© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Virginia Department of Forensic Science Archives 10,000th DNA Data Bank Hit

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has achieved its 10,000th DNA data bank hit.  The record-setting cold hit was announced by Governor McAuliffe, who joined U.S. Senator Mark Warner for a tour of the state forensic lab that analyzes DNA and other crime-scene evidence.  

The DNA data bank has 431,000 samples, and hits now occur daily.  McAuliffe also announced that the state has been collecting untested and backlogged sexual assault evidence—called PERK kits—from localities statewide.

“We will have 2,000 PERK kits that will come to us that have never, ever been tested before.”

Under a new law, Virginia will also start collecting DNA from those convicted of misdemeanors associated with escalating violence.  Warner announced that he’s co-sponsoring a federal bill to help fund state initiatives.

“This is a tool that not only allows us to find perpetrators—and it’s remarkable that now 10,000 cold hits—but this is also a tool that is used to exonerate.”

In fact, 11 convicted people were exonerated after Warner, as governor, had ordered the testing of more than 800 old DNA samples saved by a deceased lab technician.  McAuliffe praised him for that effort.

“I’m just happy to be here standing on your shoulders.”

The law to expand the data bank takes effect July 1st.

Related Content