The Corpus Christi Crime Lab, operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, serves a large portion of South Texas and has recently increased its case processing speed. The public had an opportunity to learn more about the lab’s work and the kinds of evidence they handle during an open house tour on Wednesday.
Goliad Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Deputy Virginia Escojido often delivers evidence to the DPS crime lab near Moody High School. However, this was her first glimpse into what happens after the evidence changes hands. “I’ve always been curious about evidence processing, so I was thrilled to take this informative tour,” she said.
The lab assists law enforcement agencies across 18 South Texas counties, performing tasks from DNA identification on garments to drug detection. Brian Nacu, DPS Regional Laboratory Manager, stressed that real-world forensic science differs from its TV portrayal. “People watch CSI and form an idea about forensic science; we aim to clarify those misconceptions,” he said.
Nacu, who oversees the lab, emphasized the time-sensitive nature of their work. “From the moment evidence enters the lab until a report is released, our goal is to resolve all active cases within 90 days,” he noted. Their process has become notably more efficient. “In early 2020, we had about 700 backlogged DNA cases due to various factors like the influx of cases, staff training, and hiring,” Nacu explained. That backlog has lessened, thanks partly to assistance from other DPS labs and increased funding. New state laws have also contributed to speeding up case resolutions.
House Bill 1399, which requires DNA samples from individuals arrested for certain felonies, has already bolstered over 600 unresolved cases across the state. Another recent law, House Bill 3956, mandates the collection of DNA from anyone charged with a felony and has just come into effect this month.
“So we’ve essentially eliminated the backlog and are processing cases as quickly as possible,” he said. The lab staff handles approximately 400 drug-related and 40 DNA-testing cases monthly, many involving sexual assaults.
“We are providing answers to victims and their families,” he added.
During the tour, attendees learned how the lab identifies various drugs, ranging from marijuana and cocaine to the increasingly problematic fentanyl.
“I’d never encountered that before, and now it’s appearing in our small county. Though Goliad only has a population of 6,000, it’s on the main Highway 59 route from Mexico to Houston, so we’re seeing a rise in fentanyl and cocaine,” Escojido remarked.
The tour is one of two public open houses the lab holds annually in alignment with National Forensic Science Week.