NCJ Number
140914
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 48-59
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
DNA fingerprinting was used to investigate 40 cases of hunting regulation infractions involving white-tailed deer and moose in Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
Tissue samples were ground in liquid nitrogen with 3.5 mL lysis buffer. Small pieces of clothing stained with blood were added to the buffer, and all samples were incubated at 37 degrees Centigrade for up to 1 week. Proteinase K was added, and each sample was incubated at 37 degrees for an additional 4 to 7 days. DNA was purified by two phenol:chloroform extractions and one chloroform:isoamyl extraction and then precipitated by the addition of sodium acetate and isopropranol. Precipitates were centrifuged, and agarose gel electrophoresis was employed to assess sample quality and quantity. DNA fingerprints revealed by the hybridization of minisatellite DNA probes to white-tailed deer and moose DNA provided important evidence. They were used to establish the link between evidence obtained from a suspect to tissue found at animal kill sites. DNA fingerprints linked tissues to blood found on clothes, knives, or the suspect's vehicle; meat frozen in the suspect's residence; and the head and/or antlers possessed by the suspect. In several cases, a good quality DNA saample was obtained from slightly degraded tissues. 22 references, 1 table, and 5 figures