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Recovery of DNA from Latent Fingerprint Tape Lifts Archived Against Matte Acetate
Author(s) -
Steadman Shelly A.,
Hoofer Steven R.,
Geering Sarah C.,
King Stephanie,
Bennett Marc A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12716
Subject(s) - fingerprint (computing) , dna , crime scene , dna profiling , adhesive , forensic engineering , chromatography , computer science , chemistry , materials science , composite material , artificial intelligence , engineering , archaeology , history , biochemistry , layer (electronics)
This study was driven by court order to examine methods to remove, extract, and STR‐type potential DNA entrapped between latent fingerprint lifting tape and matte acetate that was collected from a 1977 crime scene. Results indicate that recovery of appreciable quantities of DNA is more challenging once adhesive is attached to matte acetate cards and even more difficult when fixed following black powder enhancement. STR amplification of extracts from entrapped fingermarks collected following the dusting/lifting procedure did not produce robust profiles, and extraneous peaks not expressed by print donors were detected for some samples. A hearing was set to argue whether there was DNA remaining to be tested, and if so, whether that DNA could be exculpatory in this postconviction matter. The studies herein provided the basis for the court's decision to not require the testing.