Genetic samples purported to be those of Booth are preserved in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and could be compared against those known for sure to be of his brother, the famous actor Edwin Booth. Genetic material from Edwin is preserved in New York, New York.
It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of Lincoln experts don’t buy into the theory of Booth’s escape, as there is at this point absolutely no proof of any kind to support such a claim. Indeed, Edward Steers Jr., the author of “Blood On The Moon,” the definitive study of Lincoln’s assassination, doesn’t even include this theory of Booth’s survival in his latest book, “Lincoln Legends, Myths, Hoaxes, and Confabulations Associated With Our Greatest President.”
It will be interesting to find out the results if and when the DNA testing is conducted. Hopefully, it will prove once and for all that John Wilkes Booth was given the ultimate justice for his heinous crime.
