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Are DNA profiles from solved cases maintained in CODIS and compared to profiles from unsolved cases? Does this occur in situations where the solved case involves the DNA profile of a deceased individual who was never arrested or convicted of an offense requiring submission of a DNA sample?

Yes, to both questions.  Once a case is solved and the evidence DNA profile is associated with an individual, that profile will continue to be compared to profiles from unsolved cases.  Further, whether the associated individual is deceased or not, the evidence profile from the solved case will be compared to newly uploaded profiles from unsolved cases as they are entered in CODIS.  This occurs whether an associated deceased individual was ever convicted or arrested for an offense requiring submission of a DNA sample or not.

I submitted a DUI/D kit. Will I receive a Certificate of Analysis?

By statute, the original Certificate of Analysis in a DUI/D case is sent to the clerk of court. However, if laboratory personnel can identify the investigating/submitting officer, a copy of the Certificate of Analysis will be sent to that individual.  Note: this is a new procedure for cases submitted after March 16, 2017.

I have an old case that is still unsolved. Is there anything that can be done now that could help clear the case?

If you have an old, unsolved case that you would like to resubmit for re-evaluation, please call the Forensic Biology Section prior to submission. The case file will be retrieved and reviewed so that both the examiner and officer can discuss the possible course of analysis that could be conducted prior to the re-submission of the evidence. This communication also enables the officer to know which items of evidence to resubmit to the laboratory.

How can I get my case searched in the Virginia DNA Data Bank?

If you have a case in which there is biological material identified, but you have no suspect, the case will be searched against the DNA Data Bank. If there is a “hit” against an individual, you will receive a report stating the offender’s name and other identifying information. If there is a “hit” against the DNA profile of crime scene material from another case, you will receive a report stating the FS Laboratory Number and jurisdiction of the related case. If there is not a hit, you will receive a report stating this. These cases are routinely searched as the DNA Data Bank is updated with new  profiles.

What DNA technology does DFS use when analyzing evidence from criminal cases?

For autosomal DNA testing, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science currently uses Promega’s PowerPlex® Fusion System, which includes the  D3S1358, D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D2S1338, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D21S11, D7S820, D5S818, TPOX, D8S1179, D12S391, D19S433, D22S1045, and FGA plus Penta E, Penta D, DYS391 and Amelogenin loci.

What does a CODIS “hit” mean?

A CODIS “hit” can be made by a DNA profile from evidence in an unsolved case matching the DNA profile from a convicted offender or an arrestee.  A “hit” can also be made between evidence in an unsolved case and other solved or unsolved cases.

Once a case is solved and the evidence DNA profile is associated with an individual, that profile will continue to be compared to unsolved cases.  Therefore, even if the evidence profile is associated with a deceased individual, the profile from the solved case will be compared to unsolved cases as they are entered in CODIS whether the deceased was ever convicted or arrested for an offense requiring submission of a DNA sample or not.

The fact that the DNA profiles matched is meant to provide an investigative lead to the detective or investigator to help solve the particular unsolved case. He/she will need to conduct further investigation to determine any possible involvement of the convicted offender, arrestee, or the perpetrator of the solved case to the unsolved case in question.