FY23 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESSP) is requesting funds under the 2023 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA grant to identify, inventory, analyze and prosecute violent crime cold cases with suspect DNA profiles. The Division of Scientific Services (DSS), partnered with the Division of Criminal Justice - Cold Case Unit (DCJ CCU), a subdivision within the Office of the Chief States Attorney (OCSA) will aim to increase the prosecution of unsolved violent crimes and decrease the number of unresolved violent crimes across the state. A statewide inventory of violent crime cold cases will be conducted and cases with suspect DNA profiles will be triaged for suspect identification, investigation, and ultimate prosecution. DSS will conduct any necessary additional testing as well as coordinate the outsourcing of evidence to a vendor laboratory for Forensic Genetic Genealogy testing. DCJ-CCU will coordinate the investigative activities related to the investigative leads generated and work to prosecute violent crime cold cases.