NC leaders cracking down on backlogged rape kits

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina has the most untested rape kits in the country and the Attorney General said the delays need to stop now.

[ALSO READ: North Carolina measure would require testing for all rape kits]

In 2018, state investigators learned there were more than 15,000 untested rape kits in the state.

Attorney General Josh Stein is pushing for a new bill that would prioritize rape kit testing.

The kits could hold the evidence needed to solve some of the state's worst crimes.

Stein said untested kits represent one of the biggest threats to public safety in North Carolina and is essential to protecting the community.

In February, we reported the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department made an arrest in the sexual assault of two women after nearly 27 years.

The arrest was all because of a federal grant given to CMPD to help clear the backlog of untested rape kits which allowed them to test and link DNA evidence.

[ALSO READ: New grant provides new prosecutor to help backlogged rape cases]

"To the rapist, no matter how long ago you commited your crime, we will analyze that case and pursue you until the end of time," said Stein.

Gov. Roy Cooper is asking for $6 million to eliminate the backlog of untested kits in his budget. The budget passed the state House and is being considered by the Senate.

Cox Media Group