Sarah Barr - CSI
Was involved in evidence and DNA analysis in Chelsea’s case. Processed costume/leotard, found area with possible blood on inside, two areas, swabbed straps and leg openings. Shoulder straps and crotch was cut or torn. possible blood was in center of chest area, left side of hip area. Explains collection process. one swab possible blood, two swabs possible skin. She was asked about semen but I could not hear or it wasn’t clear if she found any or not.
july 28th got dna sample from clay, processed it. explains process.
Def:
Has her explain handling of evidence and if the evidence is sealed, if it is labelled etc (chain of custody again). Has her explain how they ensure evidence is not contaminated, which she does thoroughly. Has her clarify that she sent along the costume samples and clay’s sample, asks her where she puts them. Asks if she is a DNA analyst (yes), asks why the jobs are separated (not sure what he is referring to). In this case she did the analysis on 5 samples, the costume, clay, and other individuals. Def clarifying she only analyzed some but not all of the collected samples. He is trying to uncover whether there was potential contamination. She says it is digital comparison, not physical comparison (ie the samples are not in the presence of one another). A person makes the determination whether there is a match. Asking her how a comparison is made in Codis. She explains the system matches, then a person confirms. Continued exhaustive questioning on how the samples are matched. There has been no case of cross contamination in the michigan state crime lab to her knowledge.