From
The Denver Post:
The fresh
DNA evidence prosecutors say clears the Ramsey family in JonBenet's death was analyzed using a new process known as "touch DNA" testing.
The name "touch DNA" reflects that investigators extract samples from only a few cells left behind by a person who briefly touched an object, such as clothing.
Boulder District Attorney Mary Lacy decided to pursue the new line of testing in August after learning DNA could be analyzed from areas where there was no observable stain or other indication of DNA.
Forensic scientists from the Bode Technology Group, the lab that performed the DNA testing, scraped areas of JonBenet's long johns that investigators suggested would be where a person would touch if pulling down her pants.
Bode informed the district attorney's office in October that genetic material had been identified off the long johns.
That DNA matched the DNA earlier found on JonBenet's underpants.
Bode has performed "touch DNA" testing for about three years.
Linda Wheeler-Holloway, a former Fort Collins detective who became involved in the Tim Masters DNA-based exoneration case, said she and DNA forensic specialists Richard and Selma Eikelenboom of Holland presented "touch DNA" testing to the Boulder County district attorney's office in October 2006.
The district attorney's office never followed up, according to Wheeler-Holloway. Until Wednesday, she was unaware that Boulder County had pursued such a method.
"We were hoping the Boulder DA office would try it," Wheeler-Holloway said. "That is the best technology to use to solve that case."