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New DNA testing requirements reopens two unsolved crimes

January 26, 2005
By: Megan Clarke
State Capital Bureau

A new state law requiring DNA testing of incarcerated felons prevents a rape suspect from being released from prison. Megan Clarke has the story.

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It's been a little over 20 days and the new state law has already boasted success.

More than 350 DNA samples of felons in prison have been tested and already there have been two matches for unsolved cases.

One match was from an inmate serving time for a burglary conviction who was supposed to be released this month.

However, his DNA matched with an unsolved rape case and the investigation has been reopened.

The bill's sponsor Republican Senator Matt Bartle says he's thrilled with the news.

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ON THE ONE HAND, IT'S VERY EXCITING AND ON THE OTHER VERY SCARY. BECAUSE YOU THINK HOW MANY OTHERS ARE WE GOING TO FIND.

The DNA testing expenses are not paid by state funds, but by the criminals themselves.

A new state law requiring DNA tests of incarcerated felons has reopened a unsolved rape case. Megan Clarke reports.

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Less than a month into testing more than 350 incarcerated felons and there have already been two hits.

One match was from an inmate serving time for burglary.

He was scheduled to be released this month.

However, his DNA matched the DNA left at a rape crime scene.

Bill Sponsor Republican Senator Matt Bartle says he has high expectations for more matches.

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ON THE ONE HAND, IT'S VERY EXCITING. AND ON THE OTHER VERY SCARY. BECAUSE YOU THINK HOW MANY OTHERS ARE WE GOING TO FIND.

The new law took effect on January 1.

The testing is being funded through incarcerated criminals themselves.

Thanks to a new state law, a rape suspect has been found....already in prison. Megan Clarke explains.

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An inmate serving time for bulgary was scheduled to be released this month.

However, through new DNA testing requirements, his DNA was matched with an unsolved rape case.

Since January 1st, all incarcerated felons must submit a DNA sample to compare with DNA from unsolved crimes.

Jackson County Prosecutor Mike Sanders helped to draft the bill.

Before the bill was drafted Jackson County required such DNA testing.

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WE KNEW IF WE WERE HAVING THIS MUCH SUCCESS IN JACKSON COUNTY. SO MUCH MORE COULD BE DONE IF THIS LAW WAS PASSED IN THE ENTIRE STATE.

So far, officials have made two DNA matches out of more than 350 samples.