Tuesday, April 15, 2008

D.B. Cooper's DNA

Last year the FBI asked Sherlock Investigations to supply DNA evidence for Kenneth Christianson, whom we believe was "D.B. Cooper." We sent them envelopes and stamps that Christianson had licked. We also sent them a right thumbprint from his Army discharge papers where he was a paratrooper.

All this is probably in a box in the basement of the FBI headquarters in Seattle.

Today we learned from a credible source that the DNA the FBI has from a clip-on tie that they found on a seat in the 727 that Cooper hijacked is in a "severely decomposed state," probably from mishandling. The DNA is probably not good enough to stand up in court, and probably not good enough to match any DNA supplied to the FBI from possible suspects.

The only other DNA evidence that the FBI had was 8 cigarettes that Cooper smoked during the skyjacking. We understand that over the years the FBI lost them.

The FBI lifted about 66 fingerprints that couldn't be identified. We don't know whether or not one of them was a right thumbprint.

Until New York Magazine came out with the story of our suspect last fall, the FBI had all but buried D.B. Cooper. We caused them to reopen the case.

The recent discovery of a parachute in the area where Cooper jumped looked like an amazing new clue. The chute turned out to be silk, when the one operable one that Cooper used was nylon.

If Cooper lived, he must have told someone about his feat. But it was almost 37 years ago, and Kenneth Christianson is deceased, and anyone that he told may also be deceased.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"In February of 2007, FBI analysis of DNA evidence collected from D. B. Cooper's clip-on tie, which he left on the plane, resulted in the official dismissal of Weber as a possible suspect."

How could the DNA be good enough to dismiss Weber, but not good enough to convict others. One of the two statements must be false. (yours above, or Duane dismissal)

Anonymous said...

Crime investigation is a very interesting job but somewhat dangerous too depending on the case which many exceptional private investigators do to furnish their clients with evidence and information to help them search for what is actually the truth among the lies. It is not just more than a paperwork profession but a field that requires full action and attention. The investigation service industry covers a wide range of background checking and in-depth research focusing mainly on case details and even the people involved within a crime or a malicious case reported.

Anonymous said...

Not a word about the treasure ha :)

D. B. Cooper is one of best PI tales.

DNA can be used in some cases and not in all of them, it varies between the different scenarios.

Anonymous said...

I am the widow of Duane Weber. Regarding the DNA information I was told that they had multiple particial DNAs - and they "excused"
Duane based on that. I challenged the DNA in this statement to the FBI and the media:

Sent to the media and FBI on October 27, 2007

DNA EVIDENCE

I have to question the validity of DNA testing done to exclude individuals concerning the D. B. Cooper incident in 1971.

In the past 36 years the evidence may have been compromised. Considering that the study of DNA did not exist until the late 1980’s, it is highly unlikely that the evidence was preserved in a manner that would have protected the DNA. I therefore, would question any DNA evidence that excluded anyone without further investigation in what items were used to extract DNA and VERIFICATION that the CHAIN OF CUSTODY was maintained throughout the last 36 yrs, when dealing with and handling this item.

The only DNA evidence I consider valid would be the cigarette butts. BUT, the FBI can’t find them. There are too many questions unanswered.

My own limited research and what Duane told me - leaves me with little doubt he was D.B. Cooper.

October 27, 2007

Jo Weber

There is a family story about a tie - that has been repeated at family get to gathers - but, if true - the tie did not belong to Cooper, but was left on purpose.

The FBI has made a shambles of this investigation regarding not only Weber, but several other suspects. I have actually been lied to by FBI agents...I put out the honey unti 2000 when an agent blatantly lied to me about Duane, when I was standing there on the other end of the phone with government documents stating otherwise. Had that agent have never lied to me in March of 2000,I would never have gone public in 2000 June of 2000.

Skipp Porteous said...

I agree with Jo Weber, that the FBI has no credible DNA evidence from the DB Cooper case.
On another point I disagree Ms. Weber, that Duane Weber could have been DC Cooper.
It's never been demonstrated that Duane Weber had any parachuting experience, nor had it been established that he had any training in jumping.