ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in New Mexico's largest city say they have cleared a backlog of thousands of untested rape evidence kits as part of an endeavor that has spanned more than three years.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller was flanked by law enforcement officials and advocates who work with victims of sexual assault as he marked the accomplishment Friday. Overall, millions of dollars have been poured into addressing the backlog statewide.
Nearly 75% of the more than 5,400 untested evidence kits in New Mexico were from Albuquerque and surrounding Bernalillo County. Officials said processes and staff are now in place to ensure evidence from rapes and sexual assaults are tested within 90 days.