MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Tennessee law enforcement officials are using DNA evidence to indict unknown suspects as a way to stop the clock on statute of limitations, butsome critics say the approach needs more legal scrutiny.

In Memphis, prosecutors are filing indictments that identify the defendant not by a name but by a unique DNA genetic profile, in the hopes that police will eventually find the suspect through a database.

District Attorney General amy Weirich told The Commercial Appeal it prevents cases being closed because of time limitations before they can find the perpetrator.

Tennessee court of Criminal Appeals recently uupheld the practice used in the case of robert Jason Burdick, who was accused of raping more than a dozen women dating to 1994 in Davidson and Williamson counties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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