Blood, DNA Link Inmate to Burglary

A man already in jail on unrelated charges has been linked to a 2010 buglary thanks to DNA evidence, investigators say.

Deontay Demon Russell, 28, of 376 Old Mill Road, Apt. 38, Cartersville, was arrested Tuesday and charged with robbery and other counts, but authorities say he also is responsible for a May home burglary on Cassville Road.

Sheriff Clark Millsap said in a press release several valuable items were taken in the May 22 incident, in which the burglar cut himself on a piece of glass from a broken window and bled on the victim’s bed sheet.

"A sample of the bed sheet with the blood was taken into evidence and later sent to the GBI Crime Laboratory for comparison to other known persons," the press release said. "The Lab later advised investigators that the DNA from the blood on the bed sheet came back to a Deontay Russell.

"A search warrant was signed for Russell’s DNA for further comparison tests which concluded the DNA from the blood left at the scene of the burglary belonged to him."

Russell is set to be charged with a count of burglary in connection with the incident. He is being housed at the Bartow County jail on a probation violation and is awaiting a Superior Court bond hearing.