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12-Nov-2014
TrueAllele DNA Analysis Prevails in Louisiana Daubert Challenge
Cybergenetics computing complements crime lab capabilities
PITTSBURGH, PA, November 12, 2014
A Louisiana judge admitted Cybergenetics TrueAllele® Casework into evidence on November 6th, following a Daubert hearing held that same day. Cybergenetics TrueAllele software accurately separates DNA mixture evidence into component genotypes to calculate DNA match statistics. The Honorable Richard D. Anderson ruled that TrueAllele's match statistics met the Daubert admissibility standard for reliable evidence in a homicide case involving a DNA mixture from a handgun.
"We are grateful that the Judge recognized the reliability of TrueAllele technology," said East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar C. Moore, III. "We look forward to the continued use of this probabilistic genotyping to aid the prosecution of cases involving complex and low level DNA mixtures."
The United States Supreme Court established the Daubert standard in 1993 to help keep junk science out of the courtroom. Daubert has four prongs: testability, peer-review, error rate and general acceptance by the relevant scientific community. Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings showed how TrueAllele has been extensively tested in seven peer-reviewed scientific publications, and used in twenty three states. The computer system has overcome admissibility challenges in California, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
"TrueAllele separates DNA mixtures, and provides informative match statistics," said Dr. Ria David, Cybergenetics President. "Our scientific advances promote justice in criminal cases, where we complement a crime lab's capabilities through sophisticated computing."
Cybergenetics Chief Scientist Dr. Mark Perlin and Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory DNA Analyst Glenn Fahrig both testified for the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office.
Cybergenetics develops patented TrueAllele technology that objectively interprets DNA evidence, supplying computer systems and databases to crime labs, and providing expert witness services in criminal cases. The Pittsburgh-based company reanalyzed the World Trade Center disaster DNA data.