Rape suspect's DNA found on victim's body, expert says

Ryan Burke's DNA was found on the body of a woman who says Burke raped her during a 2006 party, a scientist testified Thursday.

Burke, 30, of Kildeer, is on trial in Lake County Circuit court for aggravated criminal sexual assault and possession of the date rape drug GHB.

The victim testified earlier this week she "blacked out" after consuming several drinks, at least some of which were served to her by Burke, and smoking some marijuana.

She said she fell asleep in a closet and was awakened by Burke, who led her to his bed and placed her in it.

Some time later, the woman said, she awoke to find Burke kissing the back of her neck and shoulder, and although she told him no, he forced her to have sex with him.

M. Kelly Lawrence, a DNA analyst with the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Lab, testified Thursday she examined a swab of the woman's neck that was obtained at the hospital the victim drove to after leaving Burke's home. The DNA profile taken from the swab matched Burke's, and it was possible it was transmitted as described by the victim, Lawrence said.

"Kissing would allow one person to leave a DNA stain on another person," she said.

Defense attorney Louis Pissios challenged Lawrence's credentials and objected to her being allowed to testify as an expert.

When Associate Judge George Bridges overruled the objection, Pissios criticized the quality of the investigation.

During cross-examination, Lawrence said clothing the victim was wearing the night of the May 30, 2006 attack was never tested for the presence of Burke's DNA.

She also said the bottle containing GHB police said they found in Burke's house was also not tested for the presence of his DNA.

Burke faces up to 30 years in prison, and testimony is expected to continue today.