Maricopa County receives $3 million in federal funding to help solve crimes

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) announced that it would receive about $3 million in grants from the Department of Justice to help victims of crime. MCAO’s $500,000 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program grant will enable additional DNA testing, the creation of a countywide database of cold cases, hiring of a data analyst, and an increase of resources available for prosecutors who specialize in cold case homicide investigations. This is the first time MCAO has been awarded this grant, and their goal is to increase the number of successful prosecutions of cold cases throughout Maricopa County and provide closure to the victims of violent crimes.