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Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Retesting 4,000 DNA Samples After Faulty Kits Used for 8 Months

The discovery of defective DNA test kits has prompted an internal investigation and collaboration with the District Attorney's Office to address potential impacts on criminal cases.

  • The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department used faulty DNA test kits from July 2024 to February 2025 due to a bureaucratic oversight.
  • Approximately 4,000 DNA samples are being retested to determine the extent of incomplete or suboptimal results caused by the defective kits.
  • An internal investigation has been launched to identify procedural failures and implement safeguards to prevent similar issues in the future.
  • The District Attorney's Office is working with the Sheriff's Department to assess the impact on prosecutions, particularly in cases where samples cannot be retested due to limited size.
  • Officials emphasize that the faulty kits are unlikely to have falsely identified individuals but acknowledge concerns over delays in trials and public trust in the justice system.
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