CounterClock Podcast Summary: Episode 8 - "Journey"

Introduction In Episode 8 of "CounterClock," titled "Journey," host Delia D'Ambra delves deep into the complexities of reopening a decades-old homicide case. Delia shares her investigative process, discusses advancements in forensic science, and explores potential new leads that could reignite interest and provide fresh insights into the unresolved Jones case.

Forensic DNA Evidence Delia begins by recounting her interview with Teresa Vreeland, the Director of Forensic Genealogy Services at Bode Technology. Teresa explains the significance of the DNA evidence found on a black string intertwined with tape used to bind the victim, Mr. Jones.

Teresa Vreeland [03:05]: "Your skin cells sweat as you spit. All those fluids contain DNA."

Bode Technology identified a dominant female DNA profile in the mixture, alongside a minor presence of Mr. Jones's DNA. Importantly, no DNA from the defendants, Jessica Black, 911 callers, or prior attorneys was found on the evidence, raising critical questions about the unknown female contributor.

STR vs. SNP DNA Profiles Delia highlights the distinction between traditional DNA profiling methods and newer techniques that could offer more detailed insights.

Teresa Vreeland [06:13]: "We're actually looking at the specific sequence from start to finish. And so we're not counting repeats and we're actually looking in letters."

Traditional Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiles are routinely used in criminal databases like CODIS but have limitations in identifying unknown contributors. In contrast, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) profiles, utilized in forensic genetic genealogy, can provide more precise familial matches, potentially leading to the identification of unknown individuals linked to the case.

The Jones Case: Current Status and Challenges The black tape evidence remains a focal point in the Jones case. Despite exhaustive efforts by the Forsyth County District Attorney's Office to match the female DNA with individuals connected to the original crime scene, no matches have been found. Delia questions the thoroughness of these investigations and the dismissal of the tape's significance by prosecutors.

Host [10:17]: "They're not going to be willing to do anything that's going to help the case. They don't believe that the tape has any value."

Investigative Efforts and Potential Leads Delia explores whether Bode Technology could re-examine the existing evidence using SNP profiling, given their expertise and previous involvement in the case. Teresa confirms the feasibility, provided the dominant DNA contributor meets specific criteria.

Teresa Vreeland [07:13]: "We can pick up that dominant contributor for the SNP testing. We need that person to be dominant and usually greater than 80%."

Delia also revisits overlooked details, such as the broken wristwatch found at the crime scene, which could have provided a more accurate timeline of the attack if properly documented. Additionally, she scrutinizes the partial shoeprints and light bulb evidence, questioning the logic behind the perpetrators' actions and suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals.

Defense Standpoints and Legal Obstacles Defense attorneys representing Jamal, Christopher, Rayshawn, and Nathaniel express frustration over the inability to access and utilize DNA evidence that could exonerate their clients.

Defense Attorney [09:15]: "The problem is, I can't get the evidence. I can't get the evidence without a judge signing an order saying I can have the evidence."

They argue that the absence of the unknown female DNA in the defendants' profiles undermines the prosecution's case, suggesting potential contamination or fabrication of evidence during interrogations.

Host's Personal Investigation Delia takes a proactive approach by examining phone records from the Willard Cab Company on the night of the crime. She uncovers multiple suspicious calls requesting a cab to Moravia Street around the estimated time of Mr. Jones's attack. The inability to trace these calls due to outdated records and changes in telephone companies hampers the investigation.

Chris Muma [21:36]: "Why in the world would a series of calls be placed to a cab company to come to Mr. Jones? I mean, that's not a coincidence."

Delia theorizes that the caller might have had knowledge of the crime, either as a perpetrator seeking help or as someone connected to the event, emphasizing the need to revisit these leads despite the passage of time.

Conclusion and Future Directions Episode 8 concludes with Delia highlighting the unresolved questions surrounding the Jones case and the potential avenues that forensic genetic genealogy could open. She underscores the importance of meticulous investigation and encourages ongoing scrutiny of all available evidence to uncover the truth.

Defense Attorney [14:37]: "Forward, I'm fine to file emotion and see if your instincts are right."

Delia teases the next episode, "Jigsaw," promising to continue piecing together the intricate puzzle of the Jones homicide.

Notable Quotes

• Teresa Vreeland [03:05]: "Your skin cells sweat as you spit. All those fluids contain DNA."
• Teresa Vreeland [06:13]: "We're actually looking at the specific sequence from start to finish. And so we're not counting repeats and we're actually looking in letters."
• Host [10:17]: "They're not going to be willing to do anything that's going to help the case. They don't believe that the tape has any value."
• Chris Muma [21:36]: "Why in the world would a series of calls be placed to a cab company to come to Mr. Jones? I mean, that's not a coincidence."

Key Insights

• Advancements in Forensic Science: The transition from STR to SNP profiling holds promise for identifying unknown DNA contributors through genetic genealogy.
• Investigative Gaps: Overlooked evidence and procedural oversights, such as the mishandling of phone call records and inadequate documentation of the broken wristwatch, may have hindered the resolution of the Jones case.
• Legal Challenges: Defense attorneys face significant hurdles in accessing and presenting exculpatory evidence, emphasizing the need for judicial support in wrongful conviction cases.
• Potential New Leads: Re-examining phone records and leveraging forensic genealogy could provide crucial breakthroughs, despite the challenges posed by time and data accessibility.

Conclusion "Journey" offers a compelling exploration of the intertwined complexities of forensic evidence, legal maneuvering, and persistent investigative efforts in a cold case. Delia D'Ambra's methodical approach and dedication to uncovering the truth exemplify the relentless pursuit of justice that "CounterClock" champions.