In our home state of Texas, Robert Reed sits on death row for the the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites. Reed maintains his innocence, nevertheless, he was convicted of the crime and is pleading with the courts to have the murder weapon and other crime scene evidence tested for DNA.
As of now, it is uncertain what will happen, but according to this article from the Texas Tribune, “The U.S. Supreme Court has now agreed to decide when prisoners can pursue post-conviction claims for DNA testing of crime scene evidence. The court will determine whether the statute of limitations for DNA testing starts after the state trial court denies testing or after litigation, including appeals, ends. A lower court of appeals previously said Reed waited too long to seek DNA testing.”
This case raises serious concerns about the viability of DNA. Mr. Reed wants the DNA tested to exonerate him of the crime. The courts are leary because more than 25 years have passed and the DNA evidence “could be contaminated and testing results unreliable.”
This case raises serious concerns about DNA. Not of DNA itself, but the integrity of both the samples and the individual processing the results. On one hand, it could provide more clear evidence of the crime that sets an innocent man free. On the other hand, it could produce enough doubt in the case that a guilty man escapes justice. Either way, it drives home the importance of making sure that DNA is properly handled.
In another Texas case, two high school boys were wrongfully accused of a violent sexual assault. Though both had alibis and did not match the victim’s original description, yet botched DNA testing was used to convict one boy who went to prison before the error was discovered. In that case, the defense attorney “persuaded a Texas judge to have the DNA evidence reprocessed by a private testing facility” and the “results confirmed that Sutton was not a match.”
How can the courts ensure that proper methodology is followed? Even in cases that are not life and death, the life-long impact of paternity tests and other genetic testing leaves no room for error. When choosing a company who will perform a reliable test, here are the things to consider:
Turnaround Time
You might be anxious for results and urgency is important, but make sure you choose a company that values accuracy to the same degree they value expediency.
Accredited and Court Admissible
Choose a company that has proven that they adhere to the most stringent of guidelines.Chain-of-custody is a determining factor when submitting DNA into evidence in a court proceeding. When dealing with sensitive, life-altering information, there is no room for compromise.
Markers Matter
Make sure that your provider is testing for a certain number of markers to ensure that your results are reliable.
DNA Discretion
Regardless of your reasons for testing, DNA is an extremely personal and private matter. The testing facility you choose should understand the vulnerability of the work and take action to ensure that privacy is a top priority.
DNA Specialist of Houston is a private lab that meets each of these criteria with sensitivity and security. Our specialists are on hand to answer all your questions, walk you through the process and be your go-to resources for fast, reliable, professional results.
