NCJ Number
194767
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 23-27
Date Published
2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews forensic DNA evidence obtained from an alleged rape suspect, a rape victim, and her boyfriend. This case focuses on secondary DNA transfer and how it can be used in solving sexual assault cases.
Abstract
Secondary DNA transfer can be defined as the passing of DNA from one person or object to another. This can be helpful in single perpetrator rape cases as well as gang rape cases, and has significant evidentiary value. A handicapped woman alleged that her boyfriend's neighbor raped her after consuming homemade alcohol. The neighbor denied having any sexual contact with the victim. The victim's underwear was collected as evidence and medical experts examined the victim and perpetrator within 15 hours of the crime; vaginal and penile swab samples were also collected. The DNA results from the victim showed a mixed DNA result. Further questioning revealed that the victim had consensual intercourse with her boyfriend the day before she was raped. Hence, a DNA sample was taken from him, which matched the victim's DNA. The two DNA results concluded that the boyfriend's DNA had been transferred to the perpetrator when the victim was raped. The courts concluded there had been sexual contact between the victim and the perpetrator, and he was found guilty of rape. 1 Figure, 1 table, 12 references