DNA Backlog at SFPD Includes 23 Murders, 86 Rapes

The backlog at the SFPD's crime lab includes evidence that could convict murderers in 23 cases, as well as evidence in 86 sexual assaults and 187 burglaries, some dating back to 2005 and earlier (their computers only track as far back as 2005). Police chief George Gascon has called for the backlog to be cleared by farming some work out to outside labs, which could still take another year. Um, what exactly has been taking so long? This can't all be blamed on Deborah Madden. [Examiner]