The Dallas Police Department is currently investigating a cold case, the homicide of Christopher Littles Jr., a 26-year-old who tragically lost his life in 2018 due to a fatal shooting that occurred outside his residence.
On July 18, 2018, Littles, residing in Dallas, Texas, tragically lost his life following a shooting incident in the area of the 4900 block of Wadsworth Drive.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to apprehend the individual responsible for his murder. Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Steven David at 214-671-3627 or via email at steven.david@dallascityhall.com, referencing case number 156768-2018.
Initially, the investigation involved collecting trace evidence. Body fluids, gunshot residue, hair, fibers, and fingerprints describe general forms of trace evidence that a perpetrator might unwittingly deposit on their victim.
The DNA examination from biological evidence collected during criminal investigations could offer clear proof when a recovered profile aligns with one stored in a DNA database or produced by a suspect.
The utilization of DNA collection and analysis in the criminal justice sector supplies a powerful means for deciding the perpetrators and proving the innocence of individuals.
Only, a tiny fraction of DNA, approximately one-tenth of one percent, shows distinctions between people, totaling around 3 million bases.
Scientists, perform DNA extractions from different sources like bone, hair, blood, or other bodily tissues or substances. These extracted samples allow scientists to establish the unique variations at these bases.
In criminal investigations, the usual process involves collecting samples from both the crime scene evidence and the suspect, followed by DNA extraction and analysis to identify the unique variations at specific regions known as markers.
In cases where the profiles of the provided sample do not align, it suggests that the person in question did not leave their DNA at the location of the crime. Contrarily, when the patterns do align, it means that the suspect could have been the source of the evidence sample.
History of the Case
Upon the arrival of law enforcement officers at a residence situated in the 4900 block of Wadsworth Drive, close to Interstate 45 and South Great Trinity Forest Way, it was determined that Chris Littles had already succumbed in the front yard. Chris was the victim of a shooting incident.
The incident occurred after a short argument involving two unidentified male suspects of African descent.
Advancements in DNA Analysis
The latest testing kits can extract a myriad of genetic markers from unidentified human remains, greatly enhancing the chances of associating these remains with missing people or their family members. In contrast, previous kits were limited to recovering only a limited number of these markers.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allows the amplification of DNA, improving sensitivity and allowing the analysis of minute DNA amounts. This technique is particularly valuable for examining DNA from historical or degraded samples.
Traditional DNA analysis takes place in labs. Rapid DNA technology simplifies this by combining analysis into one machine and computer system. The process starts with obtaining a sample from a crime scene or individual, often by collecting saliva, blood, or tissue.
Impact of Fingerprinting
A fingerprint is a unique image created by the distinct friction ridges present on a human finger. The retrieval and analysis of partial fingerprints discovered at a crime scene serve as an important technique in the field of forensic science.
The development and importance of fingerprint technology have significantly impacted the investigative process over the years.
The unique features of human fingerprints, known for their intricate patterns, nearly unusual distinctiveness, hard-core resistance to change, and incredible longevity throughout somebody's lifespan, make them ideal as indicators of human identity.
Fingerprint identification also referred to as dactyloscopy, ridgeology, or handprint identification, involves the comparison of two distinct instances of skin impressions with friction ridges from human fingers or toes.
The unique characteristics of the friction ridges on the skin allow for a level of uniqueness in finger and palm prints that guarantees no two are precisely identical.
This deviation is obvious even when capturing numerous impressions consecutively from the same hand, as subtle differences can be observed between them.
Other Forensic Techniques
Other branches of forensic science address different elements necessary for solving criminal cases. Despite some overlap, each specialized branch is vital in separate cases.
The variousness within forensic science is vital due to the uniqueness of each crime. All fields within forensic science follow the scientific method and strict protocols to protect proof, prevent prejudice, and provide data integrity for the success of legal and criminal investigations.
Future of the Investigation
The tragic incident transpired on July 18, 2018, resulting in Littles passing away instantly from his injuries.
Officers have tried to solve the circumstances surrounding his premature death; nevertheless, even after several years, those responsible for the crime are still unknown, and the chance of justice seems to evade their grasp forever.
The Dallas Police Department has resumed calls for anyone with key details to step forward in hopes of someday being able to hold those accountable for this heinous act.
People with information can contact investigators at 214-671-3654, citing case number 156768-2018.
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