DNA profiling
In the western Balkans, DNA tests help families discover fate of dead relatives
DNA testing is making it possible for thousands of families to recover and identify the skeletal remains of loved ones decades after they were murdered or disappeared. But some families are traumatized and distressed by these discoveries.
Illinois to set standard for sex crimes DNA testing
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law mandating that all rape kits be sent to the Illinois State Police laboratory or an approved lab within 10 business days of acquiring the evidence. We talk about testing practices in Illinois and other states.
Hollywood-style turn of events leads to break in historic Boston Strangler case
Albert DeSalvo confessed to being the Boston Strangler, then withdrew his confession later. Suspected of killing 11 people but never charged, DeSalvo died in prison. But a recent break gave police the link they say proves he was, in fact, the killer.
Supreme Court Allows Police to Collect DNA Samples After Arrests
Yesterday, the Supreme Court upheld the practice of taking DNA samples from people arrested in felony cases, even if they are not charged. The ruling on Maryland v. King was made in a 5-4 decision. In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “Taking and analyzing a cheek swab of the arrestee’s DNA is, like fingerprinting […]
Exonerated: Pursuing Justice after a Wrongful Conviction
This week, with the signature of Governor Martin O’Malley, Maryland became the 18th state to abolish the death penalty. Kirk Bloodsworth watched as the Governor signed the repeal, the culmination of a years-long advocacy campaign. In 1984, a Maryland jury convicted Bloodsworth of the sexual assault and murder of nine-year-old Dawn Hamilton, a violent crime […]