An investigation into the transference and survivability of human DNA following simulated manual strangulation with consideration of the problem of third party contamination

Abstract

Amplification was performed on human DNA material transferred during a model of manual strangulation. A total of 29 separate experiments were performed using a single male offender-female victim combination to observe whether DNA was transferred both from the offender’s fingers to the victim’s neck and vice versa and to consider the period of time after the event during which the material could potentially be recovered and amplified. DNA was amplified from either the victim’s neck or the offender’s fingers for at least 10 days after the contact although it is discussed whether this is potentially due to primary contact or a secondary/tertiary transfer event. The study highlights the problem of contamination of the offender’s hands and victim’s neck with third party DNA, the presence of which could have a significant outcome for both the investigating authority and the third party.