People v. Cohn

This appeal presents an enigmatic question: to what extent may one who is a suspect only in a homicide case be required to provide the State with blood and hair samples prior to being charged with the offense?

On September 6, 1981, at about 11:45 p.m., the body of Jean Cohn, estranged wife of Robert Cohn, the appellant, was discovered in her automobile about 3% blocks from her residence in Springfield. Death was caused by strangulation. The police went to the residence where they found the appellant tending the couple’s children. Although they were apparently living apart, appellant would come…