Touch DNA analysis pertains to a forensic technique by which DNA material left at the crime scene is analyzed. The method mainly analyzes the skin cells of assailants which could have been left behind by suspects involved in a given criminal offense (Greenfield et al., 2003). The weapons, structures or victims of a crime may be analyzed using the forensic technique in order to determine the individuals whose skin cells are left behind after a crime has been committed. In most cases, any structures or items within the vicinity of the crime scene are taken for the analysis. The method of forensic analysis relies on cells from the superficial human skin in determining the DNA material of a suspect (Williamson, 2012). However, it has been found to be unreliable due to inaccuracy. It is, therefore, admitted in court on limited occasions. In most of these occasions, the technique is used in exonerating a suspect more than it is used in the prosecution of an individual.
A case example of Touch DNA in practice pertains to a criminal case that pitted JonBenet Ramsey’s parents against the police. Ramsey’s parents were exonerated of any crime after a touch DNA analysis. Ramsey’s murder, which took place in 1996, had elicited mixed reactions and most individuals believed that the parents were somehow involved in the crime (Behm, 2015). However, when this methodology of DNA assessment was employed in their case, the mismatch between the DNA materials on the child’s clothing with that of his parents established that they were innocent. The 2008 culmination of the case came as a relief to the parents of the murder victim. As such, this proves touch DNA’s impact in the exoneration of suspects. In an example where Touch DNA was used in a murder case that attracted great public interest, it was finally established that the suspects were not guilty based on the fact that their DNA did not match that which was found on the clothes of the victim.
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References
Behm, S. (2015). Who killed JonBenét?: an analysis of a flawed investigation and main suspects.
Greenfield, A., Sloan, M. Monica, and Spaulding, P. Robert (2003). Forensic Science. An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. Chapter 8: Identification of Blood and Body Fluids . Pharmaceutical Research , 20 (9), 1514-1520.
Williamson, A. L. (2012). Touch DNA: forensic collection and application to investigations. J Assoc Crime Scene Reconstr , 18 (1), 1-5.
