QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Apr 18, 2006 -> 06:41 PM)
Evidence collection is very difficult with a rape case. The first thing they teach you in the police adademy is to isolate and contain the crime scene. However with a persons body that is almost impossible. The first thing that a lot of rape victims do is to shower. Which is the worst thing from an evidencial standpoint.
DNA evidence has been around for a while. But even back in the late 70s investigators were collecting rape kits known as Vitulo Kits. Its basically collects pubic combings, dried blood, scrapings from underneath the fingernails of the victim. The pubic hairs were used to match the accused. Its not as foolproof as DNA but its pretty selective. Blood was typed and matched.
Other things you need to look at also, does the accused have any wounds that could of been inflicted by the victim. Do they have any scratches or defense wounds. Plus description of the attacker, clothing they were wearing, any details. Most rapes happen amongst people they know, its not the stranger rape that everyone sees on TV. These are all things that help with the evidence gathering.
Now in this case a few things are fishy. They have obtained some genetic material obviously or they wouldnt have performed a DNA exam on the players. When a rape victim is interviewed one of the questions have you had intercourse in the last 72 hours. The reason for this is to collect genetic samples and pubic pullings from all those who could match for DNA. You eliminate DNA samples that do not apply. However this is not the case here. They have drawn material and it hasnt matched. This is a huge item that the defense will use to get these guys off. Beyond a resonable doubt is the criteria.
The DA is pushing this only because of the political issues at hand. If this was cook county and the DNA testing came back negative for genetic material found in the rape kit then you drop the case. Its not like they didnt get the right genetic drops from these guys, she positively identified them. So if the genetic material doesnt match them, then where did it come from.
this was a great post...thanks man