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Grant Allows Forensic Expert to Study Human Microbiomes in Cocaine Overdose Deaths
Alabama State University’s world-renowned expert on forensic-death studies, Gulnaz Javan, has received a $375,000 grant from the National Institute of Health to help fight the scourge of drug-related deaths by studying microbiomes in deaths caused by cocaine overdose. read more
DA Says City Can’t Prioritize Murder Cases Because of Crime Lab Backlog
On Friday, a new law takes effect in Texas to prioritize murder trials. But, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said that prioritization won’t mean anything with continued delays at local crime labs, specifically the Houston Forensic Science Center. read more
Access and Attention: Why Serial Killers Like Lucy Letby Often Work in Healthcare
Last week, British nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to life in prison for murdering seven infants in her care, and attempting to murder a further six. read more
The Importance of Inclusive Research
As director of NIJ, it is my priority to support rigorous and inclusive research that informs our efforts to promote safer communities and a more equitable justice system. read more
FDA's Selection of Cannabis Analyzer Should Help Decrease Burden on Forensic Labs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has selected the LightLab 3 High Sensitivity (HS) Cannabis Analyzer to play a pivotal role in its efforts to regulate the national cannabis industry. read more
Phoenix Approves $3 Million to Outsource Rape Kit Backlog Testing
Faced with a rape kit backlog inching dangerously close to four-digits, the City of Phoenix has approved $3.4 million in funding to help alleviate the backlog through outsourcing. read more
DNA Collected from Clothing Hits to Suspect in 1975 Rape, Homicide of Two Teen Girls
On a June day in 1975, Barbara Schreiber and Darlene Zetterower, both 14-years-old, sat on a bench on a busy street in Hollywood. The girls were inseparable, and they were in the midst of carefree summer days as they prepared for their first year of high school. No one could have imagined that the ... read more
DNA, Genealogy Tie Fourth Rape to Already-indicted Suspect
George Wayne Aldridge, who was indicted earlier this year in Fayette County for three sexual assaults, is now facing an additional indictment for a sexual assault that occurred in Louisville in 2005. read more
Adapting Ritalin to Tackle Cocaine Abuse
Research suggests that the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug methylphenidate (MPH; Ritalin) could serve as a cocaine-replacement therapy, but clinical results have been mixed. read more
Ballistics Company, University Partner to Help Train Forensic Students
The collaboration aims to empower forensic students with advanced pattern matching capabilities, enabling them to excel in their studies, and enhance the field of forensic science. read more
M-Vac, Dental Mold and Genealogy Help Restore Ada Fritz’s Name After 47 Years
In a unique identification that may be the first of its kind, forensic, investigative and genealogical experts have given Ada Elizabeth Fritz her name back after 47 years. read more
DNA Links Suspect to 1993 and 1997 Cold Case Rapes
In 2023, a statewide DNA search was conducted. During that search, it was determined there was a reasonable probability the unknown serial sexual assault suspect was related to a specific known offender in the criminal justice system. read more
Police Search, Collect Items from BTK Killer's House
The Osage County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) recently conducted a search at the former residence of Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK Killer, in Park City, Kansas. The operation aimed to collect items of evidentiary value based on specific leads that the OCSO had received. read more
Jailed But Innocent Marcellus Williams Sues Missouri Governor, Attorney General
Marcellus Williams, who faces execution in Missouri despite DNA evidence proving his innocence, has filed a civil lawsuit against Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey. read more
AG Creates BREATHE Team for Crimes of Nonfatal Strangulation
The directive requires county prosecutors to develop and implement procedures to refer victims of nonfatal strangulation and/or smothering for a forensic medical examination. read more