Bode has the ability to perform testing utilizing Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) techniques and is prepared to testify on such cases as needed. Bode has provided mtDNA analysis on approximately 200 cases in 35 states and 6 countries since 1998. During this time, Bode has performed mtDNA analysis on numerous high profile cases, including over 100 cases involving hairs. Bode has recently performed mtDNA analysis for the identification of victims of Hurricane Katrina and is currently providing this service to several casework clients, including the post-conviction efforts of the West Memphis Three.

Bode’s mtDNA technical leader has twelve-years of mtDNA experience, has worked on hundreds of mtDNA cases, including the Tomb of the Unknown Solider (Vietnam) and the ‘magic’ bullet that allegedly killed JFK, and is recognized as one of the first leaders in this field.

About mtDNA

Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited therefore all of the individuals in the maternal lineage of a family (i.e. mother, daughter, sibling) will share the same mitochondrial DNA. MtDNA analysis is used in both forensic and non-forensic cases. MtDNA analysis can be used if an individual is missing or unable to provide a biological sample and a living maternal relative is available to provide the necessary DNA sample for comparison purposes. mtDNA analysis is also used if a biological sample is degraded or has failed to yield enough DNA for nuclear (STR) analysis. The higher sensitivity of mtDNA analysis is due to the large number of mtDNA copies in each cell (approximately 100-1000 copies of mtDNA, compared to only two copies of each STR marker).

Samples suitable for mtDNA analysis are human hair shafts, skeletal remains (bones and teeth), or any biological sample that is degraded or failed to produce STR results.