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Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry for analysis of sexual assault evidence
Author(s) -
Musah Rabi A.,
Cody Robert B.,
Dane A. John,
Vuong Angela L.,
Shepard Jason R. E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.6198
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , sexual assault , ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry , chromatography , selected reaction monitoring , tandem mass spectrometry , poison control , injury prevention , medical emergency , medicine
RATIONALE Sexual assault crimes are vastly underreported and suffer from alarmingly low prosecution and conviction rates. The key scientific method to aid in prosecution of such cases is forensic DNA analysis, where biological evidence such as semen collected using a rape test kit is used to determine a suspect's DNA profile. However, the growing awareness by criminals of the importance of DNA in the prosecution of sexual assaults has resulted in increased condom use by assailants as a means to avoid leaving behind their DNA. Thus, other types of trace evidence are important to help corroborate victims' accounts, exonerate the innocent, link suspects to the crime, or confirm penetration. METHODS Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART‐MS) was employed for the comprehensive characterization of non‐DNA trace evidence associated with sexual assault. The ambient ionization method associated with DART‐MS is extremely rapid and samples are processed instantaneously, without the need for extraction, sample preparation, or other means that might compromise forensic evidence for future analyses. RESULTS In a single assay, we demonstrated the ability to identify lubricant formulations associated with sexual assault, such as the spermicide nonoxynol‐9, compounds used in condom manufacture, and numerous other trace components as probative evidence. In addition, the method can also serve to identify compounds within trace biological residues, such as fatty acids commonly identified in latent fingerprints. CONCLUSIONS Characterization of lubricant residues as probative evidence serves to establish a connection between the victim and the perpetrator, and the availability of these details may lead to higher rates of prosecution and conviction, as well as more severe penalties. The methodology described here opens the way for the adoption of a comprehensive, rapid, and sensitive analysis for use in crime labs, while providing knowledge that can inform and guide criminal justice policy and practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.