Opinion ID: 853075
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Short Tandem Repeat DNA Analysis

Text: Troxell last claims that the trial court erred in admitting the DNA test results from the FBI laboratory, which used Short Tandem Repeat analysis to establish the minuscule probability of error in identifying samples from both the victim and Troxell. A number of courts have set forth the science underlying STR analysis. A more complete explanation is provided in United States v. Trala, 162 F.Supp.2d 336 (D.Del.2001). In simplified terms, STR provides a more statistically reliable result by comparing more loci among the huge number comprising a strand of one human's DNA with that of another. Id. at 340-41. The results from the STR analysis in this case indicated that the chance that a white male other than Troxell was the source of the hair found in the victim's room was one in 230 trillion. Troxell argues that STR is too new to be reliable or accepted in the relevant scientific community and that evidence based upon STR analysis was unduly prejudicial. This Court has noted that the words `DNA test results' are not magic words which, once uttered, cause the doors of admissibility to open. Smith v. State, 702 N.E.2d 668, 672 (Ind.1998) (quoting Harrison v. State, 644 N.E.2d 1243, 1251 (Ind.1995)). Rather, DNA testing is admissible if the trial court is satisfied that: (1) the scientific principles upon which the expert testimony rests are reliable; (2) the witness is qualified; and (3) the testimony's probative value is not substantially outweighed by the dangers of unfair prejudice. Ingram v. State, 699 N.E.2d 261, 262 (Ind.1998). Under Indiana Evidence Rule 702, no specific test is required to establish the reliability of a scientific process. McGrew v. State, 682 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (Ind.1997). Rather we have permitted trial courts to consider: (1) whether the technique has been or can be empirically tested; (2) whether the technique has been subjected to peer review and publication; (3) the known or potential rate of error, as well as the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the technique's operation; and (4) general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. We review the trial court's determination to admit evidence based on a scientific process under an abuse of discretion standard. Ingram, 699 N.E.2d at 263. The trial court conducted a hearing as to the admissibility of the STR test results. Special Agent Guerrieri noted that after the development of the STR test, the test underwent a thorough validation process before being put into service by the FBI in the late 1990s, before Troxell's samples were analyzed. He also stated that the protocol used by the FBI has been subjected to technical review by its own scientists and by outside experts. The State introduced several articles in peer review journals that validated the STR testing process. Special Agent Guerrieri also noted that at the time of trial, over 140 laboratories performed STR testing. He explained that STR testing is replacing other forms of testing because it is more efficient and effective. He also described the lab's processes to avoid contamination and testified that the lab regularly tests the proficiency of its own analysts. Finally, Guerrieri stated that STR analysis is generally accepted in the relevant scientific community. Other courts have reached the same conclusion. See Trala, 162 F.Supp.2d. at 336; State v. Allen, 72 Cal.App.4th 1093, 85 Cal.Rptr.2d 655 (1999); State v. Shreck, 22 P.3d 68 (Colo.2001); Lemour v. State, 802 So.2d 402 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.2001); Commonwealth v. Rosier, 425 Mass. 807, 685 N.E.2d 739 (1997); State v. Jackson, 255 Neb. 68, 582 N.W.2d 317 (1998); State v. Deloatch, 354 N.J.Super. 76, 804 A.2d 604 (Law Div.2002); People v. Owens, 187 Misc.2d 838, 725 N.Y.S.2d 178 (N.Y.Sup. Ct.2001); Fanniel v. State, No. 01-00-00732-CR, 2002 WL 467158 at , 2002 Tex.App. LEXIS 2260 at  (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] March 28, 2002) (unpublished); State v. Butterfield, 27 P.3d 1133 (Utah 2001). Based on the testimony of Special Agent Guerrieri, the reported decisions in other jurisdictions, and what seems to us to be the clear weight of scientific opinion that STR is now refined and reliable technology, we conclude that the trial court was well within its discretion in finding the scientific principles of STR testing to be reliable and generally accepted in the relevant scientific community.