DNAPrint genomics (OTCBB: DNAP) of Sarasota, FL confirmed that its DNAWitness™ test was strategically employed in an investigation by the Boulder, Colorado Police Department.
Susannah Chase, 23 was brutally beaten and raped in December of 1997. Her body, as well as a DNA specimen, was found several days later.
A representative of the Boulder Police Department has stated, “DNAPrint reported that the DNA investigators submitted is indicative of someone exhibiting features that are common to Hispanics or Native Americans. This information will assist detectives with prioritizing tips and possibly generate more investigative leads.”
DNA is commonly left at crime scenes, but until DNAPrint™ developed DNAWitness™, no ancestral or physical information could be reliably read from that DNA (other than gender). The genetic heritage of an individual cannot be accurately inferred from standard DNA tests. DNAWitness™ is powered by 175 of the human genome’s best Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) and measures an individual’s ancestry admixture from his or her DNA. From simulations and direct observations, it is known that DNAWitness results are precise to within a few percent, depending on the type of admixture present.
Standard DNA testing provides a unique identifier from the crime scene DNA, but in this case, the crime scene DNA did not match any of the profiles in the FBI's CODIS database, making the identification of the suspect impossible at this time. Detectives continued their quest to learn about the donor of the DNA at the crime scene and their search led investigators to DNAPrint genomics™, which is the first and so far only company able to offer this new type of DNA analysis. The test was applied by investigators to infer physical information about the suspect from the crime scene DNA, allowing them to focus precious investigative resources on high value leads related to the crime.
Forensic validation studies of DNAWitness™ have been performed by the San Diego Police Department Crime Lab, the National Center for Forensic Science and the Broward County Crime Lab. In July, 2003, a report in the Journal of Forensic Science provided the scientific rationale and results of studies related to DNAWitness™, and the test has since been covered by Popular Science, US News and World Report, the New York Times, and national ABC and CBS news programs. DNAPrint genomics ™ has successfully determined the ancestral background of over 5,000 individuals.
“We are working with detectives on cases that have gone cold or are at a standstill,” said Richard Gabriel, CEO and President of DNAPrint genomics, Inc., “we encourage all law enforcement officers to contact us. In this case, as in others, when DNA Witness™ has been used, the scope of the investigation has been focused, and resources will be more efficiently deployed. DNAWitness™ is proving to save time and resources -- and possibly lives -- by contributing valuable information about a suspect’s ancestry. If there is a crime scene sample of DNA, DNAWitness™ can help re-direct or focus the investigation. Prior to this test, this case would remain unsolved until the murderer is caught committing another crime and that convicted felon’s DNA is loaded into the CODIS system.”
“The test costs $1,000, but given the man hours this test can save and direction it can provide to an investigation where all other leads have gone cold, it’s a reasonable price. The price is not much different from the expense incurred interviewing human eyewitnesses, yet the information provided is better than what most eyewitnesses can provide, said Tony Frudakis, PhD and CSO of the company. “Though our test can accurately distinguish between an individual of mainly Native American/European admixture (such as a Hispanic) from one of mainly European/East Asian admixture (such as an Asian American), a human from across the street might be hard pressed to do so reliably. This test is the only one of its kind. We have worked hard over the last four years building the test and validating it.” He continued, “The test is a presumptive test that can be used by investigators to get a basic description out on the wire to other investigators and departments. It is an investigator’s tool, not an identity tool. Once the pool of suspects has been narrowed down, then the standard DNA identity testing can be performed, under court order if necessary, to substantiate the potential guilt or innocence of an individual suspect.”
“I know if it were my daughter or son that had been murdered or raped, I would want this test run.” said Zach Gaskin, Technical Director of Forensics. “I frequently give lectures on how our test works and how to use it. DNA Witness™ is becoming known as a reliable test for law enforcement across the country and abroad, allowing them to narrow their field of suspects rapidly. Because DNA Witness™ is a presumptive DNA test providing information as to how the donor of the DNA sample is likely to appear or not appear, essentially producing an out-of-focus photo, it will not likely meet the same scrutiny in the courtroom as the human identification tests that match a suspect to a crime scene sample. Nevertheless, we treat the evidence in accordance with policies and procedures followed by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Lab Accreditation Board. It is important to note that the current human identification DNA tests performed by crime labs, known as STR tests, can only provide gender when you have no suspect to compare the evidence to. STR testing for criminal cases does require ASCLD/LAB certification because it actually identifies the individual as the person present at the crime scene.” Gaskin went on to say “DNA Witness™ provides a general description of the person, not a match, which we leave to the crime labs. But DNA Witness™ is an extremely valuable tool for helping detectives narrow the suspect list and focus their resources on leads that are more in line with the crime scene evidence.”
About DNAPrint(TM) genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint genomics Inc. uses proprietary human genome research methods to develop and sell genomic-based services. The Company introduced AncestrybyDNA in the consumer market and DNA Witness in the forensic market in 2003. DNAPrint is developing products in the pharmacogenomic market and has a disease gene discovery program. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol: DNAP. For more information about the company, please visit www.dnaprint.com.
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of DNAPrint's products, dependence on collaborations and partners, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, and patent protection and litigation. DNAPrint genomics, Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in DNAPrint's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
Media and Press Contacts
Richard Gabriel
DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.
CEO/President
(941) 366-3400