A suspect in the recent tragic DC quadruple homicide was identified through DNA left on a pizza crust.  In Los Angeles, the ‘Grim Sleeper’ case received a lot of attention after DNA obtained from pizza, napkins, and utensils used by the primary suspect was matched to evidence from several crime scenes.

With today’s sensitive DNA methods, a DNA profile can be obtained from almost any type of evidence.  Discarded food remnants are a good source of DNA since saliva is very rich in DNA.  In fact, it is no longer necessary to draw blood as a reference DNA sample from individuals.  A simple swabbing of the inside of the mouth along the cheeks will yield enough DNA to test multiple times.