Colorado crime lab scientist accused of tainting DNA data in hundreds of
cases
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[March 09, 2024]
By Keith Coffman and Steve Gorman
DENVER (Reuters) - A retired DNA scientist for Colorado's state crime
laboratory is under investigation over suspicion she manipulated genetic
test results in several hundred cases dating back at least 15 years,
state officials said on Friday.
The scientist, Yvonne "Missy" Woods, is accused of tampering with DNA
lab data in 652 cases between 2008 and 2023, and a review of her work
from 1994 to 2008 is also under way, the Colorado Bureau of
Investigation said in a statement.
The CBI statement did not specify the precise nature of the data
manipulation, or say whether it tended to make the results more
incriminating or exculpatory.
But the agency said Woods posted incomplete test results in some cases,
deleted and altered data in an attempt to conceal the alleged tampering,
and failed to provide thorough documentation of tests that were
performed.
"The review did not find that Woods falsified DNA matches or otherwise
fabricated DNA profiles," CBI's statement said. "She instead deviated
from standard testing protocols and cut corners, calling into question
the reliability of the testing she conducted."
It added: "According to CBI's policies and procedures, Woods should have
conducted additional testing to ensure the reliability of her results in
these affected cases."
The agency also said the manipulations it found "appear to have been the
result of intentional conduct" on Woods' part.
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The types of cases involved were not disclosed, but DNA evidence is
typically used in the investigation of homicides and sex crimes.
Woods, a 29-year veteran of the CBI crime lab, was placed on
administrative leave in October 2023, a month after the agency
became aware that DNA sample testing she performed "may have
deviated from standard operating procedures," the CBI said.
She performed no additional work for the lab and retired in
November, according to the CBI.
In addition to the ongoing internal review of Woods' casework, with
assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the CBI has
opened a criminal investigation into the matter.
The probe also led to suspicions that an analyst employed by the
Weld County Sheriff's Office at the Northern Colorado Forensic
Laboratory may have manipulated DNA test data, and CBI has referred
those findings to local authorities for further investigation, the
agency said.
Reuters was not immediately able to determine whether Woods has
retained legal representation in the matter.
The CBI's announcement could set off a frenzy of appellate action
from criminal defense lawyers in Colorado whose clients were
convicted on the basis of DNA testing performed by Woods.
The agency said it was examining procedural changes that "will
enhance the integrity of its testing processes and their results."
(Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; Writing and additional
reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Rosalba
O'Brien)
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