[Cable ties used as tool in homicide: relevance of the DNA analysis].

An investigation of strangulation tools often reveals DNA of the victim. In some cases, DNA of the suspect can also be demonstrated, even in strangulation tools with a smooth surface like cables. The authors report a case of strangulation of two victims with cable ties. In addition, several used and unused cable ties were found at the crime scene. The DNA analysis detected DNA of the victims, but also genomic and mitochondrial DNA of various other persons not knowingly involved in the crime. Experiments with unused cable ties revealed that even a single handling of a cable tie may leave DNA traces. An enquiry of the companies selling cable ties showed that the cable ties are manually handled, so that foreign DNA must always be expected.