Post Conviction DNA Case Management Symposium

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Post Conviction DNA Case Management Symposium

• Cold Case Investigations Lessons Learned
  Relevant to DNA and Post Conviction Relief
• Norman Gahn, Assistant District Attorney,
  Milwaukee County

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Time Limitations and DNA

• John Doe Warrants - arrest warrant based upon
  genetic profile issued prior to expirations of
  statute of limitations to preserve jurisdiction
• Legislative changes to statute of limitations for
  certain crimes when DNA profile of perpetrator is
  present

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Wisconsin Court of Appeals stated

• We conclude that for purposes of identifying a
  particular person as the defendant, a DNA
  profile is arguably the most discrete, exclusive
  means of personal identification possible.
• State v. Dabney, 264 Wis.2nd 843, 663 N.W. 2nd
  366 (WI App 2003)
• See Also, State v. Davis, 698 N.W.2nd 823, 2005
  WI App 98

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If cold hit beyond statute of limitations or case
is not charged

• Complete investigation/crime lab confirmation
• Submit completed investigation to registrar at
  prison and parole/probation officer
• Basis for sex predator status
• Potential other acts evidence
• Victim notification/Impact Stmt

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State v. John Doe 5

• Five Separate Sexual Assaults occurring on
  3/27/94, 8/11/94, 11/29/94, 12/20/94, and
  1/14/95.
• All Victims Forced Off Street at Gunpoint to
  Secluded Location
• Very Similar Description of Assailant

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Cold Case Prosecutions/PCM Parallels

• Time Limitations
• Finding Investigator to Commit to Case
• Locating Biological Evidence
• Locating/Identifying Discovery
• Identifying 3rd Parties
• Victim Impact

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Locate All Discovery

• Police Reports
• Crime Lab Reports of Analysis
• SANE Reports
• Crime Scene Photos
• Physical Evidence
• Chain of Custody Documents

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Any 3rd Party Defenses?

• Misidentifications with photo arrays
• Misidentifications at line-ups
• Standards of suspects submitted by police to
  crime lab
• Crime lab ABO/enzyme inclusions and/or exclusions
• Anonymous tips/police stops
• Exclude and bring motion in limine

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Sexual Assault Victim Impact with Cold Hits

• Has victim put past behind her?
• Is the trauma being reawakened?
• Will she show up for trial?