Скачать или смотреть The CSI Effect: Jurors Now Expect DNA Evidence

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Many of you are reacting to the news that right now, there is no DNA evidence that links Hiawatha Robinson to the tragic murder of his 8-year-old daughter Hiawayi Robinson. On Facebook, viewers wrote things like "you have no case" and "they need DNA to seal it." With shows like CSI, jurors now expect there to be DNA evidence in every case, but in reality, local law enforcement says that simply doesn't happen.

"There are many, many cases that have been solved and continue to be solved without any DNA evidence what so ever," said Lt. Paul Burch, who oversees Major Crimes at the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

Burch also just graduated from the FBI National Academy and says at Quantico much of the discussion centered on DNA.

"You're just not always going to have it, and you don't necessarily need it," said Burch, "DNA is really icing on the cake."

Burch points to two recent high-profile murder cases where convictions were secured without any DNA evidence: Tammy Stokes, who was missing for years and found in a shallow grave, and Steve Perret, whose murderer cut part of his own tongue out to avoid detection.

"Had no DNA evidence in that case, just good, solid police work," said Burch.

Another thing Burch says to keep in mind this early in the prosecution phase, the state is not going to provide all the evidence it has against a defendant. District Attorney Ashley Rich even said after the hearing investigators are still working the case.

"There is still very much on-going DNA evidence, evidence being tested for DNA evidence being tested for trace, fibers and those kinds of things," said Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich.

Hiawatha Robinson's case now moves on to a grand jury. He goes on trial in March for federal firearms charges.