The results of preliminary DNA testing
in Willie Manning’s Steckler-Miller case were made public
yesterday. The results, given in a letter from a Senior Forensic DNA
Analyst at the Cellmark Forensics Dallas Lab, are as follows: Rape kit Three swabs were tested for semen. One was
found to be positive, and the other two were inconclusive. All three
will undergo DNA extraction and quantification to determine whether any
male DNA is present. Pubic hair The pubic hair combings were inconclusive
for semen, but the pubic hair was negative for semen. Only the pubic
hair combings will undergo DNA extraction and quantification to
determine whether any male DNA is present. Fingernail scrapings (from both hands of both victims) Preliminary testing established the
concentration of human and male DNA present. The samples will all
undergo a process to increase the concentration of DNA, then DNA
profiling will determine whether any male DNA profile is present that
does not originate from the victims. Hair from victims’ hands No hairs were present in the evidence
marked as “hair in Miller’s right hand” or the evidence marked as “hair
in Steckler’s left hand”. The letter is included in a document
that also incorporates an order by the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court
about the procedures for fingerprint analysis in Willie’s case. .........The Cellmark letter is necessarily
cautious about the initial DNA findings: further testing will now be
needed. But the presence of semen in one of the rape kit samples seems
like a good sign. As the letter notes, “It is possible we will find male DNA in the [rape kit sample that was positive for semen].” It is also good that further testing of
much of the other evidence is recommended, and that the process of
fingerprint matching is at last set to begin. Willie will be 47 on Friday (June 12); this report will make a good birthday present. We wish him many happy returns for Friday!"
http://justice4willie.com/2015/06/09/willie-manning-death-row-mississippi-initial-dna-testing-positive/