Scientific advances have done much to assist the efforts of law enforcement in recent years. The evidence that they present can indeed be compelling, so much so that many in Oregon City may be willing to accept it without question.
At the same time, however, it is important to remember that no scientific process (how apparently refined) is infallible and that those who come under criminal scrutiny due to their application still deserve to have their cases thoroughly researched and vetted through the appropriate channels. A failure to do so could easily lead to the disregarding of a criminal defendant’s rights.
DNA evidence prompts arrest in 21-year-old case
A Portland man currently stands accused of murder after law enforcement authorities reported that DNA evidence collected through a genealogy service connected him to a 21-year-old homicide case. The victim in this case disappeared in 1999. Investigators located his car shortly thereafter, yet never found his body. Their assumption of murder came from blood evidence found at this apartment.
Despite the DNA evidence seemingly implicating the man in the crime, reports detailed no connection between him and the missing person. Authorities have also not detailed whether any other evidence connects the man to the crime.
Ensuring objectivity
It is easy to understand why so many people may be quick to accept scientific evidence as the proverbial “smoking gun” in a criminal case. Yet evidence does not always equate to confirmation, and it should not be unreasonable that those who it implicates challenge it. Doing so, however, can be difficult. For this reason, those who stand accused of criminal activity may do well to seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.