Leslie: What is the process crime labs take to analyze results of a homicide?
Prosecutor’s office has told me the crime lab results of my mother’s homicide, could take up to two years to be returned. I understand there is only one lab that is responsible for all other cases and drug testing across the state, but there has to be a prioritization system, right? Plus, I live in Arkansas where homicides aren’t as common as the more populated states.
I’m just curious what task causes this process to take so long.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Songbyrd11
DNA actually take quite some time, it is not like CSI where five minutes later they have the results. Now if there is only one lab for the whole state, every rape, murder and other crimes wait in line for their DNA results.
Has the case been adjudicated? I think the prosecutor probably meant that it could not be released from the crime lab to the public (including family) during the trial.
As long as the case is in the trial or sentencing stage, the information cannot be released as it may jeopardize the outcome.
It is “processed” or analyzed quickly for purposes of the trial, as taking 2 years to process evidence for a Homicide would constitute a denial of the defendant’s 14 Amendment right to due process and a speedy trial.
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