DNA analysis

The following reports on evidence analysis findings in the Missy Hammond investigation were received from the State Crime Lab on March 20, 2001.

DQ Alpha

MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY
DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: 03/16/2001 Madeline Holland, Ph.D. Jackson Laboratory Jackson, MS 39205 601-987-XXXX (FAX 601-987-XXXX)	Analysis: DQ Alpha
SUMMARY REPORT OF DQ ALPHA ANALYSIS
Case Description: Missy Hammond homicide	Case # 000524-27A-2001
Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department	Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong

00524-15 through 000524-18: Of the four fingernail pieces collected at the Hammond crime scene, sufficient DNA was available under 00524-15 and 00524-16 (right forefinger and middle finger).

The DQ Alpha test monitors for the presence of six different alleles at the DQ Alpha locus: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2, 3, or 4.

A = Melissa Hammond (1.1, 1.1)

B = Lydia Hammond (1.1, 4)

C = Steve Kirby (2, 3)

D = JP Wallace (1.3, 2)

E = Roger Hammond (2, 4)

F = Kevin Travers (3, 4)

G = Skin Sample #1 (alleles represented = 1.1, 1.3, 2, 4 and possibly 1.2; mixture of 2+ individuals)

H = Skin sample #2 (alleles represented = 1.1, 2, 3, 4, possibly 1.2; mixture of 2+ individuals)

"C" on each test strip = control

DQ Alpha Analysis Findings

• Steve Kirby and Kevin Travers are eliminated as donors of the skin from skin sample #1.

• JP Wallace is eliminated as the donor of the skin from skin sample #2.

Polymarker

MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY
DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: 03/19/2001 Madeline Holland, Ph.D. Jackson Laboratory Jackson, MS 39205 601-987-XXXX (FAX 601-987-XXXX)	Analysis: Polymarker
REPORT OF POLYMARKER ANALYSIS
Case Description: Missy Hammond homicide	Case # 000524-27A-2001
Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department	Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong

The tissue samples removed from underneath the victim's fingernails were further amplified so that the Polymarker analysis could be performed.

+ - About the Polymarker test Click to collapse

The Polymarker test analyzes five different loci (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, DYS8 and GC) that have 2 to 3 allelic possibilities.

Because of the nature of the sample, contamination or mixtures of profiles can occur. Therefore, the Polymarker test was used to further characterize the profiles in the skin tissue.

Because DNA from one single individual should only show either a homozygous (two of the same alleles) or heterozygous (two different alleles) genotype, observation of three or more alleles in a sample indicates a mixture.

As well, in an unknown sample, the presence of only two alleles does not ensure a single individual as it can also indicate a mixture of two homogygous genotypes.

By analyzing the genotypes at six different loci, more information can be gained in mixed samples.


Sample	Donor	LDLR	GYPA	HBGG	DYS8	GC
A	Melissa Hammond	A, A	B, B	B, B	A, A	A, A
B	Lydia Hammond	A, B	B, B	B, C	A, A	A, A
C	Steve Kirby	B, B	B, B	B, B	B, B	B, C
D	JP Wallace	A, A	B, B	C, C	A, A	B, B
E	Roger Hammond	B, B	B, B	C, C	A, A	A, A
F	Kevin Travers	B, B	A, A	A, A	B, B	B, B
Skin #1	Unknown	A, B	B	B, C	A, B	A, B
Skin #2	Unknown	A, B	B	A, B, C	A	A, B

Polymarker Analysis Findings

• Kevin Travers (at both the GYPA and HBGG locus) is eliminated as a donor of skin sample #1.

• In sample #2, Kevin Travers (at locus GYPA and DYS8) is eliminated. As well, Steve Kirby (at loci DYS8 and GC) is eliminated.

DQ Alpha Analysis Findings + Polymarker Analysis Findings

• Kevin Travers and Steve Kirby can be eliminated as being the donor of both tissue samples.

• JP Wallace can be eliminated as the donor from sample #2.

Paternity

MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY
DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: 03/15/2001 Madeline Holland, Ph.D. Jackson Laboratory Jackson, MS 39205 601-987-XXXX (FAX 601-987-XXXX)	Analysis: PCR
REPORT OF PCR ANALYSIS
Case Description: Missy Hammond homicide	Case # 000524-27A-2001
Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department	Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong

DNA testing using the DS180 locus (PCR) was employed to assign paternity of Lydia Hammond.

The daughter's profile should contain one allele originating from the mother and one from the father.

Click to enlarge

  L = Allelic ladder
  A = Profile of Melissa Hammond
  B = Profile of Lydia Hammond
  C = Profile of Roger Hammond
  D = Profile of Steve Kirby

Polymarker Analysis Findings

• Lydia Hammond shares one allele with Melissa Hammond (red arrow) and Roger Hammond (blue arrow).

• Lydia Hammond shares no alleles with Steve Kirby.

• The results from the DS180 test confirm Roger Hammond as the father of Lydia Hammond.

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