IT’S A SURPRISING NUMBER. THAT FROM STATE AUDITOR TIM KELLER WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED AN INVENTORY OF UNTESTED SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE KITS, KNOWN AS “RAPE KITS.” HE SAYS THERE ARE OVER 54-HUNDRED SUCH KITS.
KELLER SAYS IT RAISES SEVERAL ISSUES.SOME OF THE KITS REMAIN UNTESTED DUE TO POSSIBLE COURT SETTLEMENTS OR CHARGES BEING DROPPED. BUT THE SUSPECTS IN SOME OF THE CASES MAY STILL BE CIRCULATING WITHIN THE STATE.
HE SAYS IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT SOME OF THE UNTESTED KITS MAY BE CONNECTED TO CASES THAT WERE NEVER PROSECUTED OR WERE DROPPED. KELLER SAYS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO CLEARING UP THE BACKLOG IS FUNDING FOR EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL.
