Dateline NBC DNA at heart of Arizona trial. Aspiring model's killer fights to clear his name. Plus, Relisha Rudd.
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Nov 6, 2025 AI Snips
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Familial DNA Sparked A Decade Of Delay
- Familial DNA testing linked an unrelated man, Ian Mitchum, to Allison Feldman's 2015 murder after initial CODIS searches failed.
- Legal challenges over consent and Fourth Amendment claims delayed the trial for years despite the match.
DUI Blood Sample Led To Arrest
- Investigators traced the unknown DNA to a relative in prison and identified his brother, Ian, living nearby.
- Ian had recently given a blood sample after a DUI, which matched the unknown DNA at Allison's home.
Rights Violation Didn’t Block Evidence
- Defense argued Mitchum's DUI blood sample was used without valid consent and should have been destroyed.
- Arizona courts found rights were violated but still allowed the DNA evidence at trial, prolonging appeals.