DNA Being Tested in New Haven Body Parts Case

DNA samples from body parts found in New Haven last week are being processed at the State Police forensic lab in an effort to identify the victim.

Two arms without hands and two legs with socks were found in the city last week in separate areas.

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New Haven Police were informed by the state laboratory that they are performing Mitochondrial DNA testing on the samples, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

Mitochondrial DNA testing can be helpful in cases where a body or body parts have decayed, Hartman said.

The type of DNA is passed on unchanged through generations. Samples of the DNA would have to be compared to that of surviving family members and can be helpful in identifying the deceased.

“It is unlikely there will be anything new to report on this baffling case until the lab results are reviewed,” Hartman said.

Test results typically take about a week to come back, he said.