FY 2019 Prosecuting Cold Cases using DNA and Other Forensic Technologies

The Denver Police Department and the Denver District Attorney’s office have identified an estimated 72 violent crime cold cases eligible for work under this project. These include eight sexual assaults and 64 homicides where a suspect has been identified and further investigative and/or forensic work is needed to prepare the case for prosecution.

The work under this project would include: adding capacity to the Denver District Attorney’s office by hiring an additional cold case Deputy DA; allocating overtime for forensic scientists to analyze forensic evidence to assist prosecutors with the litigation of violent crime cold cases; allocating overtime for cold case Detectives to conduct post-CODIS hit investigations; dedicating funds for cold case Detective travel to conduct interviews and collect DNA comparison samples; and contributing overtime for a crime analyst to enter cases into ViCAP, and follow up on cold case arrest warrants.

A collaborative effort between law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, and the crime lab within the City and County of Denver will aid in accomplishing the goals set forth in this project.

CA/NCF