Opinion ID: 4519639
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Physical and forensic evidence

Text: {¶ 30} A special agent in the Crime Scene Unit of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (“BCI”) testified that BCI personnel vacuumed the plastic tarp with a handheld “forensic vacuum” and swabbed various areas of Brandi’s body and the SUV for DNA testing. {¶ 31} A DNA mixture was found on the vehicle’s push-start button from which neither Boaston nor Brandi could be excluded. A DNA profile could not be obtained from the swabs taken from the rear driver’s side interior door handle, the gear shifter, steering wheel, or trunk handle. However, the BCI DNA analyst testified that if someone was wearing gloves, that would prevent the transfer of DNA. The backs of Brandi’s pant legs were swabbed in the knee and calf areas since someone carrying her body would likely have made contact with these areas. It was determined that both areas contained genetic material matching the Boastonmale profile and at least one other unidentified male profile. {¶ 32} When Boaston was interviewed by the police on February 15, detectives noticed two small scratches on his face and neck. Also, in an area just below the hood of Boaston’s sweatshirt, police identified a 2.5-inch rip in a seam, which corresponded with the scratch wounds on the back of his neck. Testing near the rip revealed Boaston’s DNA but was “inconclusive” as to Brandi, which meant 9 SUPREME COURT OF OHIO that she could not be included or excluded as the contributor. The sweatshirt sleeves tested positive for Boaston’s and Brandi’s DNA and also revealed additional DNA. That additional DNA, however, was not sufficient for comparison. Detectives found a glove in each pocket of Boaston’s coat. Each glove had a Velcro strap and buckle that could be tightened around the wrist. One of the gloves had a lot of long, light-brown human hair embedded in an outer Velcro strap and buckle that appeared to have been forcefully “pulled” from the head. The buckles on the gloves and the hair were tested. The right glove buckle contained DNA, but not from Brandi. Boaston’s left glove buckle did not contain sufficient material for testing, which could mean no DNA was even present. The hair was a match for Brandi’s DNA. {¶ 33} The Amanda Circle residence was searched, but no blood evidence was found.