Podcasts News The Epstein Chronicles The Murder Of Suzanne Morphew: What Sort Of Evidence Could Be Gathered From The Remains? (10/15/23)

The Murder Of Suzanne Morphew: What Sort Of Evidence Could Be Gathered From The Remains? (10/15/23)

Published: Oct. 15, 2023, 6 p.m.

When human remains are exposed to the elements in the desert for an extended period, such as three years, several factors can affect the preservation and analysis of DNA evidence. These factors include extreme temperatures, UV radiation, scavengers, and the natural degradation of biological material. Here's what typically happens to DNA evidence under these conditions:

  1. DNA Degradation: Over time, the DNA in human remains can degrade due to exposure to UV radiation, high temperatures, and the activity of enzymes present in the body. This degradation can lead to the fragmentation of DNA molecules, making it more challenging to obtain a complete and usable DNA profile.
  2. Contamination: Desert environments can be harsh and may expose remains to various environmental contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and microorganisms. Contamination can interfere with DNA analysis, making it more difficult to distinguish between the victim's DNA and that of contaminants.
  3. Inhibition: Environmental conditions in the desert, including the presence of chemicals and minerals in the soil, can inhibit DNA analysis by interfering with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to amplify DNA. This inhibition may lead to false negatives or inconclusive results.
  4. Scavenger Activity: Desert ecosystems often have scavengers like insects and small mammals that may disturb the remains. This can lead to the scattering of bones and tissues, potentially affecting the collection of DNA evidence.
  5. Mummification: In some cases, the arid conditions of the desert can lead to a form of natural mummification, which can preserve soft tissues and DNA to some extent. However, this preservation may not be uniform, and different parts of the body may be better preserved than others.
Despite these challenges, forensic experts can still attempt to extract and analyze DNA from human remains found in the desert. To maximize the chances of obtaining usable DNA evidence, they may employ specialized techniques, such as mitochondrial DNA analysis, which can be more robust in cases of degraded DNA. Additionally, careful handling of the remains and a thorough understanding of the environmental conditions are crucial to mitigate contamination and degradation issues.


In this episode, we hear from Joseph Scott Morgan who discusses what sort of DNA evidence might be found on Suzanne's remains and if that evidence will help the investigation.


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to contact me:

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source:

Chilling condition of missing mom Suzanne Morphew's remains 'will make it very hard for husband Barry to clear his name' | The US Sun (the-sun.com)

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