TrueAllele solves 1963 Winnebago cold case using “inconclusive” DNA

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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v Carlos Harris

TrueAllele used in Homestead murder case

Crime On August 27, 2015, a gang began shooting at a car in Homestead. Driver Daren Scott (25) was shot while trying to escape. Two other men were also killed.
Evidence A gun and towel were found nearby and collected as evidence.
DNA The Allegheny County Crime Lab created DNA mixture data from the evidence items.
Match Due to the complexity of the mixture data, the lab was unable to draw any conclusions from the evidence item.
TrueAllele On the same data, the computer separated out the DNA mixture to find that Harris matched the gun parts with match statistics of 62.9 billion and 6.51 million. Harris also matched the towel with a match statistic of 27.9 million.
Cybergenetics    In November of 2017, Dr. Mark Perlin testified at a non-jury trial. After a mistrial, he testified again in May of 2018.
Outcome Harris was found guilty of third degree murder.
Media

  • Police seek information in Homestead homicide The Post-Gazette
  • Arrest made in fatal Pittsburgh shooting WTAE
  • Homicide charges filed against Pittsburgh man in Munhall man’s death TRIB Live
  • Pittsburgh man convicted in 2015 Homestead killing TRIB Live