DNA analysis used to decipher fossilized Neanderthal remains okayed for genetic analysis of alleged serial murderer

A judge in New York rejected a request on 23 September to disqualify the use of cutting-edge DNA sequencing as evidence in a case against an alleged serial killer. The ruling paves the way for a type of DNA analysis known as whole-genome sequencing — used to decipher ancient DNA in fossilized remains, for example — to be admitted as evidence in US criminal trials.

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Forensic scientists still identify suspects from hair and other samples using the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method …. Today, however, scientists can also sequence whole genomes … to zero in on a person of interest. This technology has the added benefit of being able to analyse severely degraded samples — from Neanderthal remains to hairs in the Gilgo Beach case.

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[The] judge ruled during a special hearing that the prosecution could bring this evidence before a jury. This is the first time that the technology has cleared a ‘Frye hearing’, during which “you have to show that a technique is accepted by the scientific community”, says David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center at Ramapo College ….

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