DNA Breakthrough Falls Short: Massachusetts Law Blocks Prosecution of Rape Suspect

DNA Finally Tied a Man to Her Rape. It Didn’t Matter. BOSTON - Seventeen years after Louise was raped, Boston police told her they had a DNA match for her alleged rapist. But under Massachusetts state law, the case would be almost impossible to prosecute. The DNA evidence was collected in 2008, but due to the state's strict statute of limitations, which prevents prosecution after 15 years, even with new evidence, the case is now closed. "It's like they're saying, 'We have your rapist, but we can't do anything about it,'" Louise said. The Boston Police Department confirmed that a DNA match was made in 2025, but declined to comment further on the case. Massachusetts state law allows for some exceptions to the statute of limitations, but only in cases where there is clear evidence of obstruction or tampering with evidence. In this case, no such evidence existed, leaving Louise and her family frustrated by the system's inability to bring justice to those responsible. "It's like they're saying, 'We have your rapist, but we can't do anything about it,'" Louise said. The Massachusetts statute of limitations has been a topic of debate in recent years, with advocates pushing for changes to allow for longer prosecution periods. However, attempts to lengthen the statute of limitations have failed every year since 2011. According to experts, the strict statute of limitations can make it difficult to prosecute cases where DNA evidence is collected long after the crime was committed. "The statute of limitations is a major obstacle in these types of cases," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a forensic scientist at Boston University. "DNA evidence can be incredibly powerful, but if you're unable to use it due to the statute of limitations, it's like having a key that doesn't fit the lock." Louise's case highlights the need for reform in Massachusetts' statute of limitations law. As one advocate noted, "It's not just about Louise; it's about all the victims who have been denied justice because of this outdated law." *Reporting by Propublica.*