<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0DjTwR_0wG1YKEp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0DjTwR_0wG1YKEp00" width="401" height="299" ></figure>The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) recently fired a forensic scientist at its Jackson, Tennessee, testing lab for “unethical conduct.” TBI has said the termination stemmed from concerns about the forensic scientist’s personal life and behavior—not the quality of work their work.Still, the firing has led Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy to ask for retesting of evidence originally analyzed by the forensic scientist.In a statement posted to social media, Mulroy noted that prosecutors are required to disclose certain evidence and information to the defense counsel, including a situation of this severity.“It may seem counterintuitive, but failing to disclose this information violates the rights of the defendant, which sometimes leads to a violent criminal being let go,” said Mulroy. “The evidence in those cases, which involve rape and sexual abuse, is now being retested. In accordance with the law, we are disclosing that information to defense attorneys, so we can seek airtight convictions in these cases. Justice for victims and defendants demands we operate honestly and ethically.”Mulroy also took the change to reiterate his push for a forensic testing lab in Memphis. Currently, all of Shelby County’s forensic testing is done in Jackson, which is about 80 miles from Shelby County. Meanwhile, Memphis is less than 10 miles.In January 2024, Mulroy proposed a lab that would offer:<ul><li>Rapid DNA testing with results in 90 minutes</li><li>Ballistics testing in non-homicide cases</li><li>Cell phone digital forensic analysis</li><li>New testing in auto theft and auto break-in cases, according to WMC, a local media news outlet.</li></ul>“These new abilities, I think, would be a game changer, increasing our clearance rate, our solve rate, which is unacceptably low right now in Memphis,” Mulroy told WMC. “And in my view [that] is the key metric that we need to be focused on improving if we’re going to bend the curve on crime in Memphis.”In Mulroy’s proposed version, the state of Tennessee would give Shelby County an old building and initial funding, while the governments of Memphis City and Shelby County would share the lab’s annual operating expenses.Stay up to date with the latest news, articles, and products for the lab. Plus, get special offers from Forensic – all delivered right to your inbox! Sign up now!</div></body>

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DA Asks for Retests after TBI Fires Forensic Scientist

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) recently fired a forensic scientist at its Jackson, Tennessee, testing lab for “unethical conduct.” TBI has said the termination stemmed from concerns about the forensic scientist’s personal life and behavior—not the quality of work their work. Still, the firing has...