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
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MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY |
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DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Madeline Holland, Ph.D. |
Analysis: DQ Alpha |
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SUMMARY REPORT OF DQ ALPHA ANALYSIS |
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Case Description: |
Case # |
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Investigative Agency: |
Investigating Officer(s): |
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.
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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
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MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY |
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DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Madeline Holland, Ph.D. |
Analysis: Polymarker
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REPORT OF POLYMARKER ANALYSIS |
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Case Description: |
Case # |
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Investigative Agency: |
Investigating Officer(s): |
The tissue samples removed from underneath the victim's fingernails were further amplified so that the Polymarker analysis could be performed.
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.
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Sample |
Donor |
LDLR |
GYPA |
HBGG |
DYS8 |
GC |
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A |
Melissa Hammond |
A, A |
B, B |
B, B |
A, A |
A, A |
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B |
Lydia Hammond |
A, B |
B, B |
B, C |
A, A |
A, A |
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C |
Steve Kirby |
B, B |
B, B |
B, B |
B, B |
B, C |
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D |
JP Wallace |
A, A |
B, B |
C, C |
A, A |
B, B |
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E |
Roger Hammond |
B, B |
B, B |
C, C |
A, A |
A, A |
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F |
Kevin Travers |
B, B |
A, A |
A, A |
B, B |
B, B |
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Skin #1 |
Unknown |
A, B |
B |
B, C |
A, B |
A, B |
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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
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MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY |
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DATE ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Madeline Holland, Ph.D. |
Analysis: PCR
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REPORT OF PCR ANALYSIS |
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Case Description: |
Case # |
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Investigative Agency: |
Investigating Officer(s): |
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.