A group of Indiana prosecutors, lawmakers and law enforcement officials are citing a recent homicide case as an example of how expanded DNA databases can help them corral suspects of violent crimes.
The Indianapolis Star reports that Damoine A. Wilcoxson is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 82-year-old John Clements in Zionsville.
Both Indiana and Ohio had an opportunity to collect DNA from Wilcoxson during previous arrests, but only Ohio did because it routinely collects DNA samples from people arrested on felony charges, even if they aren't convicted. Indiana law only allows DNA samples entered into the federal database if suspects are convicted of a felony.
Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer says this case proves communities can become safer if those arrested provide a DNA sample.