News

Suspected Serial Rapist Pedro Samarrippas Arrested On U.S. Mexico Border, Detectives Seek Other Potential Victims
— CBS DFW, Mar 4, 2021

Detectives arrested alleged serial rapist in McAllen on two cold case sexual assault warrants based on DNA evidence.

Arrest made in 2004 sexual assault case thanks to grant given to Pima Co. Sheriff’s Dept.
— Karly Tinsley, KOLD 13, Feb 26, 2021

DNA evidence from previously untested SAKs leads to arrest in double sexual assault from 2004 in Pima County, Arizona. “It’s not a matter of it, it’s a matter of when. It’s a matter of time before that individual commits another crime and that their DNA profile is entered, and it matches one from our kits,” said Crehan.

DNA evidence helps Durham police charge man jailed in Texas with 2015 rape case
— CBS 17 Digital Desk, Feb 25, 2021

Durham (NC) police charged a man in connection with a 2015 rape thanks to CODIS hit.

Suspect indicted in 2019 murder of woman found dead in room at local hotel
— KWTX, Feb 24, 2021

Individual identified as a suspect in cold case homicide from 2019 through the state Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Program and advanced DNA analysis.

Kalamazoo program aims to restore faith in justice system for sexual assault survivors
— Hannah Knowles, WWMT West Michigan, Feb 22, 2021

“Hopefully projects like this will create a belief in the system that something will happen," Jeff Getting, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor said. "Far too often victims have reason to question, 'Will someone believe me? Will there be an effort to prosecute a case?' or, 'Will I be made the victim again?'"

Minneapolis man charged with 2014 rape as prison time is set to end for another assault
— Paul Walsh, Star Tribune, Feb 18, 2021

DNA evidence and fingerprints lead to an arrest in a sexual assault from 2014.

Newly Launched G.O.L.D. Unit in Cuyahoga County: Using Forensic Genetic Genealogy to Identify Most-Wanted Cold Case Rapists
— Carol Bingham, Promega, Feb 10, 2021

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office has established their G.O.L.D Unit which will specifically focus on utilizing genetic genealogy and collecting lawfully owed DNA to solve SAKI related cases and cold case homicides.

Serial Sex Offender Convicted of Sexual Assault After Backlogged Kit is Tested
— Wisconsin Department of Justice, Feb 9, 2021

Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced that a serial sex offender has been convicted of sexual assault after a victim’s sexual assault kit was tested as part of the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).

Tennessee man sentenced to prison in 2013 Kalamazoo sexual assault case
— Bianca Cseke, Fox 17, Feb 4, 2021

“Our communities must be protected against those who commit sexual assaults against children and other vulnerable victims. I appreciate the hard work put into resolving this case by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office and the SAKI team and their commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of sexual assault victims.” Michigan AG Dana Nessel

Man ordered to trial after woman said she was sexually assaulted in 2012
— Trace Christenson, Battle Creek Enquirer, Feb 3, 2021

A Hartford man on Tuesday was ordered to trial on five counts of sexual assault after a woman testified she was a victim in 2012 as part of the Calhoun SAKI project.