Journal de recherche médico-légale

A Mixed DNA Profile Controversy: Corrigendum

Abstract

Marie Semaan, Sarah Abbas and Issam Mansour

DNA has been playing a crucial role in identifying or exonerating potential suspects. While single source DNA traces face interpretational challenges, the evaluation of a forensic DNA mixture trace faces much greater challenges especially with increased allele sharing and homozygosity. The present report describes a challenging case where eight, related, potential persons of interest (POI) related could not be excluded in a simulated mixed DNA analysis. Even though relevant frequency datasets and an inbreeding coefficient were considered, and a semi-continuous expert DNA mixture analysis software was used, the DNA results still did not support ground truth. The present case sheds light on the effect of allele sharing and homozygosity on the evaluation of DNA mixtures especially in consanguineous and endogamous populations. Recommendations as to DNA mixture analysis were issued for local forensic uses and for other similar populations.