The grant will supply the office with the funding needed to establish the unit and dedicate more time to investigating violent cold cases that already have suspect DNA profiles.
The money was administered through the Bureau of Justice Assistance and awarded under the FY24 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA grant program.
The funding was announced Thursday in a press release by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R- Staten Island / South Brooklyn ) and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon .
The money will help the office close an estimated 100 violent crime cold cases where DNA forensic evidence exists, the release states.
"DNA analysis is a powerful tool that enables law enforcement to catch and prosecute violent perpetrators, especially in long-unsolved cold cases where crucial evidence has been awaiting testing," said Malliotakis. "I am proud to have supported District Attorney McMahon in pursuit of this grant and happy it was awarded."
By using advanced DNA technology, prosecutors will have the ability to efficiently re-examine violent cold cases and bring justice to victims while also putting violent offenders behind bars.
McMahon added that he is dedicated to making sure that all victims of violent crime and their families receive justice — no matter how old the case.
"Whether recent or decades-old, unresolved crime cases have a devastating impact on our community, robbing victims and their families of closure and preventing the perpetrators of these crimes from ever being held accountable in the courtroom," said McMahon in the statement. "Cold case crime victims and their families are no less deserving of justice."
McMahon went on to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and Malliotakis for their efforts in realizing the grant and the opportunity it provides to help enhance his office's ability to better serve victims' families.
© 2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
