Showing the value of DNA testing in solving crime and proving innocence the case of Kirk Bloodsworth is demonstrative of both. In 1984, Dawn Hamilton was raped and murdered. She was only 9 years old at the time. Frank Bloodsworth was convicted of the crime. Multiple witnesses had testified they saw him near the scene of the crime and he was sent to Death Row. A year later, his conviction was overturned by the Maryland Court of Appeals and the case was remanded for retrial. Once again, he was convicted, this time he was sentenced to a life term. DNA tests run on evidence in 1992 showed that Bloodsworth was not the assailant. He was pardoned by Governor William Schafer and compensated with $300,000. Accusations and doubts followed him. In one instance, he “ wiped the scrawled words “Child Killer” off his car.” .
He became active in working for justice reform, testified in Courtrooms and spoke in Classrooms. Finally, he was able to persuade the county to run the DNA evidence in the case through the state’s database. It came back with a positive identification of the real killer; and it was someone Bloodsworth had met in prison, given books to in the library and even lifted weights with. The real murderer and assailant was Kimberly Ruffner who had been charged with two other sex offenses in 1983
Other helpful uses of DNA testing in criminal cased include identification of witnesses. At times DNA can show that there was an additional person present at, or near to the time of the crime who can potentially provide testimony or evidence. An interesting use can also be DNA testing on evidence to determine if the circumstantial plant evidence or pet fur found on the suspect did come from the specific crime scene.
Hanes, S. (2003, 9 6). DNA Evidence freed man, leads to new suspect. Retrieved 3 14, 2012, from Baltimore Sun: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-suspect090603,0,5952455,full.story
Human Genome Project. (n.d.). DNA Forensics. Retrieved 3 14, 2012, from Human Genome Project: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml#4
Single Spaced - Hanging Indent
