Nov. 27 Letters: DNA evidence, public safety, honoring vets, Hampton

Despite how often it is depicted, the forensic science of DNA is far from infallible. Popular TV shows such as “CSI, Crime Scene Investigation,” often exaggerate the effectiveness of forensic science distorting the perception of what DNA evidence can and cannot reveal about a crime. When reading the Nov. 16 article, “Fort Eustis soldier arrested in 2009 violent rape case after DNA match, officials say,” I began to question what form of DNA was being used to connect this individual, Timothy Epps, to a rape in Florida that occurred more than eight years ago.

Although the article does state that a DNA sample was taken form a sexual assault kit, it fails to specify whether or not the DNA is from skin, saliva or semen. DNA that is found at a crime scene does not automatically ensure that the person matching the DNA is guilty. There originally were no matches to the DNA sample taken form the sexual assault kit, yet eight years down the road a match was made and the case was reopened. It is important to note the forensic evidence being used in order to understand its credibility.

Some forms of forensic evidence have high percentages of false positives, such as bite marks. There is no established standard when it comes to examining forensic evidence, which can allow people to take a leap of faith on identification. Ultimately Timothy Epps, well remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Amanda Belfiore

Newport News

I would like to thank Sandra Dean and the Daily Press for the Nov. 18 photo of the James River Bridge adjacent the new fishing pier at night.

This image depicts a concern I have been addressing with the Newport News City Council and Dominion Energy for years.

If you were the victim of a crime, and the police asked you to describe your assailant, tell them the color of the car and the license plate number would you have preferred the incident to have taken place under the yellow lighting of the James River Bridge or the white lighting provided by our tax dollars on the new fishing pier?

So why is the same city council paying Dominion Energy to obstruct our visibility by replacing the street lights that emit white light with ones that emit a yellow light?

John C. Jackson

Newport News

Hats off to Poquoson high school for their efforts earlier this month in honoring our veterans at local football game. I came back from Vietnam in late 1968 and was in the shipyard two weeks later. Other than family and friends, very few expressions of appreciation occurred.

Wouldn't it be great that all communities do something similar to honor those veterans among us? Our greatest generation is just about gone. Thanks to Poquoson for remembering.

Buddy Rilee


My dictionary says fascism exists when government takes over and runs private business.

When the Hampton City Council decides to take over (buy) the private Boo Williams Sportsplex it strikes me as fascism on a local level. One of the reasons offered by the city is to give money back to the most gracious early investors so they they can make further investments in other noble causes. Another is it is a good business that brings tourism for the hotels and restaurants in the area. Another justification is, by contract, the Boo Williams organization will continue to operate the business at some small profit for the city.

One council member told me it is a good investment for the city. It was also pointed out that the city already owns the property where the Boo Williams facility and business are located. This begs another question: Why does the city of Hampton own so much property (keeping them off the tax rolls)?

Although Boo Williams is a local personality, his organization has a widespread impact with many basketball teams primarily around the U.S. East Coast. It provides a beneficial impact for our youth. However, the question here is what is the proper function of government? Should we take over (invest in) more businesses that may positively impact tourism? Maybe we should build and run a competition swimming pool business as well.

Do we need City Council to come up with more innovative ways to spend (invest) our tax dollars or should they step back and rethink the purpose of government?

Carl Anderson


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