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Evidence: Forensic Analysis of chemistry, blood, DNA, and hair
 

YOKNAPATAWPHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy. Det. T. Armstrong

Incident No.: 000524-27A-2001

Case Description: Melissa Hammond Homicide

The following report on forensic analysis results was received from the State Crime Lab on March 20, 2001.

Chemistry

000524-15 through 000524-18: Four (4) fingernail pieces, broken, dark red or maroon on one face, natural color on opposite face

Chemical, as well as ridge analysis of the fingernail polish enamel on the fingernails recovered at the crime scene (000524-15 through 000524-18) is consistent with fingernail #3 found from vacuum C of the Farrell Motors car dealership.

Serology

00524-15 through 000524-18: Of the four fingernail pieces, sufficient DNA was available under 00524-15 and 00524-16 (right forefinger and middle finger). Tissue underneath the two fingernails was analyzed using both DQ Alpha and Polymarker analysis. The DQ Alpha test monitors for the presence of six different alleles at the DQ Alpha locus: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2, 3, or 4. The tissue samples removed from underneath the victim's fingernails were further amplified so that the Polymarker analysis could be performed. The Polymarker test analyzes five different loci (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, DYS8 and GC) that have 2 to 3 allelic possibilities. Because of the nature of the sample, contamination or mixtures of profiles can occur. Therefore, the Polymarker test was used to further characterize the profiles in the skin tissue. Because DNA from one single individual should only show either a homozygous (two of the same alleles) or heterozygous (two different alleles) genotype, observation of three or more alleles in a sample indicates a mixture. As well, in an unknown sample, the presence of only two alleles does not ensure a single individual as it can also indicate a mixture of two homogygous genotypes. But by analyzing the genotypes at six different loci, more information can be gained in mixed samples.

DQ Alpha Analysis

A=Melissa Hammond (1.1, 1.1)
B=Lydia Hammond (1.1, 4)
C=Steve Kirby (2, 3)
D= JP Wallace (1.3, 2)
E=Roger Hammond (2, 4)
F=Kevin Travers (3, 4)
G=Skin Sample #1 (alleles represented = 1.1, 1.3, 2, 4 and possibly 1.2; mixture of 2+ individuals)
H=Skin sample #2 (alleles represented = 1.1, 2, 3, 4, possibly 1.2; mixture of 2+ individuals)
"C" on each test strip = control

From the results of the DQ Alpha analysis, only Steve Kirby and Kevin Travers are eliminated as a donor of the skin under skin sample #1 and only JP Wallace is eliminated as a donor of the skin from skin sample #2.

Polymarker Analysis

From the results of the Polymarker analysis, Kevin Travers (at both the GYPA and HBGG locus) is eliminated as a donor of skin sample #1. In sample #2, Kevin Travers (at locus GYPA and DYS8) is eliminated. As well, Steve Kirby (at loci DYS8 and GC) is eliminated. Taking both tests together (DQ Alpha and Polymarker), Kevin Travers and Steve Kirby can be eliminated as being the donor of both tissue samples. JP Wallace can be eliminated as the donor from only sample #2.

Sample

Donor

LDLR

GYPA

HBGG

DYS8

GC

A

Melissa Hammond

A, A

B, B

B, B

A, A

A, A

B

Lydia Hammond

A, B

B, B

B, C

A, A

A, A

C

Steve Kirby

B, B

B, B

B, B

B, B

B, C

D

JP Wallace

A, A

B, B

C, C

A, A

B, B

E

Roger Hammond

B, B

B, B

C, C

A, A

A, A

F

Kevin Travers

B, B

A, A

A, A

B, B

B, B

Skin #1

?

A, B

B

B, C

A, B

A, B

Skin #2

?

A, B

B

A, B, C

A

A, B

Trace Evidence

Hairs:

Of the 153 hairs discovered at the crime scene, a portion have been compared to samples taken from individuals close to the investigation. The following list summarizes the hair samples that have been found to be consistent with known hairs:

Sample(s)

Location

Consistent with

000524-H044

000524-H047

Armchair in living room

Jonah Dale

000524-H053

000524-H056

000524-H057

Couch in living room

Lydia Hammond

000524-H049

000524-H051

Couch in living room

Melissa Hammond

000524-H055

000524-H060

000524-H063

Couch in living room

JP Wallace

000524-H097

Rug in living room

Selena Crosscroft

000524-H103

000524-H122

000524-H134

Rug in living room

Jonah Dale

000524-H087

000524-H098

000524-H099

000524-H106

000524-H111

000524-H118

000524-H126

000524-H131

Rug in living room

Lydia Hammond

000524-H089

000524-H100

000524-H101

000524-H107

000524-H115

000524-H129

000524-H144

Rug in living room

Melissa Hammond

000524-H096

000524-H102

Rug in living room

Roger Hammond

000524-H132

Rug in living room

Maureen Kirby

000524-H088

000524-H136

000524-H139

000524-H149

000524-H150

Rug in living room

Steve Kirby

000524-H090

000524-H095

000524-H104

000524-H121

Rug in living room

Kevin Travers

000524-H105

000524-H112

000524-H119

000524-H127

000524-H138

Rug in living room

JP Wallace

000524-H002

000524-H005

000524-H007

Melissa Hammond's bed

Jonah Dale

000524-H010

000524-H011

000524-H014

000524-H017

Melissa Hammond's bed

Lydia Hammond

000524-H001

000524-H003

000524-H004

000524-H013

000524-H019

Melissa Hammond's bed

Melissa Hammond

000524-H006

Melissa Hammond's bed

Roger Hammond

000524-H027

000524-H034

Melissa Hammond's bed

Steve Kirby

000524-H018

000524-H030

Melissa Hammond's bed

JP Wallace

 

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