Final answer:
The main challenge in using DNA typing to determine whether the newly discovered body is that of the victim is the state of decomposition. To test the theory, the lead investigator can collect DNA samples from the remains and send them to a forensic laboratory for analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main challenge in using DNA typing to determine whether the newly discovered body is that of the victim is the state of decomposition. If the body is badly decomposed, it can affect the quality of the DNA and make it more difficult to obtain a usable sample. Additionally, if the body has been buried for several years, the DNA may have degraded to a point where it is no longer viable for analysis.
To test the theory, the lead investigator can begin by collecting DNA samples from the remains. This can be done through bone or teeth samples, as well as any soft tissue that may still be present. Once the samples are collected, they can be sent to a forensic laboratory for DNA analysis.
The DNA analysis process involves extracting the DNA from the samples, amplifying specific regions of the DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparing the amplified DNA to known reference samples. If the DNA from the remains matches the DNA from the reference samples, it would provide strong evidence that the newly discovered body is that of the victim.