Post by hope on Aug 8, 2021 12:39:50 GMT -6
Evidence freezer - what was in it and what was done with it
by jhancock » Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:19 pm
Dated 10-26-2004.
On 09/07/04 Investigator P. and I defrosted an evidence freezer that contained autopsy kits from the Keddie Homicides, including DNA and blood samples from Glenna Sharp, John Sharp, and Dana Wingate.
The condition of the freezer was found in the following state. The freezer was stored in a locked evidence room at the Plumas County Jail Facility. The freezer was plugged into an outlet and had electrical power. It should be noted that the freezer has been without power during electrical outages in the past years. It is unknown if the contents in the freezer completely thawed or not.
The freezer door was frozen closed with ice. We had to pry open the door. Once opened, the interior of the freezer was basically a solid piece of frozen ice. After chipping the block of ice from the top shelf, we recovered three cardboard buckets/autopsy kits of Glenna Sharp, John Sharp, and Dana Wingate.
The autopsy kits were removed from the freezer. I discovered all three of the cardboard tops of the kits had been pushed down a couple of inches into the interior of the containers by the weight of the frozen ice. I cleared the ice from the top of the container and removed the paper lids. The kits contained a small amount of ice, which was removed. The items inside the kits were sealed in clear plastic bindles and evidence bags. The tops were placed back on the kits and resealed and sent to DOJ for DNA analysis.
On 10/26/04 I received the attached DOJ Physical Evidence Examination Report of the finding from those kits. Some of the items will be submitted to the DOJ Richmond Lab for DNA analysis. This report will be forthcoming at a later date.
During the course of the case, Investigator F. submitted additional evidence back on 04/10/03 and 07/08/03. These evidence items were in the form of hair samples recovered from the scene next to Glenna Sharp and from John Sharp's hand. These hair samples were examined for any root material. There was not enough root material on the hair for DNA analysis.
Abbreviated list of submitted evidence to DOJ:
Hair from John Sharp's hands
Hair from floor between Glenna Sharp and couch
Hair from floor near feet of Glenna Sharp
Left-hand fingernail scrapings from all three victims
Right-hand fingernail scrapings from all three victims
A blue and white shirt with stains
Debris and hair collected from the blue and white shirt
The fingernail scrapings were repackaged and saved. No hairs were observed in the plastic bag labeled "hair from left hand" or the plastic bag labeled "hair from right hand."
The blue and white shirt and the debris/hair from the shirt were not examined. The items were previously examined in 1984 and found not to be connected to the case.
The hairs were examined for any root material. One root was observed on a hair collected from John Sharp's hands. These is not enough root material on the hair for DNA analysis. No roots were observed on the remaining hair.
[During filming of Part II, we contacted all three of the technicians who signed these various forms. Three lengthy phone conversations were held with each, and all three agreed to a "meeting of the minds" in Quincy to do a thorough review of all evidence. As far as we know, the PCSO has not followed up on this possibility]
by jhancock » Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:19 pm
Dated 10-26-2004.
On 09/07/04 Investigator P. and I defrosted an evidence freezer that contained autopsy kits from the Keddie Homicides, including DNA and blood samples from Glenna Sharp, John Sharp, and Dana Wingate.
The condition of the freezer was found in the following state. The freezer was stored in a locked evidence room at the Plumas County Jail Facility. The freezer was plugged into an outlet and had electrical power. It should be noted that the freezer has been without power during electrical outages in the past years. It is unknown if the contents in the freezer completely thawed or not.
The freezer door was frozen closed with ice. We had to pry open the door. Once opened, the interior of the freezer was basically a solid piece of frozen ice. After chipping the block of ice from the top shelf, we recovered three cardboard buckets/autopsy kits of Glenna Sharp, John Sharp, and Dana Wingate.
The autopsy kits were removed from the freezer. I discovered all three of the cardboard tops of the kits had been pushed down a couple of inches into the interior of the containers by the weight of the frozen ice. I cleared the ice from the top of the container and removed the paper lids. The kits contained a small amount of ice, which was removed. The items inside the kits were sealed in clear plastic bindles and evidence bags. The tops were placed back on the kits and resealed and sent to DOJ for DNA analysis.
On 10/26/04 I received the attached DOJ Physical Evidence Examination Report of the finding from those kits. Some of the items will be submitted to the DOJ Richmond Lab for DNA analysis. This report will be forthcoming at a later date.
During the course of the case, Investigator F. submitted additional evidence back on 04/10/03 and 07/08/03. These evidence items were in the form of hair samples recovered from the scene next to Glenna Sharp and from John Sharp's hand. These hair samples were examined for any root material. There was not enough root material on the hair for DNA analysis.
Abbreviated list of submitted evidence to DOJ:
Hair from John Sharp's hands
Hair from floor between Glenna Sharp and couch
Hair from floor near feet of Glenna Sharp
Left-hand fingernail scrapings from all three victims
Right-hand fingernail scrapings from all three victims
A blue and white shirt with stains
Debris and hair collected from the blue and white shirt
The fingernail scrapings were repackaged and saved. No hairs were observed in the plastic bag labeled "hair from left hand" or the plastic bag labeled "hair from right hand."
The blue and white shirt and the debris/hair from the shirt were not examined. The items were previously examined in 1984 and found not to be connected to the case.
The hairs were examined for any root material. One root was observed on a hair collected from John Sharp's hands. These is not enough root material on the hair for DNA analysis. No roots were observed on the remaining hair.
[During filming of Part II, we contacted all three of the technicians who signed these various forms. Three lengthy phone conversations were held with each, and all three agreed to a "meeting of the minds" in Quincy to do a thorough review of all evidence. As far as we know, the PCSO has not followed up on this possibility]
