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Testing of rape kit backlog yields first suspect charged

Delaware Public Media

Testing Delaware’s backlog of rape kits is starting to produce evidence police hope can put criminals in prison.

Wilmington Police recently charged a man suspected of a 2017 rape with two other attacks, thanks in part to DNA found in a previously untested rape kit.

Michael Kelly, with the Delaware Criminal Justice Council, said he hopes testing these kits leads to more prosecutions.

“For any case, it’s good to see progress being made, us going forward, that hard work is starting to pay off,” he said.

A $1.2 million federal grant is allowing the state to eliminate its backlog of 911 kits. About 100 weren’t viable for testing for different reasons.

Kelly said most of kits have been sent to a Virginia lab for testing. Depending on the results, law enforcement may determine there’s enough bring a case.

But Kelly said ultimately it’s the victim’s decision if it heads to trial.

“We’re completely victim-driven, working with the victims, working with the victims at their pace," he said. "With law enforcement and the victim advocates meeting with the victims to discuss the case and their desire to move forward or not to move forward with that case.”

The grant to help pay for testing was awarded in 2015. It expires next year. But Kelly said they have applied for additional federal funding for the initiative.

Those who have ever had a sexual assault kit collected and would like more information about those kits should contact the Delaware Victim's Center at (800)-842-8461 or visit the Delaware SAKI website at cjc.delaware.gov.

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