DALLAS — The Dallas County District Attorney’s office has been awarded more than $3.8 million in federal grants that will fund efforts to solve cold cases.
"This is an incredibly profound time for the people of Dallas County to finally get justice for some of the worst crimes committed against our citizens," District Attorney John Creuzot said in a news release.
The district attorney's office announced Friday that a grant of $2,366,241 will be used to establish the Dallas County Cold Case Initiative Project, and a grant of $1,499,991 would be used to continue funding the office's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).
The grants will fund the programs for the next three years, the DA's office said.
The Cold Case Unit will include two prosecutors, one investigator, a victim advocate, and a site coordinator. The SAKI program will include two investigators, two prosecutors, a victim advocate, and a site coordinator. The DA's office said each member plays a crucial role in supporting survivors, tracking DNA testing, and prosecuting cases in conjunction with the Dallas Police Department (DPD).
“This project strengthens our long-standing relationships with the Dallas Police Department, the FBI, and other law enforcement partners,” Creuzot said.
Dallas police said it has tallied more than 3,000 cold case homicides, many of which are believed to have a sexual motivation.
“This grant money will allow us to apply more resources to solve more violent crimes and solve them faster than ever before," Creuzot said.
The DA's office said the federal grants allowed them to advance justice, protect the community, and deliver long-awaited answers to victims and their families.
