MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Lt. John J. Hotz
(573) 526-6115
Q10096
October 9, 2008

EMPHASIS: Missouri’s Expanded DNA Profiling Law Connects Suspect To Crime

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces that a DNA “match” made from a DNA sample analyzed at the Patrol’s Springfield Crime Laboratory has resulted in the first criminal charge being filed as a result of Missouri’s recently expanded DNA law. On October 2, the Highway Patrol notified the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department that a DNA match had been made to a DNA profile from a previously unsolved burglary case in Jasper County.

The announcement came at a news conference this morning at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department in Carthage. At that event, Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn discussed the investigation that led to the criminal charges.

“We need to give law enforcement the best tools available to fight crime and protect Missourians,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “That’s why I signed the bi-partisan, expanded DNA profiling law. Obtaining DNA samples from arrestees clearly will help us solve more cases and protect our citizens.”

The new DNA law was signed by Gov. Nixon on July 9 and took effect on August 28. Under the new law, DNA samples are now required from anyone who is 17 years of age or older and who is arrested for first or second degree burglary or a felony offense involving crimes against a person, sex offenses, prostitution, or pornography. Previously, DNA samples were collected only from individuals who pleaded guilty or were found guilty of felony crimes and certain misdemeanor sex crimes, not persons who were simply arrested.

Since the new law took effect, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory has matched three other DNA profiles obtained from arrestees to existing DNA profiles from unsolved crimes. Those cases remain under investigation by the investigating police agencies.

The expanded DNA profiling law provides a mechanism to remove DNA from the database if charges are not brought, unless there are other qualifying arrests or convictions requiring that the person’s DNA sample be retained.

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