It's impossible to give an exact number of cold cases solved with DNA. There isn't a central database tracking every solved cold case worldwide. However, the impact of DNA technology on solving cold cases is undeniable.
Here's why it's difficult to get a precise number:
- No Central Database: There isn't a global database that tracks all cold cases and their resolution methods. Each country, state, and even local law enforcement agency often has its own records.
- Varying Definitions: What constitutes a "cold case" can vary. Some agencies define it as a case with no leads for a certain period, while others use different criteria.
- Data Collection Challenges: Even if a central database existed, collecting data on how many cases were solved specifically by DNA would be difficult. Many cases might be solved using a combination of evidence and techniques, making it hard to isolate the role of DNA.
The Impact of DNA:
Despite the lack of a precise number, it's clear that DNA has revolutionized cold case investigations. Here are some key ways it helps:
- Identifying Suspects: DNA evidence can directly link suspects to crime scenes, even years later. This can be crucial in cases with limited leads or where initial evidence was inconclusive.
- Exonerating the Innocent: DNA testing has also been instrumental in exonerating wrongly convicted individuals. Innocence Project data shows that DNA testing has helped exonerate over 300 people in the U.S. alone.
- Re-opening Cases: Advances in DNA technology, like the ability to analyze smaller samples, have allowed investigators to re-examine old evidence that was previously unusable.
Examples of Cold Cases Solved with DNA:
- The Golden State Killer: This notorious serial killer and rapist terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s. He was finally identified and arrested in 2018 through a DNA match using a genealogy website.
- The "Grim Sleeper" Case: Lonnie Franklin Jr. was convicted in 2016 for the murders of 10 women in Los Angeles. The case was reopened in 2010 after DNA testing linked him to the crimes.
Conclusion:
While a precise number of cold cases solved with DNA is elusive, its impact on criminal justice is undeniable. It has provided a powerful tool for identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and bringing closure to families who have waited for answers for years.
