IIPPI

The recent death of exonerated prisoner Clyde Charles has brought the public’s attention to his and Marlo Charles’ criminal case. Now he has left new DNA samples to his brother to be used in court.

Clyde Charles’ DNA did not match three of eight genetic markers of the spermatozoa found on the victim. He was excluded as the rapist and eventually set free. Because of degradation of the samples over the years, it was not possible to conduct a full DNA profile.  The victim has never identified Marlo Charles as her rapist. However, his DNA was tested. This time, only five of eight markers were used. All of them matched. It is possible that the five positive markers that fit Clyde Charles’ profile were the five that matched his brother’s DNA, too.  The testing was below standard and therefore inconclusive. If thirteen or even eight markers had been used on Marlo Charles, he may have been excluded like his brother. It only takes one missed marker to automatically exclude someone.  Fresh DNA samples have recently been taken from Clyde Charles. They can be compared to Marlo Charles’ DNA. Marlo Charles needs a court order to have a DNA lab professional draw his genetic data from him at Angola Prison. That DNA could also be compared to the rape kit.   Clyde Charles had to agree to never seek compensation, in order to get local prosecutors to cooperate and release the evidence for DNA testing. For details of this case go to www.iippi.org/inmates/louisiana/marlocharles.html .

Katja Pumm can be contacted at info@iippi.org .