Using STR analysis to detect human DNA on exploded pipe bomb devices.

摘要

This study investigated whether it was possible to recover a bomb assembler's DNA from an exploded pipe bomb device. Each subject handled components (pipe, caps and fuse) of one metal and one PVC pipe bomb with a 10 second handling time per component, thus transferring sloughed skin cells onto the pipe bomb pieces. Using disposable gloves, the Michigan State Police bomb squad assembled and deflagrated each pipe bomb in separate holes in the ground; each hole was covered with a large rock to contain the fragments. The fragments from each bomb were collected separately and swabbed to recover any remaining skin cells. An AmpFlSTRRTM Profiler Plus RTM kit as well as an ABI 310 Genetic AnalyzerRTM with GenescanRTM 2.0.2 and GenotyperRTM 2.1 software were utilized to generate DNA profiles from these swabbed bomb fragments. The results indicated that DNA recovery and subsequent generation of a genetic profile from the person who handled the bomb was successful in several instances. Overall, 3 of the 20 bombs (15%) rendered useful DNA profile matches to known DNA profiles. These findings are promising. However, problems such as allele dropout, heterozygote imbalance, elevated stutter, and contamination were observed with some samples due to low amounts of DNA and the extreme sensitivity of the method. Suggested improvements in the method could potentially double the success rate and eliminate some problems, which is exciting to consider and should be explored with future research.