What does “too complex to interpret” mean for DNA evidence in a homicide case?

Short answer

“Too complex to interpret” usually means the lab observed that a DNA sample has too many mixed contributors or DNA overlap, and they are unable to interpret the data. This conclusion is common with touch DNA (e.g., vehicles, door knobs, other surfaces), clothing, and weapon evidence. This is the kind of result that’s worth a Free TrueAllele^® Screening using the same lab data.

What to do next

1. Identify the 3-5 most probative items (weapon swab, door handle, clothing contact area) likely to carry the contributor(s) of interest.
2. Get the required electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).
3. Submit a Free TrueAllele Screening inquiry.

What to send

• Please do not send biological evidence. The screening uses the lab’s autosomal STR electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).

Please submit:

• For the ”too complex” evidence items, the lab’s electronic data (.fsa or .hid files)
• For reference profiles (victim/elimination/POI), either allele lists or electronic data files
• Allelic ladder files for any electronic data
• Lab reports or other case documents
• Item ID list (which swabs/items the files belong to)
• A case submission form with case specific information and questions (e.g., compare to POI, interpret the too complex mixture, compare items, etc.)

For more information on what to request from the lab, see the Sending Cases for TrueAllele Processing page.

What you receive

• A basic answer about the DNA information in your data, along with the next steps.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “too complex” means “dead end.”

Ready to Submit?

Tell us about your case. We’ll review it and tell you if we can get more information from the DNA data.

Free Screening

We don’t retest physical evidence items. We interpret the electronic DNA data a lab already generated.