Nov 12, 2007 11:00 pm US/Central
DNA 'Hit' In Murder Case Matches Twin Brothers
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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Police are trying to determine if Michael Jefferson or his identical twin committed murder in July 2002.
CBS
Minneapolis police thought they had solved a 2002 murder that happened in north Minneapolis when they learned of a DNA "hit" which matched a man in prison for a rape which occurred three years later.
"We assumed it was the guy," said Paul Scoggins, who is a Hennepin County prosecutor.
The murder evidence was obtained from a DNA sample produced from blood, hair and skin the killer left behind on a cracked windshield of a car.
The victim, Gerald Penman, was shot by the passenger while Penman was driving. The car crashed, the passenger struck the windshield and ran from the scene.
When police interviewed Michael Jefferson in prison, he denied he was the killer and threw them a curve: He informed them he has an identical twin.
"I can't charge somebody with murder if there is an equally plausible suspect out there," said Scoggins.
Jefferson was in prison after he was
convicted of raping an ex-girlfriend in December of 2005. That's where Minnesota BCA authorities obtained a sample of his DNA and put it in a law enforcement data base of criminals.
Police tracked down Jefferson's twin brother who also claims he is innocent.
"What are the odds that two identical twins in the first place?" said Scoggins.
Investigators also discover another bizarre coincidence: Both men have a scar on their forehead, just like the killer would from the car crash.
"Yeah, it is frustrating. When you think you get the guy, frankly got him cold, it turns out you don't," noted Scoggins.
With no clear answer, investigators have to rely on old-fashioned police work. They hope someone comes forward with more information on who is the killer.
"We need a disgruntled girlfriend to drop a dime on somebody," said Scoggins
Anyone with information on the murder is asked to call the Minneapolis Police Department tip line at 612-692-8477.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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