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DNA evidence provides ‘significant’ break in Blackburn case

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Sources told WISH-TV last week that DNA evidence would solve this case. Now, we’re seeing how.

Because of Jalen Watson’s prior record, his DNA was entered into a federal database called CODIS which stands for Combined DNA Index System. All convicted felons are required by state law to submit a DNA sample. It then goes into a national database, so when departments run DNA samples, they can see if there’s a match. That’s exactly what officials say happened in the Blackburn case.

Court documents say detectives in the Blackburn case tested a number of items. In the second burglary of the spree that happened in Blackburn’s neighborhood, according to the documents, the suspects stole jewelry, TVs, a computer, a bag of oranges and a pink sweatshirt, among other items. They also allegedly drank beer and wine, leaving behind the bottles. Those bottles were tested.

At the Blackburn’s home, court documents say there they found a package of Swisher Sweet cigars and Amanda’s bank card was missing. The cigars were taken in as evidence. But, officials say, it was the bank card that led to a big crack in the case.

“The first significant break was a DNA CODIS hit that tied Mr. Watson to what was believed to be the sweatshirt or t-shirt that covered the face of the individual who was utilizing the bank card of Amanda Blackburn,” said Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry.

According to the court documents, Amanda was found naked but there is no evidence of a sexual assault.

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