Justice and Science: Trials and Triumphs of DNA Evidence

Acknowledgments

xi Acknowledgments This book is an account of my involvement in DNA cases over a period of fourteen years while I was a prosecutor in a local district attorney’s office. The inspiration to put that experience into writing comes from the extraordinary results DNA technology provided over that time period. The police officers, deputy sheriffs, investigators, evidence collectors, analysts, victims, witnesses, experts, attorneys, judges, and jurors who played key roles in each of the cases described in this book must be acknowledged. So should the defendants and suspects directly affected by DNA, including those whose guilt was proven by testing and those who were found to be innocent, whether before or after trials. A small group of supporters who have made this work possible are truly appreciated. Nat Sobel, my agent, and Jim Wade and Pamela Fischer, both editors, have provided extraordinary instruction and help in making this project a reality. Chuck Rogers, a former colleague in the district attorney’s office, constantly kept my enthusiasm for this manuscript alive. I am grateful also to the staff at Rutgers University Press, especially Marlie Wasserman, Christina Brianik, Anne Hegeman, Marilyn Campbell, and Liz Scarpelli. Finally, my deepest thanks are expressed to those closest to me. To my mother, Evelyn, who provided me the opportunity to become a lawyer and judge. To my wife, Michele, for always being at my side when I needed help and inspiration. And, lastly, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the best bundle of DNA ever: our daughter. R4400.indb xi R4400.indb xi 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM R4400.indb xii R4400.indb xii 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM Justice and Science R4400.indb xiii R4400.indb xiii 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM R4400.indb xiv R4400.indb xiv 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM 8/24/07 11:46:11 AM ...