How Does Indigo Dye Block Forensic DNA Tests?

An 18-year cold case from Flint, Michigan gets revived when new DNA methods bypass indigo-dye interference on a suspect’s jean jacket. Forensic expert Eric Spekin walks through why a single, tiny blood spot testing positive for both victims is a massive red flag, how siloed lab workflows can mislead prosecutors, and the cross-examination strategy that helped a jury reach “not guilty.” If you’re into true crime, forensic science, or legal strategy, this episode breaks down the science—and the storytelling—behind cold case prosecutions. Stick around to the end and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! 

Chapters

00:00 - Cold open: “Both DNAs in one spot?”

00:17 - Welcome & guest intro (Eric Spekin)

00:40 - Case setup: 1991 Flint shooting; 2009 prosecution

01:06 - Dice game, $937 motive, suspect & van murders

02:05 - Evidence seized: the indigo jean jacket

03:39 - Cold case team finds a blood spot

04:34 - Why indigo dye blocks DNA; buffers fix it

06:07 - Lab result: both victims on one tiny spot

07:15 - Defense brings in an outside expert

08:37 - Only one sample from one location—why that matters

09:09 - Building the cross & challenging the narrative

11:07 - Verdict: not guilty; key lesson learned

12:03 - How court-appointed defense experts work

14:31 - Trial tactics: using prosecution witnesses

16:47 - Takeaways on scientific honesty

17:31 - Outro & CTA

Links

SunlitStudios.com

Hashtags

#ColdCase #TrueCrime #ForensicScience #DNAEvidence #BloodstainPattern #PCRInhibitors #ExpertWitness #CrossExamination #CriminalJustice #IndigentDefense #FlintMichigan #LegalStrategy #ColdCaseReview