Beer Can DNA Samples Help Police Identify Burglary Suspect

A beer can and a little DNA helped police identify a burglary suspect in Syracuse.

Authorities stated that 29-year-old Moses Wilson stole copper wiring from a vacant rental home in the area. Before he left the residence with the goods, he decided to knock back a couple of beers he found in the basement.

The beer cans in question were collected by officers after the owner of the house reported the theft. Unfortunately for the would-be burglar, police were able to match the DNA on the beer can with Moses’ DNA.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Kasmarek said the beer cans only contained Moses’ DNA. As a result, he was charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny. He is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center on a $10,000 bond. It’s currently unknown if the burglary suspect has a lawyer at this time.

This isn’t the only case involving a beer can and a suspect’s DNA. Marcelles Peter allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in 2009. Although his DNA was found at the scene of the attack, the suspect believes that the wind may have carried it from a beer can to the condom.

Peter is one of six men who allegedly participated in the rape. The attack reportedly took place over a two hour period in a California schoolyard while nearly two dozen people stood around and watched.

The suspect’s attorney said a helicopter may have compromised the evidence during the investigation. Gordon Brown believes that wind from the copter blew DNA from the beer can Peter was drinking from onto the condom authorities located.

However, Contra Costa County District Attorney John Cope said that Peter played an active role in the attack. The trial is expected to continue this week.

What do you think about DNA found on a beer can being used to identify a burglary suspect in Syracuse?

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