DNA genotyping analysis overview: Profile of rape cases in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Identification of perpetrators is crucial in criminal investigations, mainly in rape cases. Analysis of the area, victims' profile, as well as genotyping DNA markers from rapists may help to determine hotspots of the crime, in a way to prevent its recurrence. Herein, we report for the first time in Northeastern Brazil a preliminary genetic data analyses from rape cases that occurred in Pernambuco between 2012 and 2014. Moreover, the distribution of the cases, as well as a general profile of the victims were analyzed from official reports of Laboratório de Perícia e Pesquisa em Genética Forense (LPPGF-PE). The results showed that 62% of the cases are mainly located in the metropolitan area of Pernambuco. Eighty-eight percent of the victims were females and 37% were under age. Allele frequency was determined by at least 15 STRs and, in some cases, by Y-STRs and InDel markers. This study may contribute to the elucidation of rape crime investigation in the future.