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People of California v Manuel Lopez
TrueAllele’s more complete analysis reveals different DNA story
| Crime | On January 16, 2016, toddler Apollo Torres (two years old) was found dead in his bed. Strangulation and sexual assault was suspected. |
| Evidence | Blankets, clothing, fingernails, hairs, body swabs, and other items were collected at the victim’s home. |
| DNA | The Santa Clara County crime laboratory developed DNA data. There were many mixtures. In total, they analyzed 97 evidence items. |
| Match | The lab reported obvious DNA connections, but missed subtler findings. Based on their limited results, suspicion fell on the mother’s boyfriend Manuel Lopez. He faced the death penalty. |
| TrueAllele | The computer found the very many DNA matches that the lab had missed. It discovered DNA from five unknown people. The computer showed whose DNA was (or wasn’t) on fifty different evidence items. TrueAllele’s complete DNA picture told an entirely different story than the lab’s misleading results. |
| Cybergenetics | In June 2020, DNA analyst Jennifer Bracamontes testified virtually before a Santa Clara County jury about the TrueAllele findings. Chief Scientist Dr. Mark Perlin testified about other DNA issues. |
| Outcome | On June 19, after 5 days of deliberation, the jury acquitted Mr. Lopez of all charges. He was released from prison. |
Media
- San Jose: Man charged in killing and rape of girlfriend’s 2-year-old son Mercury News
- South Bay man nabbed in killing and sex attack of 2-year-old boy SF Gate
- San Jose man arraigned for sexual assault, murder of girlfriend’s toddler son KRON 4
- Santa Clara County sued by pediatrician fired in wake of toddler’s killing Mercury News
- Death penalty case: Jury finds San Jose man not guilty in 2016 child killing Mercury News