Sexual Assault Investigation with multiple suspects

A seventeen year old female got into a car with five males unknown to her to get a lift home. She said that all of the males had non-consensual vaginal sex with her. She also said that non- consensual oral sex and digital penetration occurred. Five males were nominated as suspects in this case and each said they had engaged in various sexual acts with the female. Each male said that the sexual contact was consensual.

The purpose of FSI’s work was to examine the female’s sexual offences examination kit and clothing for the presence of semen, and carry out DNA profiling. Underwear from four of the males and jeans from the fifth male were examined for semen other than their own, that may have been transferred during the alleged incident. Car seat covers from the car in which the incident occurred were examined for semen.

Semen was found on the female’s genital swabs, panties and skirt. DNA profiling was carried out on the swabs and full male DNA profiles matching each other and matching the reference DNA profile of male 1 was obtained from the semen on the swabs, panties and skirt. 

A trace of semen was found on the female’s top. DNA profiling was carried out and a mixed DNA profile (DNA from more than 1 person) was obtained. There was a major male contribution that matched male 3’s reference DNA profile.

Semen was found on the inside front of male 2’s underpants. DNA profiling was carried out on the semen. A mixed DNA profile (DNA from more than 1 person) was obtained from the semen stained area on the inside front. There was a major contribution and a minor contribution to this mixture. The major contribution matched male 2’s own reference DNA profile. The minor profile matched the reference DNA profile of male 1, which was also obtained from the semen on the female’s internal vaginal swabs. Semen was found on the front passenger seat and the rear passenger seat of the car. DNA profiling was carried out and a full male DNA profile matching male 1’s reference DNA profile was obtained from both areas.

This case went to trial in March 2022 and 4 of the men pled not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault. They maintained that any sexual contact was consensual. The fifth male pled guilty to rape. The forensic scientist in the case presented their evidence during the trial. In April 2022 all 5 of the men were found guilty of a range of sexual assaults and rape, and in June 2022 were sentenced to a total of 66 years in prison.