Forensic DNA is quite unique and follows a different process compared to genealogy DNA or familial DNA. The main goal of genealogy DNA is to check the background and genetic history of people, but forensics deals more with the solving of cases and can gather evidence from deceased individuals.
Several people rely on forensics to gain answers to different mysteries. Investigators, detectives, physicians, the police, the victim’s family members and court judges will ask for results from the laboratory to confirm the possible links and create a story that will fully explain how the situation occurred. The process will also be very useful in identifying victims of a crime or accident who can no longer be identified, such as plane crash or fire victims. Scientists will simply get a DNA sample from the subject like hair, tissues or body fluids. These can be compared to the evidence and same materials found at the scene of the accident or crime. The process will compare the genetic makeup of the samples. If there are similarities in the structure, it will prove that the person was at the scene. The specific time or date cannot be identified, however, but scientists can still make compatibilities even if the samples are already several years old.
Though forensic DNA has been used to assist crime investigations, to most scientists and researchers, results may vary depending how the sampling is done and being collected. Errors can occur if DNA samples are damaged or contaminated from improper handling. Limited amounts or mixtures of DNA profiles can increase misinterpretation of results.
In most cases, forensic DNA is done by checking the genetic makeup or structure of the individual involved. Whenever a sample is found at the place of the crime or the murder weapon or tool used for the crime, it can be compared with the actual evidence submitted by the person in question. It is possible to have a number of matches if more than one person was at the scene. The main idea is to strengthen the evidence to prove that the persons were truly involved in the case. It can be a good way to show if some people were lying about their involvement or presence. Further DNA evidence will be required by the court and assessed accordingly. The laboratory experts will forward the results to investigators who will recreate the story until they can identify the victim and suspects accurately.
Asseth, DNA News