David Dobson - Keep him locked up for life!

Though David Dobson committed one of Greater Toronto's most horrific murders, Dobson's DNA isn't among the 93,000 genetic samples in the national databank. That will soon change, thanks to a broadening of the databank legislation. But DNA sampling won't prevent Dobson from being released on life parole, and the sister of his victim, Terri Armour, is doing everything she can to keep him off the streets.

I know Terri because she was involved with me - and a few others including Steve Sullivan - in helping Bill C-13 become reality last year!

Having Dobson's DNA in the bank is really a contingency plan for Terri - ultimately he remains locked up for life - after all he got a life sentence!!! But if he is released there can be comfort knowing his DNA is in the bank. He will have to think twice if he plans to re-offend...because if he does, he would be caught immediately!

Take a read of this article AND sign the petition to keep Dobson locked up for life.
Here's a link to the petition (where you can also read his letter to the police and his confession - truly shocking details of this crime):
http://www.nofreedomdobson.com/

Some offenders deserve a second chance through parole but trust me, when you read about what David Dobson did to his victim (hours of pure hell), you will agree he is not one of these people...
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1146049087886&call_pageid=970599119419

Expanding DNA Bank for Minor Crimes

I totally, totally, totally agree with this story which features the thoughs of John Muise who until a few months ago, as a detective sergeant, headed Toronto's DNA Retroactive Project.

It's a fact that the seriousness of crimes tends to escalate over time. Once a con gets away with one crime, they often think they can get away with others. They often raise the stakes so to speak...

Having DNA from anyone who breaks the law would absolutely help solve more crimes = it's that simple!

Muise, now director of public safety for the new Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, said Canada isn't doing as well as several U.S. states and Great Britain in collecting DNA, especially from repeat offenders who may progress to from, say, robbery to a more serious crime such as sexual assault. "In the U.K., you get caught for a break-and-enter, even mischief, they not only take your fingerprints and picture, but also your DNA. You're then in the system.

Take a read of this and post a reply with your thoughts on the matter!
http://www.ccfaa.com/content.php?fcn=mediadetails&id=18&PHPSESSID=24ea29f12230765decf1bd7b3642f41b\

Bill C-13's Retroactivity Clause at Work!

Geez, I go weeks without any posts and now I'm a full blown post-a-holic! I could have worse vices I guess!

Anyhow, a friend just shared this amazing article from the Toronto Star (by Bob Mitchell). It's about some of the impact of Canada's DNA Databank's retroactivity clause that got passed last year - specifically it focuses on a 1974 murder case that's getting a fresh look since new DNA samples via the retroactivity clause, give the police new hope.

So far DNA samples from approx. 2,000 offenders have been identified as "eligible" to be taken (based on the retro clause)and the work has already started particularly here in Ontario - mostly Toronto - where these law enforcement agencies lead the way. One of the first already obtained was Karla Homolka. Another is Ralph Power, the man who murdered my sister.

Let's face it --- there are offenders behind bars and on parole who have literally gotten away with murder. They may have been caught for one crime but not another...But now, thanks to the retroactivity project, that's going to change. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen...

For an interesting story and to hear how one family hopes DNA retroactivity gets them the justice they deserve, go here:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1144233787340

DNA won't aid Truscott case

I remember reading the story of Steven Trustcott when I was teenager. And I remember thinking it wasn't him. Unfortunately, we'll probably never know the truth now....

After spending nearly 50 years in the ground, the remains of Lynne Harper are in such poor condition that DNA tests meant to provide evidence for a review of Steven Truscott's murder conviction are impossible. Truscott was convicted of raping and murdering the 12-year-old girl in 1959, although he has steadfastly maintained his innocence. The girl's body was exhumed last week in the hopes of finding some new evidence to point to her true killer. The condition of the girl's remains made DNA testing impossible, Ontario chief coroner Dr. Barry McLellan said.

Jury finds DeJesus guilty for Posluns murder

Justice has finally been served for the family of Lisa Posluns who was brutally raped and murdered in 2002. This past Friday, after almost four years of waiting for justice, a jury found Nelson DeJesus guilty of first-degree murder. DeJesus, who has a lengthy criminal history, was given a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. This means he will be 58 years old before he is eligible to breathe free air...

85 New Tips Since Release of Teague Killer's Sketch

The police released a sketch of Jennifer Teague's suspected killer just yesterday and already they've received 85 new tips. Jennifer was murdered this past September and there have been very few breaks in the case. Let's hope that someone, somewhere sees this sketch and connects the dots. Who knows, maybe this is someone you know?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Teague tip-line at 613-236-1222 extension 5477. Information can also be provided at infojennifer@ottawapolice.ca.