DNA offers crucial tool in fighting crimes

It wasn't until the late 1980s that scientific advancements permitted authorities to gather and rely on evidence contained in each person's unique genetic code. As a result, there now is a precise way to identify -- or eliminate -- criminal suspects

The terms slipped into common usage several years ago: DNA analysis. DNA match. Collecting DNA.

But what we take for granted now was considered a miracle by crime fighters as late as the 1980s. In 1987, an Orlando prosecutor became first in the nation to convict a rapist using DNA evidence. Jury members indicated it was the science that convinced them more than all the other evidence presented.

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, holds an individual's unique genetic code and is present in blood, hair, skin, semen and saliva -- all potentially left behind at the scene of violent crimes.

Today, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, every state has enacted laws to establish DNA databases and require collection of samples from sex offenders and other violent criminals.

Twenty-two states, not including Missouri, have expanded that requirement to include collection from all convicted felons. An FBI pilot project that started in 1990 has expanded into a giant network of local, state and national databases of DNA.

As a result, when a perpetrator leaves so much as a hair behind at a crime scene, investigators can make a solid connection between him or her and the event.

Still, the use of DNA evidence in crime solving might seem like something that happens far away, perhaps in bigger cities.

Not the case.

Law enforcement in Cape Girardeau County and the surrounding area have been using DNA to convict criminals for many years. And now a fascinating case has brought this technology to the forefront locally.

Margie Call and Mildred Wallace were murdered only blocks and months apart in Cape Girardeau in 1982. Back then, detectives had fewer tools at their disposal. They had to make the cases -- which apparently were related -- with the technology available at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. The Call and Wallace families have had no closure for two decades.

In the past few months, investigators decided to use modern technology to try and solve these murders. They went to court to force a suspect from those many years ago to submit a DNA sample -- a swab from the inside of his mouth plus head and body hairs.

It could be a while before authorities know whether the man is related to the case or not. Either way, progress will have been made, either by eliminating a suspect or by taking him to trial.

It must be comforting to the families to know that their deceased loved ones haven't been forgotten and that local police and prosecutors are doing all they can -- using the best technology at their disposal -- to bring the killers to justice.