New Wake DNA lab could help solve cold cases, even prevent crimes

Local and federal officials gathered on Friday to introduce the lab and talk about how it could be a huge factor in expediting justice. As it stands now, CCBI sends DNA evidence to the state crime lab for analysis. Getting results can take weeks, months, even years.

"The turnaround time for a DNA kit will go from months or years in some instances to potentially a matter of hours. That is huge for what it means for our justice system," said Wake County Commission Chair Matt Calabria.

"This lab will enable us to circumvent a major backlog at the state level and provide timely, accurate information to law enforcement and our justice system. By adding this state-of-the-art lab to its facility, CCBI will be able to quickly and accurately analyze the DNA evidence its crime scene investigators find in the field, saving precious time and moving cases forward faster.”

The State Crime Lab has 49 DNA kits pending testing from Raleigh police and 94 kits pending testing from law enforcement in Wake County.

Jane Wilson, of the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network, called the new lab crucial.

"Not knowing is just so difficult for families, and everything gets put on hold," she said.

She also believes quicker turnaround times in the lab can prevent additional people from being victimized.

"When you’re getting DNA profiles that match other perpetrators, it can also help prevent additional crimes," she said.

Judges and juries will use the evidence produced by the lab in making decisions in cases that involve homicide and sexual assault.

The county has approved $360,000 for construction of the lab, which will come from court-ordered lab fees. It should be up and running by the end of 2022.