New publication - The reliability and reporting of DNA match strength for uncertain genotype evidence.

Back to Trials

State of Florida v Aaron Dobbins

TrueAllele excludes defendant in cold case homicide

Crime On August 30, 2010, officers responded to a suspicious incident. When they arrived, they found Alfred McMurray dead from a gunshot wound. More than a decade later, police charged Aaron Dobbins with the crime.
Evidence Investigators collected many items of evidence including intimate swabs from the victim, a spent casing, and steering wheel swabs.
DNA The Broward County Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory generated DNA data from the evidence items.
Match The laboratory was able to interpret some evidence data, getting the same results as TrueAllele that statistically included the defendant. The defense had alternate explanations about why the defendant’s DNA was present on those items. However, the lab reported some data or comparisons as inconclusive.
TrueAllele On the data for the three items listed above, TrueAllele statistically excluded the defendant. Additionally, the computer calculated an inclusionary match statistic of 82.1 between the victim’s intimate swabs and another person (error rate 1 in 2.34 thousand).
Cybergenetics    On February 10, 2026, Cybergenetics analyst William Allan testified before a Broward County jury about the TrueAllele DNA results.
Outcome On February 12, 2026, the jury found the defendant not guilty of first degree murder.
Media

  • Detectives trying to re-trace steps of Oakland Park homicide victim - SunSentinel
  • Family of Murdered Son Search For Answers 5 Years Later - WFMY News2
  • Family Still Holding Out Hope Authorities Will Solve 10-Year-Old Oakland Park Cold Case Murder - CBS News
  • BSO DETECTIVES SOLVE 2010 MURDER - Broward County Sheriff’s Office
  • DNA evidence leads to arrest of Tampa man in 2010 Broward County murder - Tampa Bay CBS 10
  • DNA match names Tampa adult film actor as suspect in 12-year murder investigation: deputies - NBC News Channel 8
  • BSO: Detectives solve murder case a decade later after new information was revealed - CBS News 12