DNAPrint Genomics Forensics Technology Plays Key Role in Murder Case

SARASOTA, Fla.—DNAPrint genomics today announced that its DNAWITNESS(TM) technology for law enforcement forensics continues to draw media attention for changing the direction of the investigation into the highly publicized Mammoth Lakes murder case in California’s Southern Sierras.

According to a story aired on Tuesday, May 10, by KGO-TV, an ABC affiliate in San Francisco, the Mammoth Lakes murder has “become a test case for experimental science and could become the model for the future of crime- fighting.” Through its proprietary technology, DNAPrint genomics completely shifted the focus of the investigation into the unsolved murder.

In May 2003 after the winter snowmelt, the remains of a body dug up by wild animals were found in a shallow grave at the resort town’s Shady Rest Campground. The remains were sent to the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s office, which determined that the victim was a woman, 30 to 40 years old, of Southeast Asian descent. In addition, this report was corroborated by eyewitness reports of an Asian woman complaining about an abusive spouse or significant other. However, investigators shifted the focus of their investigation after a DNA sample sent to DNAPrint for analysis in August 2004 determined that the victim was 100% Native American.

Utilizing new techniques from DNAPrint and other scientific laboratories, authorities built a facial reconstruction that turned out to be a near look- alike of an artist’s sketch drawn from a description of a woman seen at the park’s Forest Service Visitor’s Center in the fall of 2002. The woman had complained to a Visitor’s Center employee that a man accompanying her was being mean and harassing her. A year later, after seeing the face reconstruction, the employee concluded that it was that of the woman who was at the visitor’s center. Authorities are trying to determine the identity of the man who was with her.

“DNAPrint’s DNAWITNESS(TM) forensics technology already has played a key role in the apprehension of a serial killer in Louisiana and, in addition to the Mammoth Lakes murder, currently is being utilized in more than 80 criminal investigations,” stated Richard Gabriel, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our technology has had nationwide impact on a number of high-profile murder investigations. We also had a case in Concord, Calif., in which the targeted groups in a murder, based on eyewitness reports, were Hispanic and Asian gang members. However, it turned out that, based on DNAPrint’s DNA analysis, the individual who committed that murder was Caucasian.”

About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.

DNAPrint genomics, Inc. uses proprietary human genome research methods to develop genomic-based services and products. The Company’s ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) is a consumer product for individuals interested in learning their family heritage. DNAWITNESS(TM) is a forensics market tool for analyzing DNA evidence recovered at a crime scene. DNAPrint is also developing products in the pharmacogenomic market, including OVANOME(TM), a genomic-based diagnostic tool that matches ovarian cancer patients with the most suitable form and dose of chemotherapy, and STATINOME(TM), a test for the cardiac drug market to determine whether patients will be good or poor responders to statins, which are effective in cholesterol reduction. For more information about the company, please visit https://www.dnaprint.com.