Breakthrough DNA testing helps solve 12-year-old murder, could crack hundreds of cold cases
_vb_41.jpeg)
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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pregnant woman turned away twice by MP health centre nurses, loses newborn; probe ordered
Ratlam, Mar 28 (PTI): An inquiry was ordered after a pregnant woman in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district was allegedly turned away twice from a health centre and her newborn died after she delivered hours later while being rushed to the facility on a hand-cart by her husband.The incident took place in Sailana town in the intervening night of March 23 and 24, officials said on Friday.
The video of the man taking his wife to the hospital for a third time went viral on social media.
"At 9am on March 23, Krishna Gwala, a resident of Kalika Mata Mandir Road in Sailana, took his wife Neetu to the community health centre where nurse Chetna Charel sent them away saying the delivery would take place after two-three days. At 1 am, she again experienced labour pains and was rushed to the hospital," said Sailana Sub Divisional Magistrate Manish Jain.
"This time nurse Gayatri Patidar refused to admit Neetu post examination saying delivery would be after 15 more hours. The couple returned home. After she felt labour pains, her husband took her to hospital in a hand-cart for the third time," he said quoting the complaint.
She delivered at 3am enroute but was later told by health authorities that the newborn had died.
"Gwala has blamed the hospital management for the death of the child and has demanded action. A thorough probe will be conducted into this incident," Jain said.
Dr MS Sagar, the in charge CMHO of the district hospital, said Collector Rajesh Batham ordered an inquiry into the death of the newborn."The investigation at the district level found negligence in duty. A show cause notice has been issued to Sailana Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr PC Koli. A letter has been sent to the state Commissioner of Health Services seeking action against on duty doctor Shailesh Dange," he said.
Nursing officer Chetna Charel has been suspended with immediate effect while services of NHM contract nursing officer Gayatri Patidar has been terminated, he said.
