DNA Reveals the Identity of Jack the Ripper?
In the late 1800s, Victorian England was mesmerized and horrified by a series of brutal killings in the crowded and impoverished Whitechapel district. The serial killer, who became known as “Jack the Ripper”, had murdered and mutilated at least five women, many of whom worked as prostitutes in the slums around London. None of these […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! New Software Can Verify Someone’s Identity by Their DNA in Minutes (BioScience […]
An “Angel”, the “Killer Clown”, and the “Cleveland Strangler” – Interesting Cases from ISHI
Last time, we explored Interesting Cases that were presented at the 26th International Symposium on Human Identification. This time, we’re going back in time to ISHI 23, which was held in Nashville, TN, and featured seven interesting case presentations. We’re going to recount three of them focusing on serial killers – Sheila Labarre, John Wayne […]
POPSeq: The Human STR Sequence Diversity Database
Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also referred to as massively parallel sequencing (MPS), is evolving at a rapid pace and opening new doors to more sensitive methods for genetic typing of forensic samples [1]. This technology allows for extremely high sample and genetic marker multiplexing of conventional forensic loci and also investigative genomic data. In the scope of […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! Would-be Obama Assassin Identified by Cat Hairs, Authorities Say (The Guardian – 11/24/2017) […]
Courtroom Testimony for Probabilistic Genotyping
“Ladies and Gentleman of the Jury, Jane Doe’s DNA matches the DNA found on the handle of the knife; therefore, she touched the knife and used it to stab John Doe”. As much as prosecutors would like that statement to come out of our mouths, that is not the role of the DNA Analyst. We […]
From Death Row to Exoneration Thanks to DNA
Imagine being convicted of a crime for which you are not guilty—not some minor crime, but one of the most heinous crimes imaginable: the rape and murder of a young girl. Would you feel shock and anger at the injustice? Disappointment in the legal system that could make such a horrible error? Sadness and depression […]
An Interview with Susan Mustafa
Susan Mustafa, true crime author, describes how DNA testing in Louisiana was impacted by serial killings and her process for writing. TRANSCRIPT: My name is Susan D Mustafa. I’m a true crime author. I’m the co-author of The Most Dangerous Animal of All, Searching for my Father and Finding the Zodiac Killer with Gary […]
Forensic Science Education and the Next Digital Decade
By Donna Wielbo, University of Florida’s Director of Online Forensic Science Programs Welcome to the next digital decade of forensic science education. Everywhere you turn, transformative trends are shifting in this field of study. These fundamental forces are altering the way forensic science professionals, students, faculty, curriculum, and technologies interact. Major Forces […]
