• The case must be a DNA database match that identified the perpetrator of an unsolved crime or series of crimes, or that led to an exoneration. Familial searching hits (associations) will be accepted, as well as hits that utilized genealogy website searches.

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• A missing persons case where a missing person was identified using a DNA database match will also be accepted.

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• The hit must have occurred in the past 72 months (January 1, 2019 through October 25, 2024).

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• A case must have received community-wide attention, had significant public safety impact, or had other circumstances making the case unique.

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• Cases that were submitted during a previous Hit of the Year call for submissions will not be eligible.

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• Jurisdictions may submit more than one case. 

 

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