In Coy, the laboratory identified a DNA mixture on a doorknob and a knife that could have come from both the victim and the suspect; however, no statistical estimates were provided for the sample.

The court held the following: "We find the instant evidence of a potential match between the defendant's DNA and the mixed samples to possess minimal probative value absent accompanying interpretive statistical analysis evidence... The significant possibility exists that the jury might have attributed the potential DNA match preemptive or undue weight, thus unfairly prejudicing defendant."

Back Forward