help of forensic science these men were apprehended and brought to justice. The enigma of catching a killer has always amazed me. Killers like the ones mentioned where like characters from a prime time television drama. Dramas like Bones, NCIS, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation showcases the techniques that are used to catch the “bad guys”. Forensic science has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl watching Forensic Files with my father. He would teach me how the police would catch these men that seemed unstoppable but I saw how much more there is to it. The science behind catching a murderous

Fifty two year old police Lt. Charles Joe Gliniewicz was found dead in fox lake the officer was shot two times once in the back of his neck and another in the stomach which he had a bulletproof vest over. Investigators who have been only been working on this case for a week have already found video of three suspects two white and one black. The police are still looking for them as the suspects in question where who Lt Joe Gliniewicz was pursuing before being shot and killed. Authorities involved have investigated over 185 leads and had 50 of those individuals tested for the DNA that was found at the crime seen. And are working hard to find out who’s DNA was found at the seen. The case of gliniewicz ‘s death continues there is an internal

Since the late 1980s, there have been thousands of cases in which prime suspects have been wrongfully convicted, the most common causes being eyewitness misidentification, incriminating statements, and statements from informants. According to The Innocence Project, there have been almost four hundred post-conviction DNA exoneration cases in our country, and they are working to investigate even more wrongful conviction cases. This life changing program, along with their six attorneys, gather information about thousands of cases and determine whether or not DNA evidence can be reevaluated. Kenneth Ireland’s case was submitted for litigation after they found that the court relied heavily on false statements from witnesses. Researchers working

In the essay, “DNA fingerprinting: Cracking Our Genetic ‘Barcode’,” by Elaine Marieb, illustrates how significant DNA fingerprinting is today. She initiates a candid example of how New York City’s World Trade Center massacre killed more than 3, 000, left millions of bodies distorted, charred, and decayed. It was the staple for the ever-increasing need for DNA fingerprinting.

Overlooking the picturesque Speed River in Guelph's downtown is the River Run Center. Constructed in 1995, the performing arts center was built with funding from the City of Guelph, Government of Ontario, Government of Canada and donations from companies, foundations and people from all walks of life. The center was officially opened in late 1997 and since then, has seen many shows and events hosted within its' walls. Also located near the River Run Centre is the Civic Museum, farmers market and a whole load of shops and cafes. If you are a fan of cats, do visit "My Kitty Cat" cafe that is situated a short walk away from River Run Center. If you are keen, you may also embark on a walk along the numerous trails located beside River Run Centre

The case study that this author is covering is one of the most notorious and worst crime of US history. This killer not only kills women; he rapes them, then he utilizes an item to kill his victims. This killer’s name is known throughout the country and the world as the Stocking Strangler which started in the 1970s. Law enforcement has appended the suspected serial killer; the accused’s name is Carlton Gary. Mr. Gary was found guilty of all charges, but however, they didn’t have DNA testing at the time