DNA in Ink?

[Tahoe27]

8/16/2010
It was obvious in this letter Zodiac's (felt-tip) pen was running out of ink. This was apparently the first letter he wrote.


http://zodiackiller.com/SFCL2HR.html - High Res @ zodiackiller.com

The pen runs out of ink, then got strong again, then fades.

I have often used felt-tip pens and when they start to run dry, you dab it on your tongue to refresh the ink. Many do this. It will get you a bit more life out of the pen. Not much, but it works...as it did here, I believe.

He continues doing this on the envelope, until it runs out altogether and he changes writing utensils.





My question is, "with all this DNA stuff--touch DNA etc, would they be able to find DNA on the letter if he did lick the tip"? Of course more DNA would be on the pen, but could there be DNA from the pen/ink on the paper? I think it might be worth looking in to.

[margie]

I just happened upon this! Very interesting idea!

[Claypooles]

Dude seemingly didn't like to lick stamps, so I doubt he liked to lick pen tips :/

[Israelite Wolfman]

Dude seemingly didn't like to lick stamps, so I doubt he liked to lick pen tips :/

Were all the stamps removed/stretched out from the envelopes to be examined for DNA?

[Tahoe27]

Dude seemingly didn't like to lick stamps, so I doubt he liked to lick pen tips :/

Might not be that he didn't like to lick stamps, just that he was smart enough not to.

And thanks Margie!

Anyone who used pens like this knows dabbing them on your tongue works.

[themikado90]

Has this idea ever been put forward to the police? I think you're on to something.

[Quicktrader]

I wish they'd analyze the smudge under CJB scene Timex watch..

QT

[relentlessz]

They don't know for sure if he used a marker type pen for the letters. It could have also been a fountain type pen that he dipped into an ink well that he used.

[jacob]

They don't know for sure if he used a marker type pen for the letters. It could have also been a fountain type pen that he dipped into an ink well that he used.

Possibly, though using a fountain pen can easily be a messy disaster unless you're a skilled calligrapher.

[Tahoe27]

They don't know for sure if he used a marker type pen for the letters. It could have also been a fountain type pen that he dipped into an ink well that he used.

If you notice in my first post, I stated "In this letter."

This was a felt-tip pen. Not a sharpie, or ball-point, etc. The high resolution makes it quite clear.

Here is another letter with an obvious felt-tip: http://zodiackiller.com/PLHR.html

His other (3-part letters), certainly something else was used and I believe it is because the felt-tip ran out of ink. He tried to revive it, with no luck, and continued on.