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| Evidence: Forensic Analysis of chemistry, blood, DNA, and hair | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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YOKNAPATAWPHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy. Det. T. Armstrong Incident No.: 000524-27A-2001 Case Description: Melissa Hammond Homicide The following report on forensic analysis results was received from the State Crime Lab on March 20, 2001. Chemistry 000524-15 through 000524-18: Four (4) fingernail pieces, broken, dark red or maroon on one face, natural color on opposite face Chemical, as well as ridge analysis of the fingernail polish enamel on the fingernails recovered at the crime scene (000524-15 through 000524-18) is consistent with fingernail #3 found from vacuum C of the Farrell Motors car dealership. Serology 00524-15 through 000524-18: Of the four fingernail pieces, sufficient DNA was available under 00524-15 and 00524-16 (right forefinger and middle finger). Tissue underneath the two fingernails was analyzed using both DQ Alpha and Polymarker analysis. The DQ Alpha test monitors for the presence of six different alleles at the DQ Alpha locus: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2, 3, or 4. The tissue samples removed from underneath the victim's fingernails were further amplified so that the Polymarker analysis could be performed. The Polymarker test analyzes five different loci (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, DYS8 and GC) that have 2 to 3 allelic possibilities. Because of the nature of the sample, contamination or mixtures of profiles can occur. Therefore, the Polymarker test was used to further characterize the profiles in the skin tissue. Because DNA from one single individual should only show either a homozygous (two of the same alleles) or heterozygous (two different alleles) genotype, observation of three or more alleles in a sample indicates a mixture. As well, in an unknown sample, the presence of only two alleles does not ensure a single individual as it can also indicate a mixture of two homogygous genotypes. But by analyzing the genotypes at six different loci, more information can be gained in mixed samples.
From the results of the DQ Alpha analysis, only Steve Kirby and Kevin Travers are eliminated as a donor of the skin under skin sample #1 and only JP Wallace is eliminated as a donor of the skin from skin sample #2. Polymarker Analysis
Trace Evidence Hairs: Of the 153 hairs discovered at the crime scene, a portion have been compared to samples taken from individuals close to the investigation. The following list summarizes the hair samples that have been found to be consistent with known hairs:
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From
the results of the Polymarker analysis, Kevin Travers (at both the
GYPA and HBGG locus) is eliminated as a donor of skin sample #1.
In sample #2, Kevin Travers (at locus GYPA and DYS8) is eliminated.
As well, Steve Kirby (at loci DYS8 and GC) is eliminated. Taking
both tests together (DQ Alpha and Polymarker), Kevin Travers and
Steve Kirby can be eliminated as being the donor of both tissue
samples. JP Wallace can be eliminated as the donor from only sample
#2.