"Grim Sleeper" arrest and genetic searches

"Grim Sleeper" arrest and genetic searches

by SouthernFriedInfidel | Published on July 9th, 2010, 1:34 pm | Science

Yesterday, a fix-it man was arrested and charged with 10 murders as the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer. He was found because of comparison between DNA from some of the crime scenes and the DNA of his son, who was in jail for his own set of crimes.

Some folks are saying this is wrong, a violation of privacy rights. Seems to me that it should be considered a valid police investigation technique. And, if it turns out that this fellow's DNA doesn't actually match the evidence from the crime scenes, he'll be set free and exonerated, and not really much harm done.

Thoughts?

If he is found not guity then I hardly think the defendent would think there was no harm done. Other than that I do agree with your other statements.

Sure, if he is innocent, then there was a mistake made. But you know, people get arrested and tried for many things that they turn out to be innocent of. That's life. This technique is the thing in question, really: might it be declared unconstitutional? I have a hunch it will be put before the supreme court if it turns out that its utility is questionable. But you know, if they put this guy away forever, and most everyone else that gets picked up this way also turns out to be guilty, I don't think many people will be all that upset over it.

Honestly I don't see what the deal is.... As long as they're not out there doing road blocks of DNA tests... (which oddly was a plot for a episode of Dexter) then I say fair game. Someone who hasn't committed a crime has the right to privacy, but in this case, well, oh well so swell.

It's a lot better than getting him in a dark room and waterboarding him