Breakthrough DNA testing helps solve 12-year-old murder, could crack hundreds of cold cases
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London (UK): A pioneering DNA-testing technique has led to the conviction of a man for the brutal murder of an 86-year-old woman, 12 years after the crime. The forensic breakthrough is now being hailed as a major advancement in solving long-standing cold cases.
David Newton, 56, was sentenced to life in prison in February 2025 for the murder of Una Crown, a retired postmistress found dead in her Wisbech, Cambridgeshire home in January 2013. She had been stabbed multiple times, and her throat was slit. Initially ruled an accident due to attempts to set her body on fire, police later confirmed it was a homicide.
Newton was arrested in 2013 but was released due to a lack of conclusive DNA evidence. However, in April 2024, forensic scientists reexamined samples from the crime scene using Y-STR analysis, a cutting-edge technique that identifies traces of male DNA even when mixed with larger amounts of female genetic material. The test confirmed Newton’s genetic link to the crime, leading to his conviction.
Experts say Y-STR testing could revolutionize investigations into violent crimes, particularly those against women. "This technology is a game-changer in forensic science, helping to uncover crucial evidence in cases that were once thought to be unsolvable," said Dr. Debbie Sharp of the UK’s Forensic Capability Network.
Unlike conventional DNA analysis, which often fails when male DNA is overshadowed by female genetic material, Y-STR focuses solely on the Y-chromosome, which is unique to males. This makes it highly effective in cases of sexual assault and violent crimes where the perpetrator left only minute traces of DNA.
To expand its application, Dr. Sharp is leading Swab Out Crime, a project aimed at building a comprehensive Y-STR database. So far, 4,000 DNA samples have been collected, with a goal of reaching at least 10,000. "Our long-term vision is to develop an automated system where Y-STR profiles can be matched against crime scene evidence, potentially solving hundreds of unsolved cases," she added.
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Bengal: On way to PM's rally, 3 mowed down by train amid dense fog
Kolkata (PTI): Three persons died and three others were injured after being hit by a train amid dense fog on Saturday, while travelling to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally at Taherpur in West Bengal's Nadia district, a senior official said.
The incident occurred between Taherpur and Badkulla railway stations under the Sealdah-Krishnanagar section of Eastern Railway, he said.
Modi, whose helicopter could not land at Taherpur due to dense fog and low visibility, condoled the death of the “BJP workers” in his virtual address from Kolkata airport.
“I have come to know that some BJP workers, while travelling to the rally, lost their lives in a rail accident. My condolences are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Modi said.
The Eastern Railway official told PTI that the incident occurred in the morning when these people, who were travelling by a bus, had stopped the vehicle and walked to the railway tracks to answer nature's call.
"While three persons died on the spot, two others with injuries were admitted to a local hospital," he said.
Another person with minor injuries was released after having been administered first aid, the official said.
The deceased have been identified as Ramprasad Ghosh (74), Shaktipada Sutradhar (55) and Gopinath Das (38).
Meanwhile, Mahua Moitra, Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district, alleged that the BJP ignored the incident and went ahead with the rally.
"Terrible tragedy hushed up at altar of @narendramodi ego. @BJP4India supporters brought from far Murshidabad for PM rally in Ranaghat today," she said in a post on X.
"4 went to answer nature's call and were killed by 31814 down local train near Taherpur. BJP ignored, blacked out & went ahead with rally," Moitra claimed.
Reacting to her remarks, the West Bengal BJP, in a post on X, asserted that the TMC "has always been adept at milking tragedies", and was being "disrespectful to the unfortunate victims of this tragedy".
The TMC alleged that BJP leaders have not shown "neither concern nor compassion" over the mishap.
"The loss of three lives in Taherpur should have united everyone in grief. But @BJP4India leaders showed neither concern nor compassion," it said in another post on X.
"At this painful moment, Smt @MamataOfficial and Shri @abhishekaitc put humanity above party lines and stood beside the families of the deceased," the party said.
TMC’s on-ground leaders promptly reached out to the grieving family members, ensuring them of help and assistance, it said.
"While Delhi’s rulers chase Bengal with arrogance, our leadership chose empathy. This is the difference between politics of power and politics of people!" the TMC added.
