DDC DNA Forensics Expertise Has Led to Four Exonerations

FAIRFIELD, Ohio, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center), the largest provider of private DNA paternity and other DNA testing in the U.S. and worldwide, invites international attendees for a tour and behind the scenes look at its forensics technology Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 3 p.m. at DDC, One DDC Way, Fairfield, Ohio.

The tour coincides with the 2011 Innocence Network Conference: An International Exploration of Wrongful Conviction held in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 7-10, 2011, the first gathering of international delegates and exonerees from around the United States.

DDC's tour showcases the facility and laboratory where expert DNA testing has resulted in four high-profile exonerations connected to the Innocence Project. The most recent being that of Derrick Williams, freed in a ruling on April 4, 2011 after being wrongfully incarcerated in a Florida prison for 18 years.

"DDC has played a critical role in working with the University of Cincinnati and the Ohio Innocence Project, as well as other Innocence Projects across the United States. Our DNA experts have provided forensic DNA testing and consultation that has resulted in four exonerations, which is a great source of pride for all of us," Peter Vitulli, president and CEO of DDC, said. "Concluding this groundbreaking conference with a tour of DDC brings it all together for the attendees to see where we test the DNA and how the process works. We're honored to host this distinguished group."

In addition to the tour, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a workshop on DNA testing in post-conviction cases. The highlight of the tour will be the unveiling of the newly-named DNA instrument "Hello Truth," inspired by the story of Robert McClendon, DDC's first Innocence Project exoneree whose case was processed in 2008.

DDC's Assistant Laboratory Director in charge of Forensics, Dr. Julie Heinig, will conduct the tour and workshop on DNA for the delegates providing valuable insight to the actual processes involved in post-conviction DNA analysis and consultation with Innocence Project lawyers and students.

For information about DDC Forensics visit www.forensicdnacenter.com.

As the largest provider of private DNA paternity and other DNA tests in the U.S. and worldwide for more than 15 years, DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center) offers comprehensive DNA testing services for paternity and other family relationships, forensics, ancestry and genetics. DDC's subsidiary, Veterinary Diagnostics Center, provides innovative, quality DNA testing for companion and sport animals. DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes, ensuring highly stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC's unique Dual Process™, in which all DNA samples are independently tested twice, produces results of unmatched quality and reliability. DDC is recognized through a number of accreditations nationally and internationally achieving perfect ratings in its past 16 inspections including those performed by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). DDC is also accredited by ACLASS to meet the standards of ISO 17025 and the DNA Advisory Board (DAB), which attests to DDC's superior forensic testing service.

SOURCE DDC

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