2008 Solving Cold Cases Through DNA Grant

The purpose of these funds will be used for the Orlando Police Department to identify, review, and prioritize evidence in 24 out of 80 existing cold homicide cases where women have been the victims. From this analysis, it will be determined what evidence is suitable for retesting. In cases where a suspect DNA profile is developed or matches an offender in CODIS (DNA Database), the case will be considered 'open and active' and will be investigated by two homicide detectives in an overtime capacity. The Orlando Police Department has demonstrated the ability in the past to be successful when investigating cold cases. Between April 2003 and December 2005, 26 unsolved armed sexual batteries were investigated, which occurred 1983-1999. 12 of the cases ended in the arrest of suspects, 9 of the cases produced a suspect's DNA profile, which have been entered into the CODIS forensic index and evidence in 5 of the submitted cases did not produce a DNA profile of a suspect. Personnel and DNA outsourcing will be the primary focus of funding.
ca/ncf