Sen. Bill Nelson's office announced Thursday that DNA testing is set to begin in the search for identities of remains in graves at Dozier.
Researchers will try to match DNA samples taken from the living relatives of boys buried on the grounds of the now-closed Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. According to a press release from Nelson’s office, this is an important next step in solving the mysteries behind dozens of unmarked graves found at the site.
Forensic experts from the University of South Florida were to begin collecting DNA samples Friday from relatives they’ve identified through historical records or who have come forward during the school's ongoing investigation.
Over the years, the reform school has been the subject of several investigations stemming from allegations of abuse. Florida officials closed the school in 2011 following a state police probe into the latest such allegations that found no evidence of any crimes.
That probe was called into question late last year when a USF forensic team began examining the site and found more unmarked graves than police had said were there.
Nelson is pushing the school’s application for a Department of Justice grant he helped identify that would cover the costs associated with forensic research involving the use of DNA to identify missing or dead persons. Up to $3 million will reportedly be awarded to select applicants.
Last month, Circuit Judge Bill Wright rejected a request by state Attorney General Pam Bondi to grant a local medical examiner permission to exhume the bodies buried on school grounds. In his order, Wright wrote that either the local medical examiner or the state’s chief archaeologist could initiate exhumation without court permission. USF is now seeking permission from the state's chief archaeologist.
Tuesday 18 June 2013
http://www.jcfloridan.com/news/article_5128247a-d79a-11e2-9419-001a4bcf6878.html
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