NEW JODI CLUE; DNA sample at death scene is different from boyfriend Luke.
Byline: BRENDAN McGINTYDETECTIVES hunting the killer of Jodi Jones have found DNA at the murder scene different from her boyfriend Luke Mitchell's.
The first genetic fingerprint is a trace of saliva found close to where Jodi was killed in Easthouses, near Dalkeith.
The second is another body fluid capable of providing a breakthrough.
In the early stages of the inquiry, detectives said Jodi may have disturbed her killer committing a sex act.
The two samples are not the only DNA clues found near the spot where 14-year-old Jodi's body was found, close to a path popular with joggers and people walking dogs.
But the clues may take the investigation in a new direction. Detectives have always played down speculation that more than one person was involved in Jodi's murder.
Tests have revealed that the two samples are not from the same person. They have also eliminated Luke, 15, as a possible source.
The Sunday Mail can reveal that the samples were the reason joggers were asked to provide DNA samples last week.
A police source said: ``The team has started initial tests to see if they can find a match for those samples, which were not thought to be particularly important in the initial stages of the inquiry.
``Other DNA samples found at the scene have been seen for a long time as potentially more important.
``But we have to be extremely thorough in looking at every single detail thrown up during the inquiry.''
A police spokesman said: ``We have carried out DNA tests for operational reasons. We are hoping these will help to eliminate possible lines of inquiry.''
Jodi was on her way to meet boyfriend Luke when she was murdered on June 30.
Luke gave a TV interview denying he was her killer on the day of her funeral.
Detectives are still hunting a stocky man seen carrying a rucksack and following Jodi on the day of her death.
Because the murder scene was on a well used path, scientists have warned detectives leading the investigation that DNA samples found may prove to be red herrings.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Executive have publicly declared their full backing for the team leading the inquiry.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson voiced her support despite criticisms made by the Mitchell family lawyer Nigel Beaumont.
Mr Beaumont complained that Luke had been handcuffed and his identity made known to the media. He said Luke would be lodging a formal complaint.
CAPTION(S):
Murdered: Jodi was killed as she made her way to meet boyfriend Luke; Complaint: Luke
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| Publication: | Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland) |
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| Date: | Sep 14, 2003 |
| Words: | 424 |
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