News

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.

Mobile Police nearing the end of its cold case sexual assault kits
— Dana Winter, WKRG, Jan 28, 2021

Mobile Police have completed SAKI funded testing on their previously unsubmitted SAKs and have arrests pending.

AG Nessel announces sentencing for William Darnell Johnson in sexual assault cases
— News Channel 3, Jan 25, 2021

“This conviction would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of the Kalamazoo SAKI team, and I am grateful for the justice these professionals were able to provide to these women.”- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

Man identified through sex-assault cold case project gets prison for series of assaults dating to 2001
— WKRG Staff, Jan 22, 2021

A sex assault cold case project helped authorities identify and prosecute a Kalamazoo man police say was responsible for a series of sexual assaults dating to 2001.