The Challenge of Violent Crime Cold Cases
Cold cases, particularly violent crimes, present a persistent challenge for law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in the United States. From 1980 to 2016, an estimated 242,000 homicides went unresolved, and clearance rates for violent crimes have steadily declined (Bureau of Justice Assistance [BJA], 2025). This gap in resolution leaves victims, families, and communities without answers or justice, while unsolved crimes can impede broader public safety efforts.
Investigating and prosecuting cold cases is uniquely complex. Evidence may have degraded over time, staffing and resources can be limited, and the legal and procedural requirements for long-unsolved crimes are often more complicated than in recent cases. DNA evidence, however, has proven to be a powerful tool in bridging these gaps, helping agencies identify suspects, strengthen prosecutions, and bring justice to victims and families (Forensics Training and Technical Assistance [Forensics TTA], 2025).
Understanding the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program
The Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program, administered by BJA, provides federal funding to help agencies prosecute violent cold cases where DNA profiles of known or unknown suspects are available. The program supports:
- Prosecution of violent cold case crimes
- Investigative and forensic activities that could lead to case resolution
- Capacity-building for prosecuting agencies to manage complex investigations
Eligible applicants include state, city, county, and special district governments, as well as federally recognized tribal governments and other American tribal organizations. Prosecuting entities must be fully engaged, either as lead applicants or through formal letters of support (BJA, 2025).
BJA defines “violent cold case crimes” as FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part 1 violent crimes, missing persons, or unidentified persons cases that are unsolved at the time of application and have the potential to be resolved using DNA or other advanced forensic techniques (BJA, 2025).
Real-World Impact
Since 2019, the program has helped agencies make measurable progress in resolving cold cases:
- Multiple suspect profiles have been uploaded to CODIS and IAFIS/AFIS databases
- 94 suspects who were initially unknown have been identified
- 39 suspects were identified through Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG)
- 66 cases have resulted in charges or indictments
- 20 cases have led to convictions
- Overall, 83 cold cases have been resolved (Forensics TTA, 2025)
These numbers reflect the critical role DNA evidence plays in helping agencies bring closure to cold cases and deliver justice to victims and families.
Why This Program Matters
The national cold case crisis is clear: violent crime rates are increasing while clearance rates decline. Cold cases remain unsolved not because of a lack of effort, but often due to resource limitations and the inherent challenges of investigating older cases. Having a prosecutor actively engaged throughout the investigative process has been shown to improve outcomes, strengthen the case, and ensure justice is delivered (BJA, 2025).
The program’s funding helps agencies:
- Strengthen investigative capacity: Support forensic analyses, case review, and other critical investigative activities
- Facilitate prosecution: Provide prosecuting agencies the resources needed to bring cold cases to court
- Encourage collaboration: Partner with law enforcement, crime labs, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts efficiently
Accessing Funding
Applications for FY25 are now open:
- Grants.gov deadline: October 27, 2025
- JustGrants deadline: November 3, 2025
Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments. While this program cannot fund investigations without a DNA profile or establish new cold case units, it provides crucial support for cases where suspect DNA is already available (BJA, 2025).
Bode Technology: Partnering to Solve Cold Cases
At Bode Technology, we understand the power of forensic DNA analysis in cold case investigations. Our team partners with agencies to provide advanced DNA testing, investigative support, and forensic analysis services. Leveraging these capabilities can help maximize the impact of grant funding, giving prosecuting agencies the tools they need to bring closure to victims and justice to communities.
Looking Ahead
The FY25 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program represents a vital opportunity for agencies to address unresolved violent crimes. By utilizing this funding, agencies can strengthen investigative capacity, support prosecution, and ultimately deliver justice to victims, their families, and communities.
For more details on the program and how to apply, visit the Bureau of Justice Assistance website.
References
- Bureau of Justice Assistance. (2025). Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program Overview. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Retrieved from https://bja.ojp.gov/program/prosecuting-cold-cases-using-dna/overview
- Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (Forensics TTA). (2025). Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program. Retrieved from https://www.forensicstta.org/programs/prosecuting-cold-cases-using-dna-cold-program/