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Zacher M, van Oorschot RAH, Handt O, Goray M. Transfer and persistence of intruder DNA within an office after reuse by owner. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 73:103130. [PMID: 39217962 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The heightened sensitivity of DNA typing techniques, paired with the extensive use of trace DNA in forensic investigations, has resulted in an increased need to understand how and when DNA is deposited on surfaces of interest. This study focussed on the transfer, persistence, and prevalence of trace DNA in a single occupation of an office space by an intruder, when all contacts made during occupation and for the two hours prior and post occupation were known. The extent to which DNA could be recovered from contacted/not contacted surfaces was investigated. This study investigates the impacts of these movements and use of an office space when the duration of occupancy, surface contact histories and shedder status of participants are known. Contacts were documented and surfaces in the office space were targeted for sampling. Categories were set for target sampling that included different types of contact. Direct and indirect DNA transfer was detected in 55 % and 6 % of samples, respectively. Contactless DNA transfer was detected in 0.5 % of samples. The owner was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 77 % of the samples and as minor contributor in 10 % of samples. The intruder was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 14 % of samples and as the minor contributor in 16 %. An increased number of contacts increased the relative DNA contribution of the individual making the contact, however, not all observed direct contacts resulted in detectable DNA transfer. The outcome of this study will aid in better sample targeting strategies and contribute to the pool of data assisting in the development of activity level assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Zacher
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Roland A H van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oliva Handt
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Żarczyńska M, Żarczyński P, Tomsia M. Nucleic Acids Persistence-Benefits and Limitations in Forensic Genetics. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1643. [PMID: 37628694 PMCID: PMC10454188 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of genetic material may be the only way to identify an unknown person or solve a criminal case. Often, the conditions in which the genetic material was found determine the choice of the analytical method. Hence, it is extremely important to understand the influence of various factors, both external and internal, on genetic material. The review presents information on DNA and RNA persistence, depending on the chemical and physical factors affecting the genetic material integrity. One of the factors taken into account is the time elapsing to genetic material recovery. Temperature can both preserve the genetic material or lead to its rapid degradation. Radiation, aquatic environments, and various types of chemical and physical factors also affect the genetic material quality. The substances used during the forensic process, i.e., for biological trace visualization or maceration, are also discussed. Proper analysis of genetic material degradation can help determine the post-mortem interval (PMI) or time since deposition (TsD), which may play a key role in criminal cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Żarczyńska
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.Ż.); (P.Ż.)
| | - Piotr Żarczyński
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.Ż.); (P.Ż.)
| | - Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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Reither JB, Taylor D, Szkuta B, van Oorschot RA. Exploring how the LR of a POI in a target sample is impacted by awareness of the profile of the background derived from an area adjacent to the target sample. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102868. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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Kokshoorn B, Luijsterburg M. Reporting on forensic biology findings given activity level issues in the Netherlands. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 343:111545. [PMID: 36634430 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There appears to be some hesitation within the forensic biology community to formally evaluate and report on findings given activity level propositions. This hesitance in part stems from concerns about the lack of relevant data on the dynamics of biological traces and doubt about the relevance of such expert opinions to the trier of fact. At the Netherlands Forensic Institute formal evaluative opinions on the probability of case findings given propositions at the activity level are provided since 2013, if requested by a mandating authority. In this study we share the results from a retrospective analysis of 74 of such requests. We explore which party initiates requests, the types of cases that are submitted, the sources of data being used to assign probabilities to DNA transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery (TPPR) events, the conclusions that were drawn by the scientists, and how the conclusions were used by the courts. This retrospective analysis of cases demonstrates that published sources of data are generally available and can be used to address DNA TPPR events in most cases, although significant gaps still remain. The study furthermore shows that reporting on forensic biology findings given activity level propositions has been generally accepted by the district and appeal courts, as well as the other parties in the criminal justice system in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Kokshoorn
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, P.O.Box 24044, 2490 AA The Hague, the Netherlands; Forensic Trace Dynamics, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maartje Luijsterburg
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, P.O.Box 24044, 2490 AA The Hague, the Netherlands
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Duijs FE, Meijers E, Kokshoorn B, Sijen T. Comparison of genotyping and weight of evidence results when applying different genotyping strategies on samples from a DNA transfer experiment. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:47-56. [PMID: 36416964 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed to what extent data on the subject of TPPR (transfer, persistence, prevalence, recovery) that are obtained through an older STR typing kit can be used in an activity-level evaluation for a case profiled with a more modern STR kit. Newer kits generally hold more loci and may show higher sensitivity especially when reduced reaction volumes are used, and this could increase the evidential value at the source level. On the other hand, the increased genotyping information may invoke a higher number of contributors in the weight of evidence calculations, which could affect the evidential values as well. An activity scenario well explored in earlier studies [1,2] was redone using volunteers with known DNA profiles. DNA extracts were analyzed with three different approaches, namely using the optimal DNA input for (1) an older and (2) a newer STR typing system, and (3) using a standard, volume-based input combined with replicate PCR analysis with only the newer STR kit. The genotyping results were analyzed for various aspects such as percentage detected alleles and relative peak height contribution for background and the contributors known to be involved in the activity. Next, source-level LRs were calculated and the same trends were observed with regard to inclusionary and exclusionary LRs for persons who had or had not been in direct contact with the sampled areas. We subsequently assessed the impact on the outcome of the activity-level evaluation in an exemplary case by applying the assigned probabilities to a Bayesian network. We infer that data from different STR kits can be combined in the activity-level evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca E Duijs
- Division of Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Erin Meijers
- Division of Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Division of Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titia Sijen
- Division of Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands. .,University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Butler JM. Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100311. [PMID: 36618991 PMCID: PMC9813539 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2019 to 2022 as a part of the 20th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. Topics reviewed include rapid DNA testing, using law enforcement DNA databases plus investigative genetic genealogy DNA databases along with privacy/ethical issues, forensic biology and body fluid identification, DNA extraction and typing methods, mixture interpretation involving probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), DNA transfer and activity-level evaluations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA phenotyping, lineage markers (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome), new markers and approaches (microhaplotypes, proteomics, and microbial DNA), kinship analysis and human identification with disaster victim identification (DVI), and non-human DNA testing including wildlife forensics. Available books and review articles are summarized as well as 70 guidance documents to assist in quality control that were published in the past three years by various groups within the United States and around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Butler
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Programs Office, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4701, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Reither JB, van Oorschot RAH, Szkuta B. DNA transfer between worn clothing and flooring surfaces with known histories of use. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 61:102765. [PMID: 36007265 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
DNA samples recovered from items of clothing are often attributed to the wearer and one or more individuals who may have contacted the item during an alleged criminal activity. Another scenario often proposed by defence counsel is that DNA was transferred from a previously contacted item/surface unrelated to the activity of interest onto the item of clothing. Under such scenarios, DNA may also be transferred from the clothing to the item/surface with which it comes into contact. One such surface is flooring, upon which clothing may be placed while not being worn or may be contacted during wearing, such as falling or being forced to the ground. This study investigates the transfer of DNA to and from clothing and flooring when different contacts are applied between the two surfaces in an environment representative of what investigators would encounter in routine casework, a residential environment. Participants were provided with two sets of new and unused upper and lower garments to wash then wear for ~8 h inside their own home before storing them in paper evidence bags. The two sets of clothing were taken to a home occupied by unrelated individuals, where one set was placed on the floor ('passive') by the researcher while the other was worn by the participant who laid with their back on the floor, rolled to one side and back, then stood up ('active'). Within the houses sampled, the main bedroom was targeted as flooring types and histories of use were more consistent across houses and less variation in DNA profile composition was previously observed for samples collected in the same room. Samples were collected from predetermined areas of the clothing and flooring where contact did and did not occur. Reference profiles were obtained from wearers and individuals they lived with, as well as occupants of the home. DNA transfer was observed from clothing to flooring and from flooring to clothing in both 'active' and 'passive' situations, though greater where a situation involved the application of pressure and friction ('active'), and only where contact between clothing and flooring occurred. Results from this study inform on the composition of DNA profiles one is likely to obtain from an item of clothing or a flooring surface following a similar contact event between the two substrates and will aid investigators when interpreting DNA evidence recovered in a domestic environment and the activities leading to its transfer and subsequent recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack B Reither
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia.
| | - Roland A H van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia; School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Bianca Szkuta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Barros RM, Oliveira Neto OS, Barbosa RRM, Tonietto A, Jacintho CVM, Del Sarto RP, Paulino MA. Using a large-scale cyanoacrylate fuming chamber for latent fingermark detection in vehicles. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2022.2057590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo M. Barros
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Osmar S. Oliveira Neto
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Raissa R. M. Barbosa
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Angela Tonietto
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Cecília V. M. Jacintho
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rafael P. Del Sarto
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marco A. Paulino
- Instituto de Identificação – Departamento de Polícia Técnica, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
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Gardiner J, Krosch MN. Casework comparison of DNA sampling success from steering wheels and car seats in tropical Australia. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1998626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gardiner
- Scenes of Crime, Forensic Services Group, Queensland Police Service, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Matt N. Krosch
- Quality Management Section, Forensic Services Group, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane, Australia
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van Oorschot RAH, Meakin GE, Kokshoorn B, Goray M, Szkuta B. DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111766. [PMID: 34828372 PMCID: PMC8618004 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that may impact the transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR), and the availability of data to assign probabilities to DNA quantities and profile types being obtained given particular scenarios and circumstances, is paramount when performing, and giving guidance on, evaluations of DNA findings given activity level propositions (activity level evaluations). In late 2018 and early 2019, three major reviews were published on aspects of DNA-TPPR, with each advocating the need for further research and other actions to support the conduct of DNA-related activity level evaluations. Here, we look at how challenges are being met, primarily by providing a synopsis of DNA-TPPR-related articles published since the conduct of these reviews and briefly exploring some of the actions taken by industry stakeholders towards addressing identified gaps. Much has been carried out in recent years, and efforts continue, to meet the challenges to continually improve the capacity of forensic experts to provide the guidance sought by the judiciary with respect to the transfer of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A. H. van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgina E. Meakin
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Centre for the Forensic Sciences, Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands;
- Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1097 DZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Bianca Szkuta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
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