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FY2024 Solicitation Webinar - National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)
— Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Jul 8, 2024
The recently released FY2024 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) site solicitation was featured as part of a webinar on Monday, July 8th. This webinar, presented by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), includes an overview of various elements of the solicitation, to include changes from previous iterations of the program, eligibility requirements, and guidance on application submission.
‘Every woman’s worst nightmare’: Accused Jacksonville serial rapist arrested nearly 20 years after assaults
— Marcela Camargo, Digital Producer, Jacksonville John Asebes, News4JAX Anchor/Reporter, Jacksonville, Jul 5, 2024
“Just recently when advances in DNA technology allowed for familial DNA testing. We would not be here and Dumas would not be off the streets without the hard work of several people dedicated to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and the investigation of sex crimes,” said Nelson.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson said Dumas would target single mothers, hold them at knifepoint, and threaten to harm them and their children if they told police.
Officials said they will continue to try and match Dumas’ DNA against other sexual battery cases."
Sexual Assault Kits in Wisconsin
— Alani Claudio, WEAU, Jul 5, 2024
" Beginning on July 1, sexual assault kits in the state of Wisconsin must now be processed within six months.
Attorney General Josh Kaul said he’s confident crime labs will be able to meet the new timeline."
DNA Breakthroughs Bring Closure to Decades-Old Virginia Cold Cases
— Olivia Davis, CVILLErightnow.com, Jul 3, 2024
"Attorney General Jason Miyares highlighted the crucial role of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) in these advancements. “The entire system of going through this is also healing. It’s healing for the victims. It’s healing for the family,” he explained, emphasizing the victim-centric approach of the initiative. Miyares also expressed optimism about the future of crime-solving technology, “I’ve never been more excited about what I’m seeing coming down the pike with both science and technology to help solve both unsolved cases and make it that much easier for law enforcement.”
Police find killer in 59-year-old cold case
— ELIZA PACE, KSL TV KSLTV.com, Jun 26, 2024
"The case was reopened in 2022 by Logan police. Using the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant, the evidence from Weber’s case, primarily Weber’s clothing, was sent to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant for DNA analysis. Updated technology revealed a mixture of several males’ DNA on her clothing."
Attorney General Miyares’ Sexual Assault Initiative Helps Solve Shenandoah National Park Cold Case Murders
— Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General, Jun 23, 2024
"DNA evidence linked Walter “Leo” Jackson Sr., a convicted serial rapist, to the 1996 murders of Julianne ""Julie"" Williams and Laura ""Lollie"" Winans in Shenandoah National Park. Jackson, who died in an Ohio prison in 2018, was identified by intelligence analysts funded by the SAKI program.
“Resolving this cold case brings comfort to the victims’ families and showcases the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies to seek justice, no matter how much time has passed. I’m very proud of our Sexual Assault Kit Initiative program for helping to fund this multi-agency investigation and bringing closure to this cold case,” said Attorney General Miyares."
Maryland Launches Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System
— Franklin County Free Press, Jun 21, 2024
Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown, have introduced a new statewide tracking system for Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs), known as “Track Kit™”. Developed in collaboration with the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee and the Governors’ Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), this initiative aims to provide transparency and accountability for survivors of sexual assault.
Serial rapist convicted in Charlotte cold cases
— WSOCTV.com News Staff, Jun 11, 2024
"Prosecutors say a serial rapist was convicted this week in three cases that date back to the early 1990s in Charlotte.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office says LJ Bertha was sentenced to life after being convicted of rape and kidnapping.
According to the district attorney’s office, three survivors testified in a recent trial that began on May 20. Bertha, 64, was found guilty of first-degree rape, second-degree rape, two kidnapping counts, attempted second-degree sex offense and common law robbery."
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 20 years Initial Confinement for 2005 Madison Bike Path Sexual Assault
— www.doj.state.wi.us, May 31, 2024
"Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ellen Berz today sentenced Aidison Yang, 43, of Eagan, Minnesota, to 20 years initial confinement in the Wisconsin State Prison System and 20 years of extended supervision in connection with a 2005 sexual assault on a Madison bike path. A jury found Mr. Yang guilty of three counts of First Degree Sexual Assault by Use or Threat of Use of a Dangerous Weapon in February 2024.
“I’m thankful that the defendant is finally being held accountable for the violent crimes he committed nearly two decades ago,” said AG Kaul. “Thank you to everyone who worked to get justice in this case.”
