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Commonwealth of Virginia v David Black
TrueAllele shines light on mixed DNA from wife slayer
| Crime | On April 17, 2015, Bonnie Black was stabbed to death in her bedroom while her two young children slept nearby. |
| Evidence | DNA evidence was collected from light switches in the victim’s home, and a blood-covered hat. |
| DNA | The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Forensic Science developed DNA mixture data from several pieces of evidence. |
| Match | Due to the complexity of the DNA mixture data, the lab sent the files to Cybergenetics for TrueAllele® computer analysis. |
| TrueAllele | The computer found that the victim’s estranged husband David Black left his DNA on the hat and master bedroom light switch, but not on the bathroom switch. The switches suggested Black had recently been in the home, contradicting his story. TrueAllele distinguished parent and child DNA, refuting defense claims that the mixture came from his children. |
| Cybergenetics | On October 31, 2016, Cybergenetics Chief Scientist Dr. Mark Perlin testified about the DNA before an Arlington jury. |
| Outcome | David Black was convicted of first-degree murder and burglary. He was sentenced to two life sentences in prison. |
Media
- Judge denies bond for Arlington man accused of killing wife Arlington Patch
- ‘I am determined to have a different ending to my story,’ woman wrote before she was slain The Washington Post
- Man on trial for stabbing death of estranged wife in Arlington found guilty of murder WJLA
- Man sentenced for 2015 homicide Arlingtonva.us