Case from 1979:
Semen evidence was extracted by Florida company DNA Labs International using a device known as an M-Vac. The M-Vac sprays the sample with a solution; then, like a scientific wet-vac, it sucks it back out, bringing more of the DNA material.
The Michigan state lab is reluctant to use M-Vac technology in the OCCK case because they know how the evidence in these FOUR homicides was horribly mishandled and improperly stored.
In the OCCK case, the M-Vac might reveal DNA from Charlotte Day, Mel Paunovich, the psychic who handled some of the clothing, or the shrink up north who likewise handled it during a consultation, or anyone else who was involved in processing the crime scenes. They can be ruled out. Previously undiscovered semen from an unknown male? That’s a different matter. How about reprocessing the kids’ underwear for starters?
But if you won’t ever get on the starting block, you’ll never know what might happen. These people want to rule out the possibility of success without lifting a finger. Or an explanation to the public about why the evidence is considered ineligible for the kind of treatment being provided to cold cases around the country. Or why they won’t find a way to pay for it, as other agencies have.
Too hard, too busy, too expensive. Tell me again what the benefit was in transferring these four homicides to the Michigan State Police?
It is a continuing betrayal of Mark, Jill, Kristine and Tim. This inaction and foot/knuckle dragging, in the face of successful DNA solves in very cold cases around the country, is unbelievable.