El Paso FBI Participates in Exhibit at Lynx Museum

The Federal Bureau of Investigation El Paso Division Evidence Response Team is participating in a locally sponsored national exhibit being held at the Lynx Museum located at 301 W Overland Avenue, El Paso, Texas. The exhibit is called Cracking the Code: Human DNA. It is an interactive exhibit that will invite visitors to explore and learn about the human genome. The El Paso ERT was asked to contribute to the exhibit and provide a “local connection.” The El Paso Division has consulted with and received contributions from the Nuclear DNA Unit, the Mitochondrial DNA Unit, the Federal DNA Database Unit and CODIS from the Laboratory Division at FBI Headquarters. In addition, the El Paso ERT has provided a case study to include the murder of Sophia Martinez and with the assistance of KFOX News, was able to provide a local news broadcast that aired during the initial stages of the investigation. Participants will be able to identify items in a crime scene that can be used for potential DNA exploitation. In addition, the El Paso ERT has loaned various pieces of forensic equipment for display and have provided various items of personal protective equipment such as Tyvek suits, goggles, gloves and shoe covers for the public to try on so they can experience the preparation necessary by Evidence Response Team members in order to process a crime scene. Other items contributed include packaging materials and buccal swab kits for the collection of DNA from convicted federal offenders. In addition, interactive displays were also contributed by the El Paso ERT. The exhibit is a great opportunity for the community to get a greater understanding of the outstanding resources at the FBI’s disposal and get a small look at the large role DNA plays in a crime scene. If you would like to see more about the exhibit, see the national website http://genome.pfizer.com/ or the local museum website http://lynxexhibits.com.