What is the average length of time before a murder suspect is identified?

[lauriej]

..it's not just NC...
http://www.wfmynews2.com/news/technology/tech_article.aspx?storyid=40018

DNA Backlog Undercuts Crime-Solving Value

Huge laboratory backlogs in state crime labs hinder police solving criminal cases.

"This a public safety issue," said Lisa Hurst, a consultant for Smith Alling Lane, a Washington state law firm that specializes in forensic DNA issues and represents a company that makes DNA testing equipment. "It is a problem across the United States."

A December 2003 report by Smith Alling Lane estimated there were almost 550,000 DNA samples from crime scenes and from convicted criminals across the country awaiting processing,

The backlog is blamed on a shortage of money and staff. Samples taken from convicted felons to be added to the database cost about $50 each to process. Samples taken from crime scenes could be processed and even matched in a matter of days, but instead can take several months because of the heavy workload.

A February report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 1,900 additional full-time lab workers at a cost of $70 million would be needed across the country to reduce the backlog in forensic laboratories to 30 days for both DNA samples and other crime lab work,

In South Carolina earlier this month, police said a man who killed four people could have been stopped after his first murder in 2002 if law enforcement had been able to get DNA results faster.

............reading a few of these articles regarding the backlog, it has to be incredibly frustating for LE, always having to go on to new cases, while constantly awaiting results ..and waiting, and waiting, and waiting...

...LE couldn't possibly have the resources to be keeping an eye on all of the suspects in a variety of cases without those results...mind boggling..

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

A February report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 1,900 additional full-time lab workers at a cost of $70 million would be needed across the country to reduce the backlog in forensic laboratories to 30 days for both DNA samples and other crime lab work,

So obviously, two months isn't that long in regards to all of this. It must seem like an eternity to the family though.

In South Carolina earlier this month, police said a man who killed four people could have been stopped after his first murder in 2002 if law enforcement had been able to get DNA results faster.

Unbelievable. Maybe possible spousal murder isn't top on the priority list if the POI isn't considered to be a danger to others. Scary.

 

[lauriej]

....some interesting info , although 2 months seems like a long time ( to us !) i'm sure it's not to LE, especially in a murder investigation...
...and as JG says, without the 'smoking gun', they would need solid evidence before making an arrest...
...i wonder where the 'smoking knife' is ? that must have been what they were looking for with the metal detectors...

http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10255561&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6

So police and prosecutors Wednesday closed the case and revealed their evidence.
Though police never charged nearby resident 29-year-old Stephen Carlton Pinder with the homicide, he remained their prime suspect as they built up a case against him.

The most substantial evidence that led officials to believe Pinder’s sole responsibility for the homicide was blood found on Allen’s brown, leather, day planner and checkbook in the kitchen that matched Pinder’s DNA,

Carmody said that the homicide charges had not been filed because officials wanted to complete the investigation, check all of the DNA evidence
In addition, police said they felt that Pinder acted alone and the community was in no danger after his arrest.
"They told us from the beginning they had a case on him but were taking their time to develop a strong case," said Allen’s great niece

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

"They told us from the beginning they had a case on him but were taking their time to develop a strong case," said Allen’s great niece

I wonder if Allen's family was asked to remain quiet while police built their case or if they spoke out and pressured people to help find the killer.

Very interesting and pertinent information, lauriej. Thanks again for such thought-provoking stuff.

 

[ewwwinteresting]

I wonder if Allen's family was asked to remain quiet while police built their case or if they spoke out and pressured people to help find the killer.

Very interesting and pertinent information, lauriej. Thanks again for such thought-provoking stuff.

Ok this makes so much sense WHY Janet's family is quiet.....but why Raven's. They certainly didn't tell Raven that he is the prime suspect and to be quiet so why isn't Raven talking?.........or now anybody in his defense. You will notice Rooster and some of the other posters that believe Raven is innocent are no longer posting. I wonder if Raven told them to be quiet??:silenced:

 

[ewwwinteresting]

So obviously, two months isn't that long in regards to all of this. It must seem like an eternity to the family though.

Unbelievable. Maybe possible spousal murder isn't top on the priority list if the POI isn't considered to be a danger to others. Scary.

But if Raven is dating or gets remarried, wouldn't they be in possible danger?

 

[snapple]

Ok this makes so much sense WHY Janet's family is quiet.....but why Raven's. They certainly didn't tell Raven that he is the prime suspect and to be quiet so why isn't Raven talking?.........or now anybody in his defense. You will notice Rooster and some of the other posters that believe Raven is innocent are no longer posting. I wonder if Raven told them to be quiet??:silenced:

I wonder if Rooster became a :chicken: ? (Unconfirmed)

 

[ewwwinteresting]

:laugh:

I wonder if Rooster became a :chicken: ? (Unconfirmed)

 

[Tammie63]

Yah, where is Rooster? He always seemed to have an explaination or defense for Raven's behavior or at least seemed to try to direct us to thinking differently. Rooster, Raven... hummmmm toooo many bird names if you ask me!
No offense Rooster but....where are you?

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

Ok this makes so much sense WHY Janet's family is quiet.....but why Raven's.

One of two possibilities:

1) Raven and his family were also asked to keep quiet so as not to tip off the perp.

2) Raven is the perp., and was neither asked to keep quiet nor willing to come forward begging for people to help find the killer because he doesn't want people digging too deeply.

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

But if Raven is dating or gets remarried, wouldn't they be in possible danger?

Possibly but if Raven is the perp, I don't think that LE would be willing to risk their case by arresting him prior to having a rock-solid case simply to keep him from becoming a danger to a woman that he may marry in the future. Raven is not currently married, and therefore is not a threat to anyone else at this time. Seems like a game of odds in a way.

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

A quick welcome to you, Tammie63 and Snapple!!! I'm so happy that you've joined us!!!