“Inconclusive” Homicide DNA Evidence: What to do next

Short answer

When a lab report concludes that homicide DNA evidence is inconclusive, uninterpretable, too complex, has too many contributors, or has insufficient genetic information, it often means the lab couldn’t interpret the mixture using their standard protocols. That does not always mean the DNA is unusable. Cybergenetics services using TrueAllele^® technology can often obtain helpful information from the same lab DNA data.

We don’t retest physical evidence items. We use TrueAllele to re-interpret the electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid) a DNA lab already generated.

Cybergenetics TrueAllele Casework Services

• Used by 600+ agencies in more than 1,500 cases across 48 states and federal jurisdictions.
• Accepted in court (50 admissibility decisions, 165+ trials, 15+ exonerations)
• Validated for low-level and complex mixtures (up to 10 unknown contributors), including handguns.
• Casework services include free screening, court reports, pre-trial preparation, and expert testimony.
• Typical turnaround time is 3 weeks; expedited service is available for a fee.

Who uses this

• Investigators and major-crimes units
• Prosecutors and DA investigators
• Defense attorneys
• Innocence groups
• Crime labs (as part of the workflow)

Cybergenetics is not a DNA testing lab: TrueAllele interpretation uses the lab’s electronic DNA data files. “Cybergenetics complements the crime lab - taking their data across the goal line.”

Is TrueAllele a good fit for my case?

Good fit if your case has any of these

• Lab DNA report with conclusions like inconclusive, uninterpretable, too complex, too many contributors, insufficient genetic information, or similar terminology.
• A mixed profile (mixture) or a partial/low-level profile (common with touch DNA).
• Evidence from a weapon (gun/handgun) or other high-contact items.

Not a fit (or not yet)

• You don't have the electronic DNA data files yet (see below).
• It's already a clean, single-source profile with a clear conclusion (TrueAllele screening can be done, but don't expect miracles).

What to do next

1. Write down which items that had an uninterpretable DNA result (and what the lab DNA report called it).
2. Get the required electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).
3. Submit a Free TrueAllele Screening inquiry to learn more about what’s in your evidence.

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 key evidence items, the lab’s electronic data (.fsa or .hid)
• 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 inconclusive 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

After Free TrueAllele Screening

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

If you proceed to court

• A final report that explains the interpretation and results.
• Disclosure materials to supplement the analysis.
• Testimony preparation and demonstrative aid.

Common homicide evidence that becomes “too complex”

These are the places mixtures happen most often:

• Fingernails / defensive wounds
• Clothing (victim/suspect contact)
• Vehicle door handles, steering wheel, seatbelt, window controls
• Weapons (gun, magazine, swabs)
• Other high contact surfaces

If any of these came back as “inconclusive/uninterpretable/too complex,” screen it with TrueAllele.

Turnaround time

• Standard turnaround for all casework (including screening) is typically 3 weeks.
• Rush services are available for an added fee.

TrueAllele court usage

• Includes disclosure materials and expert testimony.
• TrueAllele results have been used in courts across jurisdictions.

FAQ

Do you need the physical evidence?

No. Please do not send biological evidence. TrueAllele analysis uses the lab’s electronic DNA data.

How many contributors can TrueAllele handle?

Mixed samples can involve multiple contributors; TrueAllele is validated up to 10 unknown contributors.

Will our lab release the data?

TrueAllele screening is designed to be a complement to the crime lab: we re-interpret the lab’s already generated electronic DNA data. Many labs have released data for interpretation services.

How long does it take?

Typically 3 weeks, with expedited service available for a fee.

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.