Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has announced a $500,000 federal grant for the Richmond County District Attorney's Office (RCDA). This funding will allow the RCDA to establish a Cold Case Unit and focus on investigating violent cold cases that already have suspect DNA profiles.

The grant is provided through the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the FY24 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA program. It aims to help close approximately 100 violent crime cold cases in Richmond County where DNA evidence is available.

The RCDA plans to enter all relevant cases into the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program and National Missing and Unidentified Persons System databases. The Director of Forensic Science at RCDA will evaluate these cases, identify evidence consistent with New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner's testing policies, and collaborate with the Executive Assistant District Attorney in charge of the Cold Case Unit to determine which cases require additional testing for further prosecution.

"DNA analysis is a powerful tool that enables law enforcement to catch and prosecute violent perpetrators, especially in long-unsolved cold cases where crucial evidence has been awaiting testing," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "By using advanced DNA technology, the Richmond County District Attorney's Office will have the ability to re-examine cold violent cases more efficiently that already have a suspect DNA profile to bring justice to victims and keep violent offenders behind bars. I am proud to have supported District Attorney McMahon in pursuit of this grant and happy it was awarded."

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon emphasized his commitment to securing resources for ensuring justice for all crime victims, including those affected by cold cases. "As Staten Island's chief law enforcement officer, I am committed to securing the resources, technology, and manpower necessary to ensure that all victims of crime, including cold case crime victims and their families receive justice. Whether recent or decades-old, unresolved crime cases have a devastating impact on our community, robbing victims and their families of closure and preventing the perpetrators of these crimes from ever being held accountable in the courtroom. Cold case crime victims and their families are no less deserving of justice and now, thanks to a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) grant, the Richmond County District Attorney's Office has been awarded $500,000 which will enhance my office's ability to better serve these families. This quarter-million dollar windfall will not only help to establish a dedicated Cold Case Unit in my office but will undoubtedly be instrumental in supporting the investigation and prosecution of violent crime cold cases where DNA from a suspect has been identified. We thank the DOJ and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for their combined efforts and look forward to providing resolution and justice for the families of cold case crime victims, holding the perpetrators of these crimes accountable under the law, and continuing to secure justice for the victims of crime no matter how much time has passed," said McMahon.

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