DNA Backlog Reduction: Preventable Crimes

Example from North Dakota

DNA technology is evolving rapidly and many states are considering whether to expand DNA databases or invest in DNA casework investigations. In order to inform the discussion of these issues, NIJ commissioned an independent study to ascertain the size of and reasons for the nation's backlog of DNA evidence. The resulting report included the list of cases presented here. This list of cases is not exhaustive, does not identify the perpetrator or victim, and is not a reflection on the criminal justice agencies involved. These cases would remain unsolved if not for extraordinary detective work by dedicated criminal justice professionals in these agencies.

Case studies presented on this site are from an NIJ-funded independent study. Points of view or opinions in the resulting report are those of the authors and do not represent the official position or policies of the United States Department of Justice.

ONE PREVENTABLE RAPE

In June 2000, a woman in Fargo was sexually assaulted in her home by an unknown intruder. DNA evidence was collected from the crime scene, but was not matched to an offender. Police had identified a man as a possible suspect, but did not have sufficient cause to obtain a warrant for a DNA sample.

In August 2002, a teenager was sexually assaulted by an intruder in an apartment where she was babysitting. Several days later, police were finally able to obtain a warrant for a DNA sample from the suspect, and he was linked to both rapes.

Preventable Crime: The offender was convicted in Minnesota for felony possession of stolen property and burglary in September 1996, and for felony burglary in June 1997. At the time Minnesota did not require DNA from convicted burglars. North Dakota still does not require DNA from convicted burglars. If a DNA sample had been collected from the offender for either the 1996 or 1997 felony conviction, the June 2000 sexual assault could have been solved and the perpetrator apprehended, thereby preventing one rape. The offender also had a 1996 domestic assault misdemeanor conviction, which is also a DNA database crime in some states.

NIJ Funded Study

The cases are from National Forensic DNA Study Report and were developed using basic assumptions. For a full discussion on the review methodology that led to the conclusions presented here, see Section VI. "Forensic DNA and Crime Prevention." The report and case studies were prepared by Smith Alling Lane in partnership with Washington State University through the support of a grant awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (Grant 2002-LT-BX-K 003). Points of view or opinions in this report are those of the authors and do not represent the official position or policies of the United States Department of Justice.