Over 1,000 old and previously misplaced rape kits found recently in a Detroit, Michigan, police property storage facility can possibly be useful today for solving sex offenses. The kits are part of a treasure trove of potential evidence as Detroit police work through over 11,000 old rape kits recently discovered in storage. The kits date back to pre-DNA evidence capability; many can now be re-examined and could become new evidence that may lead to arrests for sex offenses or even exonerations for wrongful convictions.

If DNA found on these kits does not belong to known rape victims it can be searched through the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to seek current matches from suspects, according to John Collins, State Police Director of Forensic Science. At the same time, newly discovered DNA evidence may be useful in clearing suspicions for innocent suspects. The kits found in Detroit could be helpful in closing old cases, including sex offenses that are still unsolved or unproven.

Not all persons accused of sex offenses are guilty; a criminal defense attorney welcomes new opportunities to locate evidence that could clear suspicion away from their client. The rape kits are small and contain documentation that can be used to determine DNA evidence. The lab system is burdened with current rape cases, but technicians are working diligently to process thorough the newly discovered group of old rape kits as quickly as possible.

Once entered into the CODIS system, DNA sample evidence remains active until there is a match found, even in cases that are over two decades old. These old rape kit cases are now under review to determine which cases can now move to arrests and prosecution. Criminal defense attorneys are needed by anyone accused of rape, even when new DNA evidence appears to be strong, because the consequences of a rape conviction are very serious.

Source: Detroit Free Press, "Old rape kits from Detroit crime lab could be tested," Corey Williams, Feb. 16, 2012