x
Breaking News
More () »

Austin police’s troubled DNA lab: Cases could return to court

A top attorney told KVUE's media partners that of the first 39 Austin cases reviewed, at least a quarter of those needed more study and could see a new day in court. This comes after Austin police's DNA lab was shut down in 2016 due to problems with the handling and analysis of evidence.

AUSTIN — As attorneys continue to review cases that were possibly tainted at the Austin Police Department's DNA lab, KVUE has learned that some of those cases could return to court.

APD's DNA lab shut down in 2016 after a state audit found problems with the handling and analysis of evidence. A top attorney researching the cases told KVUE's media partners at the Austin American-Statesman that out of the first 39 cases reviewed, at least a quarter of those needed more study and could see a new day in court.

RELATED:

TEXAS SEX CRIMES: As rape kits pile up around the state, victims go ignored, predators walk free

Austin police now caught up on rape kit backlog reported in 2017, Chief Manley says

DNA lab chief forensic officer being paid to resign

City council approves plan to turn over DNA lab over to state

The City of Austin and Travis County have now hired legal and scientific experts to review some of the cases that might have been affected.

Before You Leave, Check This Out