Uncertainty about DNA on possible murder weapon

NOTE: There are shocking details from a murder case. The article should be read with caution.

It is a Wednesday morning in the hands of the experts in the Sermersooq Circuit Court, where we follow the third day of the Block 5 case. After hearing from the state coroner, it is the turn of the forensic geneticist.

The forensic geneticist talks about, among other things, the examination of the paving stone that we heard earlier in the day.

The stone contains blood and DNA from the murdered young man who was found in the storage room. Therefore, it would of course be strong evidence against the accused 42-year-old if additional DNA on the stone originated from him.

But here the conclusion is that there is no clear conclusion. The examinations speak neither significantly for nor against the defendant's DNA being on the stone.

– It means that you haven't learned anything from it. It means that he is just as good at following the trail as anyone else, says the forensic geneticist.

DNA should not stand alone

The forensic geneticist refuses to definitively answer several of the questions from the prosecution and defense. Among other things, how long DNA lasts on a stone, and whether it is possible to imagine DNA being transferred from mattresses to sweaters.

– You can imagine many things, he says.

He elaborates on some of the challenges and pitfalls that may arise for the court and the parties to the case in relation to dealing with the forensic genetic information. Here he emphasizes that DNA information must be seen in conjunction with other information.

After the forensic geneticist, it is the police's turn to testify. A police assistant confirms that a number of people were in the spotlight after the murder. But it was the technical clues that led the investigation to the accused 42-year-old man, whose fingerprints were left in blood at the crime scene.

The accused was arrested on October 12, 2024, eight days after the body was found in the storage room in Block 5. The 42-year-old denies the murder. He is constantly given the opportunity to comment on witness statements.

However, he consistently refuses to speak in court and otherwise remains completely calm during the case.

The final witness interviews will conclude as planned on Wednesday, and the case will continue on Monday.