Transfer and persistence of intruder DNA within an office after reuse by owner

Abstract

The heightened sensitivity of DNA typing techniques, paired with the extensive use of trace DNA in forensic investigations, has resulted in an increased need to understand how and when DNA is deposited on surfaces of interest. This study focussed on the transfer, persistence, and prevalence of trace DNA in a single occupation of an office space by an intruder, when all contacts made during occupation and for the two hours prior and post occupation were known. The extent to which DNA could be recovered from contacted/not contacted surfaces was investigated. This study investigates the impacts of these movements and use of an office space when the duration of occupancy, surface contact histories and shedder status of participants are known. Contacts were documented and surfaces in the office space were targeted for sampling. Categories were set for target sampling that included different types of contact. Direct and indirect DNA transfer was detected in 55 % and 6 % of samples, respectively. Contactless DNA transfer was detected in 0.5 % of samples. The owner was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 77 % of the samples and as minor contributor in 10 % of samples. The intruder was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 14 % of samples and as the minor contributor in 16 %. An increased number of contacts increased the relative DNA contribution of the individual making the contact, however, not all observed direct contacts resulted in detectable DNA transfer. The outcome of this study will aid in better sample targeting strategies and contribute to the pool of data assisting in the development of activity level assessments.

Keywords: DNA persistence; DNA transfer; Forensic investigation; Trace DNA.