$1,600 DNA test triggers controversy
A $1,600 DNA test funded by the city to advance Carmen's case accidentally tested the wrong sample — Carmen's own DNA — sparking a departmental controversy.
Where this was said
DNA Breakthroughs and Early Setbacks (2013–2015)
At 28:10 · chapter starts 25:45
Carter assists cold case investigators in finally sending Carmen's evidence to a forensic lab in 2013 — and the results are extraordinary. A partial male profile from semen and a full profile from blood on a white paper bag both match, and the full profile is suitable for CODIS. No hits come back, but the process systematically eliminates suspects already in the system and begins the methodical work of voluntary and covert DNA collection from anyone in Carmen's orbit. By the end of 2013, at least 40 men have been cleared, including Rob, Josh, Peter, and the neighbor across the hall. The search widens: Carter appeals to media, tracks down the car repair shop, investigates police runs on the night of the murder — and finds a man with similar stab wounds who still doesn't match. Then in 2015, a $1,600 city-funded DNA test [1] — Ashley Flowers "After years of waiting, the city funded a $1,600 DNA test — and got back a result identifying their killer as a European female. The lab ha…" 30:55 comes back with the stunning result that their killer is a European female. The lab was sent Carmen's own DNA profile. The error is explained by human error, but the damage is done: when Carter asks for a retest, he's flatly denied.
40 men eliminated by DNA
By the end of 2013, investigators had eliminated at least 40 men as suspects through voluntary and covertly obtained DNA comparison samples.
IMPD Punishes the One Detective Who Cared
When the city refused to pay for a DNA retest after sending the wrong sample, Carter raised $1,200 in 7 hours via GoFundMe. IMPD made him return every dollar, removed him from the case, and handed him a 10-day suspension — his first disciplinary action in a career where he had taken only 4 hours of sick time.
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