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Forensic Evidence Based on mtDNA from Dog and Wolf Hairs

NCJ Number
183292
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1999 Pages: 77-81
Author(s)
Peter Savolainen M.Sc.; Joakim Lundeberg Ph.D.
Date Published
January 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Research that used mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequencing focused on evidence material comprising shed hairs supposedly originating from dogs or wolves in six forensic cases involving murder, bank robbery, theft, and poaching in Sweden.
Abstract
The research amplified, sequenced, and compared a 79 bp segment of the control region with an established database of domestic dog and wolf populations. Exclusion of all eight suspects was possible in three murder cases. Furthermore, two of the murders could be linked to each other by a rare sequence variant, and the breed of the dog was indicated. In addition, a link could be established between the evidence material and the suspects in a theft case and a bank robbery. It also could be established in a case of suspected wolf poaching that the evidential material was of dog origin rather than wolf origin. Findings indicated that single hairs from common pets are suitable for DNA analysis and that the method used in this research was useful for forensic investigations. Table, figure, and 18 references (Author abstract modified)

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