Fed: DNA traces of soldier found on Kovco's gun

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2006
Fed: DNA traces of soldier found on Kovco's gun

DNA from a soldier who was on duty with Private JAKE KOVCO hours before he was fatally
shot in Iraq .. has been found on the gun that killed the Victorian soldier.

A forensic biologist has told the inquiry into Private KOVCO'S death DNA tests on his
9mm pistol found traces of genetic material belonging to another private .. codenamed
soldier 14 .. who was on duty with him on April 21 in Baghdad.

MICHELLE FRANCO said traces of Soldier 14's DNA was found on the pistol's slide ..

along with DNA belonging to Private KOVCO.

Other traces of DNA believed to be from Soldier 14 were also found on the pistol's
trigger .. hand grip and magazine.

Soldier 14 .. who was at the inquiry today with his lawyer .. had been on duty within
the Australian Embassy compound in Baghdad with Pte Kovco earlier that day.

AAP RTV bt/hn/bart

KEYWORD: KOVCO DNA (SYDNEY)

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