Which Way, L.A.?
Genetic Evidence: Collected but Never Looked at Again
The Sheriff's Department acknowledges that DNA evidence in thousands of sexual assault cases sits in a freezer without being tested. Nobody knows how many cases have gone unsolved, how many rapists have gone free or how many innocent people have been convicted. Maybe the evidence wasn't needed at all. We talk with Sheriff Lee Baca. Also, Proposition 8. Will there be backlash to the backlash?
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenThe Sheriff's Department acknowledges that DNA evidence in thousands of sexual assault cases sits in a freezer without being tested. Nobody knows how many cases have gone unsolved, how many rapists have gone free or how many innocent people have been convicted. Maybe the evidence wasn't needed at all. We talk with Sheriff Lee Baca and others. Also, angry opponents of Prop 8 promise they won't go away until the right to same-sex marriage is restored in California. We hear what's happening more than a week after election day.
In this episode
2 storiesSheriff’s Department Has Backlog of Untested Rape Kits
In recent weeks, LAPD Chief William Bratton conceded that DNA evidence in 7,000 rape cases was stored in freezers without being examined. Additional staff will be hired and private labs will be paid to clear up the backlog. Now it turns out that the Sheriff's Department of LA County has stored untested DNA from 5,635 cases.
Read the story17 minAnger, Organizing Follow Proposition 8
Since Proposition 8 repealed the right to same-sex marriage, angry opponents have shunned supporters, boycotted businesses and stopped traffic with street demonstrations. Protestors promise they won't go away until the right to same-sex marriage is restored in California.
Read the story8 min
