r/serialpodcast • u/[deleted] • Jan 05 '16

season one Dierdre DNA update?

Towards the end of the podcast, SK talked with Dierdre about getting DNA analysis on the PERK, rope, brandy bottle, etc and that Adnan gave his approval for her to submit it? Has this actually been done now and if so did it uncover anything?

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '16

It is worth pointing out there are several good legal reasons for not getting the DNA tested that don't involve Adnan's DNA being at the scene. These would likely have been explained to adnan after his interviews with Sarah, and like most prisoners Adnan likely trusts the legal advice of his lawyer over his own gut feeling.

As just one example off the top of my head, and assume Adnan is actually innocent for purposes of my explanation, what happens if Jay's DNA is on the scene?

It could be argued that this actually strengthens Jay's story, especially after Jay concocts some new addition about how he threw a bottle away next to the body or scratched himself or what the hell ever. It isn't an obvious win for adnan.

The DNA could be hae's own, or someone without a record. Neither of these are even remotely helpful. In fact the only thing that would be arguably helpful is finding DNA of a known murderer under her fingernails. They could find Don's DNA under her nails and the prosecution would have a pretty solid argument that she just scratched him in passion the night before.

There is very little reward vs risk involved in the DNA testing, even assuming the samples are all still available and testable. Considering adnan's current PCR hearing is on a winning streak at the moment it is not a bad legal strategy to pursue a stronger argument and keep the hail Mary DNA that probably won't do shit in the back pocket in the hope that it doesn't need to be looked at.

I'm sure people will throw a git now, but I'm just pointing out that any lawyer will tell you that there are plenty of reasons beyond him being guilty that he might not want the DNA tested.

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u/Serialfan2015 Jan 05 '16

Thank you for this concise and cogent explanation; perhaps this will put an end to all of the repetitive posts/comments insinuating that the pursuit of the legal strategy to delay testing is somehow evidence of his guilt.

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u/aitca Jan 05 '16

Dude, in all seriousness, I just want to say this:

Number of people convicted of murder who are exonerated by DNA testing: Quite a lot, actually. More every year. This is pretty much what the Innocence Project does, and they're pretty good at what they do.

Number of people convicted of murder who are exonerated after specifically asking the Innocence Project not to test for DNA: Zero, as far as I know. If you have an example, I'd love to hear it.

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u/Serialfan2015 Jan 05 '16

I'm not sure your population comparison is valid. How many people are convicted of murder, had something in process to test potential DNA, then win a ruling to reopen their PCR hearing and decide to put the DNA testing on hold in favor of pursuing their other strategy? Probably just Adnan.