DNA Tests and Crimes That Shook the World
DNA tests have helped solve some of the world’s worst crimes.
A new Channel Five TV series, Crimes That Shook the World reveals how much the use of DNA tests in forensics have helped catch some of the worst killers in history. Advances in DNA tests and forensics in general have changed the face of crime. The popularity of fictional TV shows such as CSI Miami demonstrates a morbid fascination with how crimes are solves. The evidence is collated from the crime scene as part of a jigsaw puzzle in the TV plots – and DNA tests often play a crucial role in solving the mystery.
DNA Tests Solve Crime Scenes
But in real life, there is a horror and hideous fascination with extreme criminals. One of the criminals featured in the Channel Five series was that of a murderer who raped and killed 48 women in Seattle over 20 years. He was eventually caught and convicted for his crimes because of DNA evidence. The killer would place a stone in his victim’s vagina which preserved his semen – which means DNA samples were taken - the DNA tests matched his profile.
Criminologists Use DNA Tests
DNA tests are commonly used by criminologists working in forensics. Forensic experts use the science of investigation, locating DNA and fingerprints that can provide conclusive proof in a crime scene. Forensic science regularly depends on DNA tests in complex cases to help solve murders – ironically using the building blocks of life.
Effectiveness of DNA Tests
More criminals are aware of the effectiveness of DNA tests and go to extreme lengths to try and cover their tracks. But as DNA tests prove, all physical contact leaves a trail of evidence behind from stray hairs and clothing fibres to fingerprints.
Serial Killers Strike
The Seattle rapist and murderer was known as The Green River Killer – Gary Leon Ridgway came from a highly dysfunctional background and was highly religious despite seeing prostitutes by the age of 20. His 48 victims were mostly prostitutes who he raped and strangled before dumping the bodies in the Green River. Although he was a suspect in 1983, it wasn’t until 2001 that DNA tests conclusively linked him with the murders.
In South Africa, Sipho Agmatir Thwala became the most hunted serial killer after killing 16 women. He lured women into cane fields before raping, strangling and burying the bodies. DNA tests were undertaken on DNA samples that had been taken from Thwala several years before the murders when he’d been arrested for rape. The DNA tests matched his DNA that was found on the victims. He was sentenced to 506 years in prison.
International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA tests services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA tests at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.
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