26-Apr-2016

TrueAllele Helps Free Innocent Indiana Man After 24 Years in Prison

New computer analysis of old DNA data proves his innocence

PITTSBURGH, PA, April 26, 2015

Darryl Pinkins spent 24 punishing years in an Indiana prison for a crime he did not commit. Today he is a free man. New TrueAllele® computer reanalysis of old DNA data proved that Pinkins and his codefendants were innocent.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter accepted the TrueAllele science, and vacated Pinkins' conviction. Yesterday's DNA hearing was cancelled. Instead, Pinkins was released from prison.

In 1989, 5 men raped a motorist after bumping her car. Pinkins and others were misidentified as attackers through stolen clothing. Pinkins was convicted of rape in 1991, and sentenced to 65 years in prison. The bump-and-rape crimes continued.

In 2014, Cybergenetics Dr. Mark Perlin re-examined the DNA data pro bono using TrueAllele technology. He assisted long-time Pinkins champions Indiana University Law Professor Frances Watson and Idaho Innocence Project Director Greg Hampikian.

Subjective human interpretation looks at simple DNA mixtures. But artificial intelligence can transcend human limitations. Besides the victim, TrueAllele found 5 unidentified genotypes in semen and hair. 3 were brothers. The defendants were not in the DNA.

"So much more can be done with DNA to find the truth," said Dr. Perlin. "Flawed DNA analysis keeps innocents in jail and leaves victims without justice. It was tragic that failed DNA methods ignored the evidence, inflicting so much needless suffering on these men and their families for so many years."

The Indiana State Police now have TrueAllele information to search CODIS and find the true assailants. TrueAllele can help exonerate codefendant Roosevelt Glenn, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years. After 24 years, Darryl Pinkins rejoins his 84 year-old mother, his grown children, and friends and family. The TrueAllele has set him free.

Cybergenetics objective TrueAllele technology thoroughly interprets complex DNA. TrueAllele is accurate and reliable, and has been used in most states for hundreds of cases. The company provides computer products and expert services. Cybergenetics offers free TrueAllele screening of DNA evidence.