-Caveat Lector- Charges Identify Rapist only by His DNA October 7, 1999 Web posted at: 9:23 AM EDT (1323 GMT) MILWAUKEE (AP) -- With time running out to file charges against an unknown rapist, prosecutors have taken the unusual step of using the man's DNA code to identify him in court papers. One unknown person is blamed for three rapes in 1993 in Milwaukee. The statute of limitations had expired in two cases by the time an arrest warrant for kidnapping and sexual assault was filed in early September. The warrant identifies the assailant as "John Doe, unknown male," with matching DNA at "genetic locations D1S7, D2S44, D5S110, D10S28 and D17S79." Prosecutors believe that stops the clock from ticking down on the statute of limitations, which would have expired on the third attack November 8, so the assailant can be prosecuted if he is arrested in the future. "This will be litigated someday, no doubt," Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Norman Gahn said after filing the warrant. "This way, it's been put into the system so we will preserve jurisdiction." The step is not unprecedented. Ty Kaufman, the prosecutor in McPherson County, Kan., said he used a DNA profile on a 1991 arrest warrant to identify a suspect in several rapes. "If you can identify a perpetrator by the use of some device that will give you a positive identity, then why not use that?" he said. The cases remain open. "We haven't found him yet," Kaufman said. An individual's DNA -- shorthand for the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid -- is similar to a fingerprint in proving one's identity. DNA testing can be done on blood and sperm. Using it to identify otherwise unknown suspects is an extraordinary maneuver, said Daniel D. Blinka, an associate professor at the Marquette University Law School. "What it indicates is that DNA evidence has come of age in the courtroom," Blinka said. "It's another step toward eventually saying: 'This is the perpetrator. This is his genetic fingerprint."' Fourteen states currently participate in a national DNA indexing system by inputting DNA samples from known criminals and unsolved crimes. Wisconsin is among the states that have a DNA database. Defense attorney Ray Dall'Osto, chairman of the Wisconsin Bar Association's criminal law section, called it "an attempt to stretch the envelope, but I think there is a question about whether one can extend the statute by filing a legal charge without naming the defendant." Copyright 1999 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
