DNA Technology Solved Cold Murder Case of Crystal Saunders
Recent successes by RCMP Manitoba to solve cold murder case of 24 years old Crystal Saunders and for that matter, issue connected DNA technology debate initiated the use and expansion of DNA technology principle accord to be utilized to solve more.
The arrest of the suspect last week, Kevin Charles Queau brought some relief to Saunders’ family but concerns must be highlighted on the calculations of harms and benefits towards the usage of national DNA databank for familiar matches.
RCMP Breakthrough in Cold Case:
The RCMP criminally investigated, arrested and charged Kevin Charles Queau, 42 in relation to his alleged role in the 2007 homicide of Crystal Saunders, in Manitoba.
RCMP make arrest in 2007 killing of Manitoba woman Crystal Shannon Saunders https://t.co/wFoW8y0T7W
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) January 29, 2024
In terms of technology breakthrough, it was DNA technology that proved to be breakthrough as in 2014 DNA technology was developed and allowed for Canadian DNA databank to link Queau with DNA sample found on Saunders’ body. The arrest formed a landmark in the investigation of a case which remained unresolved for a record of 17 years.
Mixed Reactions and Emotional Responses By Crystal Saunders Family:
Kevin Charles Queau’s arrest in disjoint with forty years long cold case that implicated Crystal Saunders invited a range of sentiment due to the killing effect of the breakthroughs in forensic technology. The most profoundly touched was Crystal Saunders mother, Sandra Saunders who took to Facebook to bring out her, joy.
This Sandra described as ‘wonderful news’, reflecting how this update lifted away an unbelievably heavy load of pain she had been in the back of her mind for an unbelievable 17 years.
Sandra spoke emotionally among a broader context of families left with unsolved cases and the drawn agony they suffer. The news offered a ray of closure, bringing a poignant moment to those who with the gift of seeing justice served for their relations.
Debate Over DNA Databank Expansion:
The success story has the national DNA databank expansion discussions that have been back again. Advocates hold that DNA technology if adopted would go a long way in resolving cold cases which brings closure to families and keeps the society secure. Nevertheless, criticism has focused on fears of privacy, discrimination and possible malpractice for DNA information.
We know we are seeing decades-old cases getting solved through investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). In fact, one Indigenous case was solved in Manitoba bc of DNA. Her name was Crystal Saunders.
Read about one Indigenous family's story:https://t.co/qOlKo95HR6
📸Tailyr Irvine pic.twitter.com/8IFXdjyj2R— Martha Troian (@ozhibiiige) January 31, 2024
Ethical Considerations and Harm vs Benefits:
Ethics professor Arthur Schafer points out the benefits of the national DNA databank though he is afraid that harm may be too great without clear laws and regulations. The issue is that the pros of familial DNA searches – especially in cases concerning missing and murdered Indigenous women – outweigh the cons. This ethical issues have led to the debates on privacy, the issues and the marginalized people that it has.
National DNA Databank Scrutiny:
The national DNA databank has been under the management of RCMP since when it was established in 2000; in the recent years the national DNA databank has also come under criticisms.
This is because a proposed bill to have police conduct familial searches was rejected in December which leaves a question mark on the reaches of powers by police in use of DNA data.
The question that this argument emerges question has is whether we need more attention and should that be done to create a balance between benefits and potential risks.
Calls for Oversight and Accountability:
Experts such as Ann Cavoukian, the former information and privacy commissioner of ONTARIO, point out that there should be a planned use of the DNA data that, should be coupled by accountability and oversight. The issues of privacy invasion and the ease of access to DNA data by law enforcers serve as an alarm to everyone to keep their data secure.
The proposals suggested include creating a requirement that the police officers obtain warrants from judges while attempting to unlock the codes of the DNA profiles thus helping to preserve the needed balance between the need to solve crimes while maintaining the privacy rights.
A very vigorous debate on the necessity of using DNA technology in criminal investigations has developed as a result of the success in investigating the cold case of Crystal Saunders. Though closure to families, the privacy issues, discrimination, and applications threaten its significances of the DNA databanks n forensic technologies need to be rigors over watch. The debate goes on over the right traction of balancing the protection of individual freedoms and solving crimes.