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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Blair Watts
DNA on kitchen window bolsters Commonwealth’s case
| Crime | In early January 2023, Jennifer Brown disappeared, and was reported as missing by her business partner Blair Watts. Jennifer’s body was found in a shallow grave a few weeks later. |
| Evidence | Cadaver dogs 'alerted' to the kitchen window in the victim’s home, which was then swabbed for evidence. |
| DNA | Bode Technology produced STR data from the swabbing of the kitchen window lift ledge & lock area. |
| Match | The lab identified the victim’s DNA as being present as the major DNA contributor, but could make no conclusions about any minor contributors. |
| TrueAllele | On the same DNA data, the computer calculated a match statistic between a minor DNA contributor from kitchen window lift ledge & lock area and defendant Blair Watts that was 29 times more probable than a coincidence. |
| Cybergenetics | On December 11, 2023, Cybergenetics casework supervisor William Allan testified at the trial in Norristown, PA about the TrueAllele results. |
| Outcome | On December 13, 2023, Mr. Watts was found guilty of first-degree murder. |
Media
- Eerie details emerge in case of murdered mom Jennifer Brown as suspect ‘drove son, 8, in car after transporting remains’ U.S. Sun
- Arrest Made in Murder of Montgomery County Mom Jennifer Brown NBC10 Philadelphia
- Jennifer Brown murder: Trial begins for Blair Watts, accused of killing business partner in Montgomery County CBS News Philadelphia
- Blair Watts found guilty of murdering Jennifer Brown NBC10 Philadelphia