Eligibility Criteria
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The case must be a “cold hit” case where the criminal suspect was identified due to a match in the database where DNA from an unsolved crime scene was matched to a previously unidentified suspect in the database. Familial searching hits will be accepted, as well as hits that utilized private genealogy websites.
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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 cold hit must have occurred in the past 72 months.
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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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We must receive your case submission no later than September 29, 2023.