How this man’s unique vacuum has helped with criminal investigations including the Angie Dodge case

Summary

In this interview, Jared from MVAC discusses the innovative wet vacuum system used for DNA evidence collection, which is significantly more efficient than traditional swabbing methods. Initially launched in 2007 for the food industry, MVAC shifted to forensics in 2012. The technology has been instrumental in high-profile cases, including the Susan Powell case. Jared also shares his experience with launching the 'All Things Crime' podcast during the pandemic, providing insights into forensic science and engaging with the crime-solving community.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The MVAC (Microscopic Vacuum Aspiration Collection) system is a wet vacuum that sprays sterile solution onto evidence and vacuums it up, effectively collecting DNA from rough or porous surfaces more efficiently than a swab.
• 💧 MVAC can collect DNA 40-50 times more readily than traditional swabbing methods, making it a powerful tool in forensic investigations.
• 📦 After the DNA is collected, it is suspended in a liquid, concentrated onto a filter, and then sent to the lab for analysis.
• 🕰 The MVAC technology has been around since 2007, initially launched in the food industry, but was adapted for forensics in 2012.
• 🚔 The MVAC system was used in the Susan Powell case to attempt to find DNA in the trunk of a car where she may have been transported.
• 🌵 Despite the car being exposed to extreme desert heat for two years, MVAC was still able to find DNA, although none could be attributed to Susan Powell.
• 🔎 MVAC has been utilized in numerous cases over the past decade, including high-profile cases like the Angie Dodge case and the murder of Crystal Bislanowicz.
• 🎙️ Jared, from MVAC, has launched a podcast called 'All Things Crime' to share stories and insights from the world of forensics and crime investigations.
• 📈 The podcast was initially a way for Jared to reach out to his customers during the pandemic when traditional conferences and travel were limited.
• 📅 'All Things Crime' podcast releases new episodes approximately once a week, and has produced over 105 episodes to date.
• 🎧 The podcast is available on various platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, offering listeners a wide range of stories and information.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the MVAC system?

The MVAC system is a wet vacuum that sprays a sterile solution onto evidence to collect DNA from rough or porous surfaces, vacuuming it up more effectively than a swab can.

How does the MVAC system collect DNA from evidence?

The MVAC system sprays a sterile solution onto the evidence, vacuums it up, and then concentrates the DNA onto a filter, which is sent to the lab for analysis.

When was the MVAC technology initially launched?

The MVAC technology was initially launched in 2007, initially for use in the food industry.

Why did the MVAC technology pivot from the food industry to forensics?

The MVAC technology was found to be too sensitive for the food industry's needs, leading to a pivot into forensics in 2012.

Has the MVAC technology been used in any high-profile cases?

Yes, the MVAC technology was used in the Susan Powell case to try to find DNA in the Ford Taurus where Susan was thought to have been transported.

What was the outcome of the MVAC technology's use in the Susan Powell case?

DNA was found in the car, but none of it could be attributed to Susan Powell due to the harsh conditions the car had been exposed to.

What other cases has the MVAC technology been involved in?

The MVAC technology has been used in various cases, including the Angie Dodge case and the Crystal Bislanowicz case from 1996.

What was the motivation behind starting the 'All Things Crime' podcast?

The 'All Things Crime' podcast was started by Jared as a way to reach customers during the pandemic, initially for sharing clips on social media and eventually evolving into a full podcast.

How often are new episodes of 'All Things Crime' released?

New episodes of 'All Things Crime' are released about once a week.

What platforms can listeners find the 'All Things Crime' podcast on?

The 'All Things Crime' podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

What is Jared's opinion on CrimeCon?

Jared finds CrimeCon to be awesome and feels more at home there, especially now that he has a podcast.