News

11 Investigates: Hundreds of PA rape kits more than 1-year-old remain untested

PITTSBURGH — Hundreds of rape kits in Pennsylvania, including some in Allegheny County, haven't been tested in more than a year.  Still, one local lawmaker said he believes the backlog is decreasing in western Pennsylvania.

DNA from a rape kit was key in Lawrence Jim Cook's arrest. He's accused of three rapes in Wilmerding and connected to a fourth in Georgia. If convicted, Cook could face life in prison.%

INLINE

%

Cases like his are becoming more difficult to prosecute because DNA evidence isn't being tested.

According to the Pennsylvania Health Department, there's a backlog of more than 1,800 rape kits statewide. That means the kits have gone untested for at least a year, and that number includes 132 untested kits at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.

Joe Ellen Bowman, the executive director of HAVIN, a domestic violence shelter in Kittanning, said she doesn't believe the numbers.

"I don't know that the number is accurate. That's part of the challenge. Some of the police departments didn't respond,” Bowman said.

She believes the backlog is worse than what's been reported and added that it can have a psychological effect on victims.

"My concern for victims is they think there's no sense in coming forward," Bowman said.

State Rep. Dom Costa doesn't agree. He told Channel 11 News that progress is being made.

"I think we're making strides. We can always do better. I think the funding and concern about it is there," Costa said.

In fall 2015, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office received a $250,000 grant to test backlogged rape kits.

"I'm proud of our crime lab," Costa said. "I think we can all do better, and those numbers are very important to make sure we're being held accountable."

Bowman said despite the backlog, she wants to encourage victims to come forward and to put those responsible for rape behind bars.

"We're there for you, so please come forward, and we'll do what we can to help get justice," Bowman said.

By the Numbers: Untested Rape Kits

(Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health)

Statewide Total: 1,852

Allegheny County

  • Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office - 132
  • Shaler Township police - 1
  • Upper St. Clair police - 1

Butler County

  • Butler Township police - 9
  • Slippery Rock Borough police - 4

Washington County

  • California University police - 2
  • Charleroi police - 3
  • North Strabane Township police - 6

Indiana County 

  • Indiana Borough police - 7

Westmoreland County

  • Latrobe police - 6

RELATED LINKS:

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh 

Helping All Victims in Need (HAVIN)

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)

End the Backlog, a nonprofit aimed at ending sex assault, domestic violence and child abuse