by John Walsh
A serial predator is on the loose in Reno, Nevada. He’s already murdered one young victim – 19-year-old Brianna Denison – and DNA evidence connects him to at least two other sexual assaults. As investigators worked to identify this monster, they ran into a huge roadblock. Detectives thought that there might be more attacks linked to the same suspect – and that the predator might be someone who lready has a criminal record. In Nevada, as in most states, every convicted felon must submit a DNA sample. But here’s the problem: in Washoe County, where Reno is located, an estimated 3000 DNA samples were sitting on a shelf, waiting to be analyzed and added to the database. Lack of funds to do all the work had created the backlog. Whether the killer’s DNA was among those 3000 samples – or if they contained evidence matching him to yet another case – the police had no way of knowing. Private citizens, unwilling to accept that, helped raise $160,000 so that the backlog could be cleared. Unfortunately, the answers police needed weren’t in there.
Even more unfortunately, the situation in Washoe County is far from unique. The Justice Department recently admitted that the FBI has a huge backlog of DNA from convicted criminals waiting to be tested – nearly 200,000 samples. And the backlog is growing. There’s no question that the FBI needs more funding for this important job, because I think that we need to expand the bureau’s nationwide DNA data bank, known as CODIS, even further. I’d like to see every state have mandatory collection of DNA from everybody charged with a felony, not just convicted of one. I’d like all of that information in CODIS, so that every law enforcement agency in the country has access to it.
Imagine if there was a national DNA data bank that was up-to-date, not years behind in its work. It would help solve hundreds of crimes – and it would help absolve many accused people of crimes they didn’t commit. We need to be uniformly collecting DNA profiles from both convicted AND accused criminals across the country. And we must make sure that everyone involved, from the FBI to local law enforcement, has all the resources they need to make that happen.
23 Comments on "John Walsh: It’s Time For A National DNA Data Bank"
Marg
I totally agree. This should not be just for the felony charges either. I mean repeating carreer criminals should have thier DNA taken two and stored. Because ANYONE can be capable of taking the crime one step further.
Jenine Daniels
I agree with everything you said but we need to find funding and apply pressure on Congress because they are famous for agreeing to what is needed but not giving the money. Witness the Fence for the southern border.
Debra
I wholeheartedly agree that even those accused should have their DNA stored. There should be a new or expanded CODIS to take care of this backlog. Who know how many innocent people have been executed , and how many guilty have been freed because of the backlog. This is ridiculous, and it is past time to update and solve more crimes.
Danielle
I totally agree with you on the DNA databank, and it would be easier to link the suspects to the crime, especially if they have committed a crime already and have their dna in the databank. I support you and the databank
Mrs. Betty B. Stafford
John Walsh is a National Treasure. His prescense is powerful and awe inspiring to me. He’s so belieavable and trustworthy. He’s dedicated to helping USA rid ourselves of these predators who are killing our children. I respect him, I honor him and what he’s doing. I pray for him. Thank God for John Walsh. Sincerely,
Mrs. Betty B. Stafford
Thank God for John Walsh.
Joyce
John making every one give their Dna is a great idea it will save money and solve crimes a whole lot quicker, Also lets put cameras on every street corner and make cameras more clearer at ATM machines And Buisnesses, Also ATm machines need to be front of banks not in a dark corner with a camera covering whole parking lot, Thank You For Your outstanding job keep up the good work. Joyce of Va.
CJ in Indiana
I agree the DNA needs to be processed ASAP! The Bush administration can waste billions on the current war, send millions to other countries to fix their roads while America’s interstate system and bridges are collapsing, feed people all over the world while American’s go hungry, have countless American’s homeless, neglect our Veterans, leave our homeland vulnerable to invasion due to the military being stretched to collapse, waste millions in mailing and sending us the measly “economy boost” checks, and let our country go to the verge of economic collaspe, while our land is being bought up by foreigners and we are invaded with illegals who get all the benefits with none of the financial costs, then why can’t “they” produce the funding for updating DNA banks?? Well the answer is clear–the US is collapsing, the government is failing the people, and we are all falling victim to the demise.
I would truly love to see this happen for John Walsh and law enforcement everywhere, as I admire John and his tireless work and efforts so much. But, until our government wakes up, I don’t expect it to happen.
Is this work not being outsourced too???
Maybe this is a good job opportunity for the millions of Americans who are out of work. How do you get the training to process DNA??
What we need is a miracle here in our country, and in fact the world.
I am a faithful AMW fan and God bless all those who are trying to stop the violence that is plaguing the world. How frustrating it must be…….and yet they keep trying! Cudos to you all.
It will probably be up to donations to get this DNA done. The American people come to bat over and over when the government fails, so make the call, and we will rise up!
This needs done. Having been a victim myself I know how important it is. Keep up the good work and good luck!
Desiree
Mr Walsh I am a Canadian who has never miss
none of your shows. You are a wonderful human
being and a great American; I admire you for doing
such good job catching bad and sick people. May God bless and keep for a very long time so you would continue doing such good work for all.
Good luck on the NATIONAL DNA BANK.
Nik 1991
As someone who is the first known victim of a yet to be identified serial rapist (otherwise known as the Nor-Cal Rapist soon to be profiled on America’s Most Wanted), I can not agree more. I have been waiting for close to 17 years to catch someone whose DNA we have in all nine cases, but no DNA to match him to. If we find out that he has been arrested for unrelated crimes and his DNA has been sitting on a shelf somewhere, that will further add to the pain that all have suffered.
My attach would not have been prevented, but perhaps eight more women could have avoided the pain and suffering that we have all shared.
Thank you John Walsh and AMW for continuing to spotlight these types of issues. Write to your representatives and senators to demand that we update our antiquated systems.
Nik 1991
erma
what would we do without john walsh,i whole heartly agree congress should step up to the plate to protect our children from predators,and child molesters
JK
We put the fingerprints of criminals into a national database, why not the DNA?
My only problem is that it should only be violent and sexual offenders who get on to this new system.
jgoodson
Hey John,
I think that everyone should be fingerprinted and have their dna in CODIS.
L. MIMS
Mr. Walsh you are so right, it is time for a national DNA data bank. Authorities need to start with all the people that have records of any type. It should be mandatory to provide DNA when you have been arrested. For those who have no arrest record they should also have to provide DNA but not as quick as a person with a record. I strongly believe alot of unsolved murders will be solved. Also, by having to provide DNA will decrease I think about 75% of violent acts. Please work on this Mr. Walsh and if you need help contact me.
dolores
I feel that all sexual predators should be kept in prison. The first time they’re caught-they should never get out.
They get out and do it again and kill.
Anyone who takes drugs and kills should also never get out. They get mean when they take dope, and want to abuse and kill.
Yes, there should be a national DNA bank.
Jessica
I totally agree with getting a DNA database. I think its a great idea but there’s also a whole bunch of issues with it. Like privacy issues, framing, insurance companies, etc. But then again this database should be only for authorized people and we need to guarantee that to the people. I dont have the power to do such an action but im sure you do John Walsh….go for it! We need to put this into action and address the peoples issues for the sake of all. But im 100% towards getting a DNA database especially for people who commit felonys and for those who desirve justice and closure. Keep me posted!
Tia
I totally agree with John Walsh. We desperately need a National DNA data base, and it should be kept up to date. Thanks, Mr. Walsh, for all you do.
Please keep up the good work. We’re with you.
Keyla
Thank you John Walsh!!!!
Namir
I totally agree with John Walsh.But we need desperately,put felonys behand bar, so that r kids and neborhood gate safe.Thanks so much Mr.John Walsh,for all hard work that you do,We”re with you,
elisa cristine de la torre
I believe Every Punk Should Have To Submit DNA Regardless Of the stinking crime they committed.
Shirley
I totally agree with you on the DNA databank. How do I find out whether Colorado has mandatory DNA testing and who I would contact? Thanks. Keep up your great work John!
kimberly hinson
i’m diable and a victem to a crime i’m guessing i’m on backlog in atlanta ,ga right now over a dna on a crime did to me but blood was found but still waithing on dna to go throught i have a supect he is knowned for this i pray its him and see justice for all he’s did this too
judith
You are so right. Its awful how these rapes are committed and these men are on the loose. And i know for a fact that some rapes dont get reported because of the embarrasment. So these men are still loose out there. Doing whatever pleases them and getting away with it.. Thank you Mr Walsh…
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