2-Nov-2017

Cybergenetics testifies about gun DNA in Xbox shooting

Elmira, NY

On June 23, 2016 Akeem Williams (29) and Tiko Head (44) were quarrelling over an Xbox. Around 1 a.m., Williams shot Head—and Head stumbled outside, calling for help, before he collapsed. Elmira, NY, first responders rushed him to the medical center. But Head later died from the single gunshot wound.

Police recovered the gun, and the New York State Police lab developed DNA data from it. Their limited analysis found that "due to insufficient genetic information, the partial mixture profiles" from the gun grip, trigger, and frame were "not suitable for comparison." Chief Assistant District Attorney John Thweatt contacted Cybergenetics. On the same data, their TrueAllele® computer analysis found that Akeem was statistically linked to the murder weapon.

Cybergenetics DNA Analyst Jennifer Hornyak testified on the DNA match statistics in the first trial (hung jury; August 2017) and second trial (October 2017). On November 2, 2017, the Chemung County jury found Akeem Williams guilty of murder in the 2nd degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree. Williams now faces up to 25 to life in prison.

• Witness: Fatal shooting prompted by dispute over Xbox - Star Gazette
• Mistrial declared in Elmira murder case - USA Today
• Akeem Williams convicted of murder, gun possession at re-trial - WENY News