DNA evidence in 1998 Yale killing was contaminated by former Conn. forensic lab worker

DNA evidence in 1998 Yale killing was contaminated

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The family of a Yale student found stabbed to death off campus in 1998 has learned that DNA evidence in the unsolved murder was contaminated by a former forensic lab worker.

The family of Suzanne Jovin and investigators had been holding out hope for nearly eight years that scrapings found under a fingernail on the 21-year-old’s left hand would lead to her killer.

The Hartford Courant reports that investigators recently learned the DNA belongs to the technician, who has since retired from the State Police Forensic Laboratory. He contaminated a blood sample during initial forensic tests.

The Jovin family recently wrote to Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell criticizing the state’s forensic laboratory for its “shortcomings.” The family learned of the contamination last week.

Information from: The Hartford Courant, www.courant.com