Understanding the activities underlying DNA transfer is critical for evaluating its probative value beyond simply identifying its source. This challenge is particularly pronounced when dealing with touch DNA, which may be transferred through both direct and indirect contact, complicating the interpretation of these findings.

A growing body of scientific literature studies DNA transfer in different criminal contexts such as violence involving bladed weapons, physical altercations and sexual assaults. However, limited research concentrates on firearm-related violence and the understanding of the evidential value of touch DNA traces in reconstructing such alleged activities. This gap is significant given the prevalence of firearm-related violence and the potential for DNA traces to inform activity-level propositions.

This presentation introduces an exploratory study investigating whether quantitative differences in touch DNA transfers can be observed following handling scenarios involving both firing and non-firing firearms. DNA was collected from multiple areas of a firearm after controlled handling scenarios, enabling a comparative assessment of transfer patterns. Based on the data collected in this study, combined with findings from existing literature, this project aims to assess whether current quantitative DNA methods constitute an appropriate approach for exploiting the potential of these traces to shed light on the activities that led to their transfer in firearm-related cases.

Beyond the experimental component, this research addresses a critical yet often overlooked question: how are activity-level DNA interpretations perceived and used by judicial actors? In the second part of this study, an online survey is conducted among judicial professionals in Québec, including police officers, prosecutors, defence lawyers, and judges, to gauge their level of understanding, perceived relevance, and willingness to incorporate such interpretations into practice.

By combining an experimental approach with an assessment of perceptions within the judicial community, this study aims to better understand the role of activity-level DNA interpretation in practice, while providing a critical evaluation of current methods used to interpret and exploit such information in firearm-related violence cases. This research also seeks to inform and guide future studies in this field.

Authors

• Éléonore Gagnon (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada)
• Vincent Mousseau (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada)
• Mylène Falardeau (Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale, Canada)
• Carole Sénéchal (Université d'Ottawa, Canada)
• Denis Werner (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada)
• Frank Crispino (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada)
• Emmanuel Milot (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada)