First DNA test results on Madeleine’s case
A series of tests were done on various samples taken in relation with 4 years old Madeleine McCann, who dissappeared last 3rd of May in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Foresic experts produced a number of genetic profiles taken from evidence seized from the McCanns’ holiday hotel room to be compared with the genetic profiles from the two prime suspects, Murat and Malinka. So far, the tests have found no matches to either of the suspects, although further studies have been ordered.
Police sources informed that they have examined hair samples, sweat and clothing samples but nothing links Murat with the case, and stated that by the moment, no proof conclusively involves Murat with the crime. Samples were also taken from properties linked to Murat to probe for Madeleine’s genetic profiles.
Members of the National Institute of Legal Medicine commented that the case is “far from over”, and that “Things don’t go as fast as they do on television. This is nothing like you see on CSI.” They referred to a popular TV show were DNA tests are done in a matter of hours and are always successful. However, real forensics is usually complicated by many factors, such as improper sample handling, lack of suitable material and others. People often compare forensic analysis with paternity testing, but the latter is usually carried out under very controlled conditions, with plenty of high quality DNA to work with. Working on a crime scene is a very different situation.
Some criticisms have been raised about the way that samples were taken from the abduction scene. They say the results may have been severely compromised because of sample mistreatment and contamination. In addition, Madeleine’s genetic profile was ‘assembled’ from her parents’ profiles instead of having taken DNA from her belongings, such as toothbrush or hair.
