Solving New Haven Cold Cases with DNA

The goal of the project is the increase the potential of solving violent crime cold cases (VCCC) that contain DNA evidence. The Cold Case Homicide Unit will coordinate all activities. Objectives are to gather and organize the departments 200 cold cases; to review them in order to establish a solvability ratingthose without usable DNA will not be a part of this project--and rank them in order of solvability; to conduct active investigations of the ranked cases; to prepare and submit evidence to the CT Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.

Members of the Cold Case Unit include NHPD personnel sworn and retired detectives and victim advocate, FBI, prosecutor and inspector from the State's Attorneys Office. Staff from the CT Forensic Science Laboratory will be consulted as needed during the case review process.

Expected outcomes are the acquisition of viable DNA profiles that will result in CODIS hits for use in investigations; investigative follow up that will result in the arrest of perpetrators; an increased sense of order in the community and relief for co-victims; and the creation of a case review protocol that can be replicated in other departments.
ca/ncf