State Police complete shelved rape kit testing

Survivors of sexual assault in Detroit are one step closer to justice after the announcement that more than 10,000 sexual assault evidence kits discovered on a shelf in a warehouse several years ago have been processed and results sent to investigators for further action.

Gov. Rick Snyder, Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue of the Michigan State Police, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Laura Moody of Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office, and Debi Cain, director of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, all made remarks at a press conference last week that highlighted the completion of the forensic testing.

“Survivors of sexual assault crimes deserve swift justice,” Snyder said, “and we will continue working to make sure a stockpile of this nature never again occurs in Michigan.”

Legislation signed into law last year  sets new procedures for prompt testing of sexual assault evidence kits statewide.