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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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
