DNA experts testify at Cisneros trial

MASON CITY | DNA matching a sample from Michael Cisneros was found on a pair of blue pajama bottoms belonging to a Mason City toddler who drowned in Willow Creek 20 years ago, a DNA expert testified Monday in Cisneros' murder trial.

Cisneros, 38, formerly of Mason City, is accused of first-degree murder in the July 1994 death of 20-month-old John Snyder Jr. He was reported missing about 8:20 a.m. July 20, 1994, by his father, John Snyder Sr., from their apartment on South Adams Avenue. He was found in the creek on July 21.

Several DNA experts with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation crime lab testified Monday as Cisneros murder trial entered its second week.

The statistical probability of the DNA profile developed from four blood stains on Little Johns pajama bottoms belonging to someone other than Cisneros is less than 1 in 100 billion people, according to DCI criminalist Tara Scott.

Retired criminalist Marie Sides tested the stains on the pajama bottoms in 1994 and discovered the presence of blood, but DNA testing was not being conducted at the lab at that time.

By 2002 the technology had evolved to allow Sides to develop DNA profiles for the Snyders. In December 2002, the Mason City Police Department was asked by the DCI to submit evidence in the case for DNA testing.

Sides tested swabs with blood from the bottom of the Snyders apartment door, the hallway wall and a fitted bed sheet taken from the bedroom of Snyder Sr.

Those stains all matched the known DNA profile of Snyder Sr.

Three stains on the pajama top Little John was wearing when he was allegedly thrown into Willow Creek tested positive for blood but no DNA profiles could be developed. Sides said DNA can degrade in the water or be washed away. Law enforcement estimated the boy was in the creek for approximately 30 hours.

Snyder Sr. was not a match to any DNA found on the boys pajamas, Sides said.

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DNA experts testify at Cisneros trial