Nearly a quarter-century after the brutal murder of Kimberly Simon, her case remains unsolved. Her family believed the case was closed when Steven Barnes was charged with her death and spent almost 20 years in prison. But Barnes’ mother Sylvia never doubted her son’s innocence.

Finally in 2008, after her tireless efforts, advances in DNA testing cleared Steven Barnes of the crime. After nearly 20 years in prison, Steven was a free man.

We’ve talked about the importance of DNA testing here on the AMW Safety Center. For two decades, states have been collecting DNA from convicted felons, and it has provided key evidence in thousands of crimes.

According to the DNA Saves project, arrestee testing can help in numerous ways:

• Catch repeat offenders sooner: Since 1974, more than 90 percent of all state prisoners have been repeat offenders.
• Prevent violent crimes: When violent criminals stay out free on the streets, this places other people at risk as potential victims of crime.
• Exonerate the innocent: As in the case of Steven Barnes, DNA testing allowed for the truth to come out and prove his innocence.
• Reduce criminal justice costs: DNA testing can help to prevent prolonged investigations and save the community money and resources.

In Kimberly Simon’s murder investigation, DNA evidence could have allowed authorities to rule Steven Barnes out as a suspect. Now, 25 years later after the murder, authorities have reopened the case — but they have the difficult task of tracking down witnesses and investigating evidence and locations more than two decades after the crime.

Twenty-one states have already passed laws for collecting DNA samples at arrest. If it hasn’t happened in your state, contact your state legislators today to get them on board. DNA evidence is a very important tool for solving crimes today, helping to protect the innocent and quickly put dangerous criminals behind bars.

For over two decades now America’s Most Wanted has been committed to finding justice for victims. And as the show reaches the milestone of 1000 episodes, that commitment remains unwavering.

Throughout the years, AMW has showcased some terrifying crimes. And even though its impossible to predict when trouble will strike, it always helps to be prepared. The AMW Safety Center builds upon the America’s Most Wanted mission to help ensure that you and your family can be more prepared for emergency or dangerous situations. Whether it’s helping to empower victims of sexual assault or other crimes, tackling gang violence in your community, or even recognizing and responding quickly to someone who’s injured or suffering a health emergency, the AMW Safety Center is a one-stop-shop with the resources and expert advice you and your family need to stay street smart. Continue reading The Resources You and Your Family Need To Be Prepared »

Sexual abuse can happen to any child. Experts state that in the U.S., one in six boys and one in four girls is sexually abused. Most of the time, the abuser is someone the child knows and trust. This person could be a friend of the family, a babysitter, a neighbor, or as one community in Northern Virginia recently discovered, a coach.

For nearly 20 years, John Hamilton was a trusted coach in his community. Then in 2009, after a man came forth to police stating he’d been abused by Hamilton as a child, an investigation would uncover that Hamilton was responsible for many more instances of sexual battery and indecencies. And now, after agreeing to plea guilty to the most serious charges, Hamilton is on the run from authorities. Continue reading Talking To Your Kids About Sexual Abuse »

According to the FBI, there are as many as 100,000 active missing persons cases in the United States everyday. Having a loved one go missing is a nightmare. After you report your case to the police, your options are not limited. Take action! There’s a lot you can do to find your missing person.

Make Noise! In 2007, when Lisa Stebic, the mother of two disappeared from her Plainfield, Ill. home, her family and friends took action immediately and made her story a national obsession. They were so successful that people from across the globe have become involved. If someone you love disappears, make as much noise as possible to keep the focus on finding them. Here are a few critical tips which could help you in the campaign to bring your missing loved one home. Continue reading Making Noise! Bringing Attention To Your Missing Loved One »