Fort Worth Crime Lab to Resume DNA Testing

In-house lab to be faster, cheaper

The Fort Worth police crime lab will resume DNA testing a decade after questions were raised about whether its tests were valid.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the two forensic scientists in the lab will start working DNA cases Monday. Three other scientists will be trained in the coming months.

The lab stopped DNA tests in October 2002 after prosecutors did not seek the death penalty in a capital murder case due to concerns raised about one of the lab's scientists.

They later conducted an investigation of the lab that found widespread problems.

Now, the department spends about $250,000 a year on third-party testing. Grants cover other tests at the University of North Texas.

Crime lab director Tom Stimpson said an in-house lab will be quicker and cheaper.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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