Dna

[sparrow803]

CHICAGO (AFP) – The FBI said Thursday it is investigating whether notorious Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski -- who engaged in a 17-year mail-bomb spree -- was also behind the 1982 Tylenol poisonings.

This article on Yahoo goes on to say Kaczynski is refusing a DNA sample so they can proceed in investigating the Tylenol poisonings using that technology.

My question is, I thought when in prison a person's DNA was automatically retrieved and put in some data bank for possible reference to other crimies? Or, was he incarcerated before that law went into effect?

[retdetsgt]

It's taken in Oregon, but that's only been for less than 20 years, I think. Kaczynski went to federal prison, I have no idea what their policy is or when it took effect.

[Safety Steve]

I think in TX they only take it when they are leaving prison.



Be Safe.

[retdetsgt]

I think in TX they only take it when they are leaving prison.

That's too bad, that's a waste of good time to work on old cases. We've solved a lot of other crimes committed by people before they get out. A couple of years ago, I had to go back and testify in a murder trial where they connected the DNA of a guy just entering prison on a rape to an old homicide case of mine.

I can't imagine why the media is making a big deal of getting Kaczynski's DNA. If the states can do it, I can't imagine the feds don't collect it.

[sparrow803]

That's too bad, that's a waste of good time to work on old cases. We've solved a lot of other crimes committed by people before they get out. A couple of years ago, I had to go back and testify in a murder trial where they connected the DNA of a guy just entering prison on a rape to an old homicide case of mine.

I can't imagine why the media is making a big deal of getting Kaczynski's DNA. If the states can do it, I can't imagine the feds don't collect it.

If needs be and he won't cooperate and they can't force him by law (can't imagine that but ya never know)...couldn't they get it off of eating utensils, etc. or am I watching too much crime drama on TV again?

[Safety Steve]

If needs be and he won't cooperate and they can't force him by law (can't imagine that but ya never know)...couldn't they get it off of eating utensils, etc. or am I watching too much crime drama on TV again?

I believe they do it with a swab in the mouth.



Be Safe.

[retdetsgt]

I believe they do it with a swab in the mouth.

Correct. It used to have to be a blood draw, which could be a pain (to us and them), but now it's very easy and simple to get even if they resist.

[Switchback]

It's automatically taken when you are arrested in the federal system. However, his is a relatively recent procedure and I am pretty confident that his intake predates the procedure. I do not know the case-law for those subjects already in custody.