15-Dec-2016

Cybergenetics testifies about taxicab DNA evidence in cabbie shooting

Williamsport, PA

Dr. Mark Perlin testified today in Lycoming County court about DNA evidence swabbed from a taxicab seat and door. Defendant Dante Washington (26) is accused of shooting and robbing cab driver Eugene Phillips on May 15, 2014.

The taxicab DNA swabs contained mixtures of three or four people. Cybergenetics TrueAllele® computers separated this mixture data, and found statistical links to Mr. Washington. Dr. Perlin explained the science to the jury, and testified throughout the day.

Assistant District Attorney Martin Wade is prosecuting the case, and Chief County Public Defender William Miele is representing the accused, with President Judge Nancy Butts presiding. Nathaniel Adams qualified as an expert in "computer science and statistics," testifying for the defense.

On December 20, Mr. Washington was convicted on all counts. The jury found him guilty of attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, four felony counts of various robbery charges, theft and receiving stolen property.

Links

• Man charged in shooting of taxi cab driver – Sun-Gazette
• DNA evidence focus in cabbie shooting trial – Sun-Gazette
• Man is guilty of shooting, robbing cabbie in 2014 – Sun-Gazette