Another breakthrough with DNA..
Maggie Zingman, is the mom of 18-year-old Brittany Phillips. who was murdered in 2004...
Imagine knowing a person’s eye, hair and skin color just by studying his DNA.
Scientists may have discovered a new way for police to find rapists or killers with a new DNA test.
Fox 23’s Abbie Alford spoke to a mother who says this provides a break in the case she’s waited for 4-and-half years.
A pool of almost a thousand people has been investigated for the 2004 murder of 18-year-old
Brittany Phillips.
Her mother, Maggie Zingman, travels the nation in hopes of a clue leading to her daughter’s killer.
"We are going to be hitting five years this October and that breaks my heart. We still have no more answers," says Zingman.
However, Zingman could soon find out if her gut instincts are correct.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found DNA evidence could reveal what a criminal suspect looks like.
"From this DNA sample, we can say again this is the likely hair color likely skin color and likely eye color. And so it's more of an investigative tool," says Murray Brilliant, PhD.
With a drop of blood or a strand of hair, researchers at the university can now make a pretty good prediction about hair and eye color.
With hair they can pinpoint the color with 80% accuracy.
The lead detective in Brittany’s case says it’s evidence that could put a face on her killer.
"If they could tell me the person that committed this crime say has red hair it's going to narrow my search field. I am not going to use it to eliminate anybody but it definitely will help focus my attention on where it needs to go," says Detective Jeff Felton.Right now, Detective Felton says his best tool is questioning anyone suspicious.
"Anyone that is arrested for window peeping, burglaries, anybody out during odd hours at night," says Felton.
Zingman understands the new DNA evidence won’t point right to her daughter’s killer but it gives her hope.
"On one half I believe in some ways we may never find our killer. But if there's a chance, if we are increasing the chances yes, it would give me better hope," says Zingman.
Forensic scientists with the Tulsa Police Department say this DNA profiling test is not 100% accurate.
For example, with many people mixed race eliminating someone based on their race could eliminate the real criminal suspect.
The Tulsa Police Department is interested and says it is learning more about this new DNA technology but says it has not made an official decision on whether it would be used for unsolved cases.
Oklahoma state lawmakers are debating HB 1505 which would require anyone arrested for a felony or sex crime to submit DNA.
If you have any information about an unsolved murder call Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS (2677) or text a tip to “CRIMES” (274637) and begin your message with “TIP918” or you can submit a tip online at
www.tipsubmit.com. Remember you never have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward.
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