Bringing Justice with DNA: The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office Cold Case Initiative

Since 2022, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff have been working together on several open and unsolved homicides, where suspect DNA has been identified and further investigative and/or forensic work is needed to prepare the case for prosecution. Members of the unit have developed subject matter knowledge which has helped several agencies in Contra Costa County investigate their cold case homicides. This collaboration resulted in solved cold cases that are pending trial, and even more which are still under investigative review and are likely to be solved and filed in the near future. Under this FY 24 Cold Case using DNA award, two dedicated cold case investigators would review case files, request any further forensic testing as needed, follow up on cold case warrants, ensure Combined DNA Index System uploads and Violent Criminal Apprehension Program and Unidentified Persons System entries, pursue Forensic Genetic Genealogy investigations, and consult or assist other agencies in the county with similar tasks. Funding from the grant would help pay for Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Once investigations have been completed, investigators will submit the cases for criminal charging and prosecution. The cold case investigators will assist the District Attorney in the successful trial preparation, witness location, and other litigation tasks of the cold cases. Funding will also help pay for bringing out-of-state witnesses who are needed to testify. Also, funding will help members of the unit obtain training on cold case investigations, which will further enhance the model already built over the past two years and maximize the effectiveness of the unit.