Recovery and identification of human Y-STR DNA from immatures of chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Simulation of sexual crime investigation involving victim corpse in a state of decay.

Use APA format
for the paper.    

Paper: Recovery and identification of human Y-STR DNA from immatures of chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Simulation of sexual crime investigation involving victim corpse in a state of decay.

Abstract:

Forensic biology encompasses a diverse range of disciplines critical for criminal investigations, including the recovery and identification of human Y-STR DNA from immatures of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). This paper investigates the application of forensic entomology in simulated sexual crime investigations, focusing on cases where victims’ corpses are found in advanced states of decomposition. Using maggots and pupae from Calliphoridae species, such as Chrysomya albiceps, human Y-STR DNA can be retrieved from the gastrointestinal tract, offering a valuable tool for evidence gathering. This study utilizes a female pig model, subjected to simulated rape and homicide, to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. Collecting and analyzing samples over a 14-day decomposition period successfully established a partial Y-STR DNA profile. Despite being a less prominent field, forensic entomology presents significant advantages in addressing challenging cases involving decomposed remains in sexual crimes, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool in forensic investigations.

Main Body:

• Forensic Entomology:

• Discussion on the declining trend in the study of forensic entomology, despite its significance in criminal investigations.

• Historical overview of forensic entomology evidence, highlighting its class information and the differences between insect species.

• Introduction to the use of DNA from Diptera species, such as Chrysomya albiceps, in criminal investigations to link samples to specific sources or locations, influenced by their breeding system.

• Addressing challenges in preserving botanical evidence, particularly in outdoor crime scenes and from decomposing bodies.

• DNA Typing with Immatures of Chrysomya albiceps:

• Brief history of general DNA typing techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

• Specific methodologies employed for DNA typing with immatures of Chrysomya albiceps.

• Alternative approaches such as mitochondrial DNA analysis to determine species.

• Utilization of polymorphic markers to identify unique genetic characteristics.

• Proposal for further advancements in DNA typing methodologies, considering the challenges of forensic entomology.

• Specific Cases and Applications of DNA Typing:

• Identification of sample species and linking them to their sources in sexual crime investigations involving decomposed bodies.

• Species identification from insect evidence collected from crime scenes.

• Establishment of an identification system for Chrysomya albiceps and other related species.

• Typing species encountered in various forensic contexts to aid in criminal investigations.

• Case studies demonstrating the successful application of DNA typing in sexual crime investigations involving decomposed remains.

• Exploration of other applications of DNA typing beyond criminal investigations, such as wildlife forensic studies and environmental monitoring.




Conclusion

Through these discussions, the paper highlights the significance of forensic entomology and DNA typing in sexual crime investigations, emphasizing their potential to provide valuable evidence even in challenging scenarios involving decomposed remains. Despite being a less prominent field within forensic studies, the advantages and applications of forensic entomology underscore its importance in modern forensic science.




References




Gettings, K. B., Bodner, M., Borsuk, L. A., King, J. L., Ballard, D. J., Parson, W., Corina C.G. Benschop, Claus Børsting, Budowle, B., Butler, J. M., van, Gill, P., Gusmão, L., Hares, D. R., Hoogenboom, J., Irwin, J. A., Prieto, L., Schneider, P. M., Vennemann, M., & Phillips, C. (2024). Recommendations of the DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) on short tandem repeat sequence nomenclature. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 68, 102946–102946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102946

Hanson, E. K., & Ballantyne, J. (2006). Comprehensive annotated STR physical map of the human Y chromosome: Forensic implications. Legal Medicine, 8(2), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2005.10.001