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Richard Grinell, Coventry, England
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PROTEIN MARKERS GIVE HOPE IN ZODIAC CASE

10/15/2018

 
There appears an impasse regarding the Zodiac case, as to whether any DNA is likely to be found behind the stamps or envelope seals mailed by the Zodiac Killer. A new round of testing on the Zodiac letters was initiated in late 2017, and widely reported upon in May 2018, bringing fresh hope to the 49-year-old case and its army of sleuths. In 2002, Cydne Holt performed DNA testing on the envelopes and stamps in an ABC Primetime investigation of renewed hope, when a partial DNA profile was discovered on a confirmed Zodiac letter. This hope has subsequently been dashed, after being claimed the DNA sample was lifted from the exterior surface of the letter, and thereby rendering it practically useless.

However, all is not lost. During the analysis of the letters a small section of hair shaft was discovered beneath the stamp of the October 13th 1969 'Paul Stine' letter, in which the Zodiac Killer confessed to the murder of the taxicab driver. He would also  send a small piece of the victim's bloody shirt within the communication. If there is one correspondence in the Zodiac case, that without doubt came from the killer, this is it. This small fragment of hair may yet solve the Zodiac case, or at the very least rule out the many suspects suggested as the Bay Area murderer. 
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The three teenagers who witnessed the Zodiac Killer by the taxicab, described him as "a white male, 25-30 years old, 5'8" to 5'9", stocky build, reddish-brown hair worn in a crew cut, heavy rimmed glasses and dark clothing."

In the ABC Primetime documentary Dr Cydne Holt "discovers a reddish-brown hair stuck behind a stamp peeled from this letter". Since the Zodiac Killer can be inextricably linked to this correspondence, then he could very well be the donor of this hair. The hair didn't have any recognizable root structure, so nuclear DNA retrieval wasn't possible. The second option was mitochondrial DNA analysis, but no progress has been reported with regards to this, or if it is even possible on such a small sample size.

However, there is something that may soon break this case wide open. A relatively new forensic tool that will hopefully prove the identity of the Zodiac Killer once and for all.
​If it doesn't identify the Zodiac Killer, then it could certainly rule out an individual as the donor of the hair on the October 13th 1969 stamp. This may not be the killer's hair, but in the absence of usable nuclear DNA on the letters, it is our best opportunity at present to incriminate or eliminate suspects by harboring this new forensic tool. 

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have harnessed the power of "ectracting genetic information from proteins found in hair that is remarkably reliable."
​
 

"Proteins are more stable than DNA and are also more abundant in hair. Mutations in DNA get translated to proteins and sometimes they can even change the protein structure by swapping out one amino acid for another. “We’re looking for those changes in protein structure and by doing that we can infer what was in the original DNA,” says Deon Anex, a chemist at Livermore and co-author of the paper. In other words, even when DNA is absent or is degraded by light, heat or other environmental factors, benign variations in the proteins found in hair can be used to identify individuals.
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Anex and his team analyzed hair from 76 men and women, who were mostly of European descent, as well as six sets of skeletal remains from the 1700s and 1800s. They found 185 distinct patterns of amino acids, called markers, that allowed them to trace the individuals’ genetic identities. They also compared their protein identification method to known DNA samples from the individuals' blood and were able to correctly identify the person who shed the hair 98.3 percent of the time. The chance of getting a false positive from the protein analysis was just 1.98 percent." link.  

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'Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a Utah startup company have developed the groundbreaking technique, providing a second science-based, statistically validated way to identify people and link individuals to evidence in addition to DNA profiling.

The new protein identification technique will offer another tool to law enforcement authorities for crime scene investigations and archaeologists, as the method has been able to detect protein in human hair more than 250 years old.
​Once the method is optimized, the researchers believe they could use protein markers from a small number of human hairs, possibly as little as one, to distinguish an individual among the world’s population.
​

The researchers believe that the number of individual protein markers that can be used to differentiate people could go as high as 1,000. Protein markers also can be found in other tissue types, such as shed skin cells, bones and teeth, and the scientists have started studying how people can be identified using the latter two tissues.
Using their current sample sizes, the researchers are able to find enough markers to provide a unique pattern for an individual that would distinguish that person among a population of one million.'
link.

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With the small sample size required, these protein markers in the fragment of hair on the October 13th 1969 stamp may one day identify the Zodiac Killer. At the very least, it should certainly diminish the ever widening suspect pool. 

This forensic tool may also shed light on the murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside on October 30th 1966. Hair from a blood clot was found at the base of Cheri Jo Bates' right thumb.  

Ray
10/15/2018 11:30:47 am

Richard, I believe we're still in the infancy of pulling DNA from a rootless hair. The success rate is low and the best test apparently wrecks the sample for future testing.

Another approach with the hair might be the glue, as some genetic material from the hair would typically leach into the wet clue.

Richard
10/15/2018 11:44:04 am

They managed mitochondrial DNA from Riverside, but only to eliminate potential suspects.
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/news/story/2010/oct/26/evidence-ware-murder-case-may-be-reviewed/32794/

Richard
10/15/2018 12:05:11 pm

The good thing about this test is the ability to exhume bodies of future potential suspects, knowing the hair will be able to be compared to the hair on the stamp. With other evidence strongly pointing to the suspect, in terms of residence, vehicle, age, description (in 1969), handwriting etc, and DNA not available on the stamps or envelopes for comparison to nuclear DNA retrieved, the protein marker match of hair from the body to the stamp, may be the final nail in the coffin so to speak. If the suspect is still alive, even better.

Nobody
10/15/2018 05:02:45 pm

Very true what you say Richard. I was just pondering this idea re the Tanum Shud case. If LE really want to know who this mystery man was, they could exhume his body and do some DNA testing. Today they would almost certainly be able to trace the identity of this man.

Nobody
10/15/2018 05:08:15 pm

Oops, I got interrupted and only posted half of what I meant to.

From Tanum Shud Case on Wikipedia: "In December 2017, Abbott announced three "excellent" hairs "at the right development stage for extracting DNA" had been found on the plaster cast of the corpse, and had been submitted for analysis to the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at the University of Adelaide. Processing the results could reportedly take up to a year.

"In February 2018, the University of Adelaide team obtained a high definition analysis of the mitochondrial DNA from the hair sample from Somerton Man. They found that he and his mother belonged to haplogroup H4a1a1a, which is possessed by only 1% of Europeans."

Ray
10/15/2018 01:50:18 pm

Those are very good points!

Rubislaw 32 link
10/15/2018 03:34:57 pm

Hi Richard

This is really just to post,something that may be of interest,to you.

In answering questions,elsewhere,a poster was asking me about the May 1978 letter,known more commonly as the ''Channel Nine'' letter.

He brought up the name ''Mae Brussell'',a radio presenter,who focused mostly on conspiracy theories.

I remembered listening to her,on You Tube,in relation to claims that Toschi had made,in relation to the Stine murder.Later,retracted by Toschi.

Well,in July 1978,Miss Brussell was discussing the claims made,on the Channel Nine letter,on her radio show.

The point ? Although some of these Zodiac correspondences,termed as ''unconfirmed'',never received newspaper coverage,it looks likely that,some of them were discussed,via the radio medium,on the basis,presumably,that some were ''leaked''.

This,naturally,before the era of the internet.

Richard
10/15/2018 04:25:20 pm

Got any links to the Youtube video Rubislaw.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/15/2018 05:11:24 pm

Well,the poster just gave me : World Wide Watchers Archive.

I subsequently looked at You Tube,again,and there is quite a lot on Mae Brussell's radio shows.

If I find a ''match up'',I'll post,to this effect again.

But,discussing the ''Channel Nine'' letter,only two months after it was sent,is quite something [?].

Nobody
10/15/2018 04:57:19 pm

I refuse to believe that the Zodiac was so damn careful that he left no traces of his DNA at any crime scene or on any material evidence. I was recently watching a crime documentary in which they could conclusively prove that the author of a letter was a missing person based solely on the DNA residue left on the stamp and other trace samples on the paper.

Judith
10/16/2018 07:04:59 am

Zodiac's touch DNA should be all over every letter. It should be on the Paul Stein shirt samples. It may be in the hair found under the stamp. It may be in the hair found on Cheri Jo Bate's hand. I'm thinking law enforcement is further along with all of this, then we the public know. I read on the Vallejo PD Facebook page where they responded to a question regarding checking the Cheri Jo Bates hair and the Vallejo PD responded they would be cross-checking many different items to their recovered DNA. Why people want to think this isn't happening is beyond me. Maybe wishful thinking? Maybe once we know who the Zodiac Killer was the mystery of it all dies, like a balloon losing its air.
Feeling fragile today.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 08:07:38 am

Indeed,Judith,I have little doubt that the authorities have ''more'' than they need,on the forensics side.

This whole business of ''there never was any DNA'' is scandalous speculation,with the VPD the prime purveyors,due to their irresponsible press release,post GSK arrest.It comes down to either reasons of vanity or buying time,for the CA DOJ.I would suggest the latter,plus suiting Bay Area cops,arming them with ready made excuses,if troubled by the public.

It's just the ''waiting game'' now.....with this,really in the lap of the gods.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 08:16:16 am

If any readers are interested,in listening to some 1970's social commentary,on aspects of the Zodiac case :

On You Tube : Zodiac Killer by Mae Brussell 7-14-78

Miss Brussell talks about the Toschi fan mail scandal,a suspect,only known as ''Robert'',and a pair of spectacles found at the Tate murder scene,whose owner can't be accounted for.

Tune in,from the 6th minute to the 19th minute....for 13 interesting minutes,from Mae Brussell.

Richard
10/16/2018 10:39:02 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f4c99pBi4g

Writing something about this at the moment, especially with regards to Mike Rodelli. Interesting video.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 11:56:42 am

I just see that you have posted that new article,Richard.

I will spare you my sullying of it,in any way [!].Perhaps,you will understand that the ''ringleaders'' of the ''there never was any DNA'',in my ''figurative'' world,would be rounded up,and arrested,for ''conspiracy to cause an affray ''.This would include Mr.Rodelli and Mr.Voigt [!].

Mr.X thought that Mr.Rodelli's theory was ''insane''.And I believe that last night.you received a few posts,from honest law abiding citizens of the SF Bay Area,who would happily arm themselves with squashed tomatoes,if Mr.Voigt pays them a visit.

Just on a more serious note,perhaps,it should be pointed out that the April 1978 letter is still officially deemed authentic....despite it being put through the wash and spin dryer,a number of times,in public.Another inaccuracy,from Mr.Rodelli,

Yes,it was interesting to hear,what Mae Brussell had to say about Charles Gaiins,the official boss of Inspector Toschi,Gains sounded an unsavoury character,who appeared to be one of J Edgar Hoover's right hand men...and existing in those parts,more to smash the perceived ''scourge'' of the ''Black Power'' recruitment,than anything else.

Those were harsh and fearful times,if you happened to be in the wrong place,at the wrong time....or your face,simply didn't fit.

Richard
10/16/2018 12:41:25 pm

The SFPD report stating the 1978 letter as not Zodiac based on DNA opens up so many issues. Some people believe the 1978 letter genuine, but this statement certainly contradicts this notion.
Let's say David Toschi did forge the letter, then this would be the most obvious route in SFPD knowing it wasn't from Zodiac. Assuming the letter wasn't authored by a female, then the only alternative id the full DNA profile is Zodiac, which is equally contradictory based on the future search for Zodiac's DNA to this day.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 01:01:21 pm

Yes,I certainly take your points,on this April 1978 letter.

Despite what I state,which is official true,on its status....essentially,''authenticated'',but then ''soiled'' in public,and left in doubt,but without its status changed.....I.personally,am not convinced of its authenticity.

Although I am convinced of the May 1978 letter,with its references to,and inferences of,The Beatles and Manson Clan.

''Then'',the July 19th 1978 typed letter,which we have not seen,but know its content.Coincidentally,the day of Mae Brussell's broadcast,was the day of Brenda Page's brutal murder.

Out of the three ''perceived'' 1978 letters,it is the April one,for which I am least convinced.

Must now get down,to writing a letter to the ''Bee'',in light of,particularly,growing frustration at the VPD,by SF vicinity residents.

Indeed,for the CA DOJ....the ''time bomb'' is ticking.

Hahahaha
10/16/2018 02:37:45 pm

You mean the KHJ-TV letter with the backwards "1234567 all good children go to heaven" on the envelope???

If the Zodiac wrote that this tends to suggest he must have visited Manson's ranch at some point, which also suggests he may have known Manson!

If you care to look in the FBI files and read between a few lines they will tell you who they think really wrote that letter, and I would be the first to agree with them.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 04:52:39 pm

Well,''Hahahaha'',rather than play the sneaky riddler,you could actually tell everyone the answer to who the FBI believe is the scribe of that July 1978 letter.

It doesn't exactly encourage a fluent debate.

What is your solution to the writer of that letter.

And,what are your reasons.

Perhaps your real concerns are,that the joke will be on you,if you dare to try to add something constructive,to the debate ?

Now,give us what you have got - I promise not to laugh.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 04:55:00 pm

....we are still waiting,for your constructive input [?].

Hahahaha
10/16/2018 05:09:42 pm

Well I thought this was VERY old news, but anyway...

As I said it is in the FBI files which are online - or can't you read?

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 05:17:12 pm

The FBI Files,as presumably you know,''Hahahaha'' are very extensive.

Now,could you spare us all the riddling - tell us the answer,and explain to us why you agree,with that answer [?].

That would be very helpful,of you.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 05:40:57 pm

OK,''Hahahaha'',we accept that the cat has got your tongue,for moment.

You write that Zodiac had to have visited Manson's ranch,at some point,and known Manson,personally.

Why should this be the case ?

Scrawled on the mirror at Polanski and Tate's house was ''Helter Skelter'' and '' 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 ''.Beatles songs ''Helter Skelter'' and ''You never give me your money'',from 1968 and 1969,respectively.

The Tate Bianca murders,took place in August 1969.

The ''Channel Nine'' letter was sent in July 1978,nine years after the murder of Sharon Tate.

So,where is your logic,on this matter ?

Genuinely,everyone would like to know.

Contribute to the debate [?].

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 05:56:08 pm

So,''Hahahaha'',rather than tell everybody the answer,we will all have to spend time,trawling through the FBI files,to find this person,that the FBI believe,wrote the July 1978 letter.

And if we find the name of that person,then one extra piece of information,will be,that you,''Hahahaha'',is the first person to agree with them.

Perhaps you can see,that we might be struggling to find this,a valuable contribution,to the debate [?].

Hahahaha
10/16/2018 06:07:18 pm

Wow, it is not hard to touch a nerve with some people, especially those who think they know more than the FBI.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 06:58:19 pm

Well,good that you returned,''Hahahaha''..

But,we must assume,that your original comments were baseless,and signified nothing,at all.

Hahahahah
10/16/2018 07:23:33 pm

If you want to believe that it will no doubt help your case enormously. I am always amazed by the way people expect others to do their homework for them. I am not going to spend an hour or so straining my eyes going back through all those FBI files. But I know what I read and have related it to you in essence. If you wish to abuse me in return well go ahead, I don't care. I would call that "biting the hand that fed you". Either way I really do not care what you think.

Rubislaw 32 link
10/16/2018 08:03:42 pm

''Hahahaha'',it is certainly not my intention to abuse you,and genuinely sought information,for which you claimed,by inference you knew.

Last night,a lady posted,with serious concerns,regarding her perception,of the behaviour of her local,Bay Area,police force.

I initially mistook her for a ''joker'',just like you.

Perhaps you will find that information,and put it on the table,for discussion [?].

But,sometimes it pays,to stay out of a debate,unless you actually have something to offer.And,particularly,when you jump in,as a ''joker''.

Don't take it to heart....and rejoin the debate,at some point,again.

Hahahahaha
10/16/2018 09:02:39 pm

Well it goes both ways. I actually thought you were the one who must be joking to consider that TV letter a genuine Zodiac communication. I find myself laughing about it as I type. I really thought that one had been put to bed a long time ago.

By the way, how do you know that poster was a lady? Did she tell you, or are you psychic? Was that the somebody posting as "Somebody". Or do you have access to Weebly IP addresses and have taken up stalking as a hobby?

Rubislaw 32 link
10/17/2018 01:04:24 am

If you post as much as I do,''Hahahaha'',then sometimes you can tell the difference,between a man and a woman.

But,of course,not always.

Now,which ''TV letter'',are you referring to ?

When you post,it is often prudent to be as succinct,as you possibly can be.

And,the only ''people'' you should stalk,are Law Enforcement,themselves.

It's fair game.But,you have to have the ''balls''.

Do you have the balls.''Hahahaha''. ?

So far,its not looking promising.....is it ?

Rubislaw 32 link
10/17/2018 01:43:07 am

Oh I see...we are back to the same old ''Channel Nine'' letter,for which you have yet to offer us any information,as to why you hold a particular opinion on it.

And yet,I now see that you are saying : ''I find myself laughing about it.as I write...''

How deeply entertaining for you......and yet we are none the wiser,why you should feel this way,about it.

When are you going to share your secret ?

Or,is this just more time wasting [?].


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