In partnership with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, 5K fundraises for advanced DNA testing to solve cold cases
In partnership with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, Hoosiers can soon run the inaugural DNA 5K fundraising event at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20, in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. This event will be held at Half Liter BBQ in Broad Ripple, with a community-building gathering afterwards for families and friends impacted by unsolved and violent crimes.
Registration is open now at DNA5K.com.
The mission of the DNA 5K is to raise crucial funds for advanced DNA testing, a vital resource that can help law enforcement agencies across Indiana solve cold cases and bring long-overdue justice to victims and their families.
Pamela Francis, event coordinator and sister of Carmen Hope VanHuss – whose 1993 murder was solved over 30 years later thanks to advanced DNA technology – shared her personal inspiration behind the event.
“This event was inspired by my sister, Carmen Hope VanHuss, who lost her life to violent crime,” Francis said. “We now have an arrest in her case, over 30 years later, thanks to advanced DNA testing and I am so grateful. Currently there are over 7,000 cold cases in Indiana – each with families awaiting answers. This DNA 5K will help make Advanced DNA testing accessible for these grieving families and ensure they don’t have to continue waiting decades for answers.”
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison also expressed his support for the initiative.
“Many cases throughout our state have gone cold due to a lack of DNA funding,” Jellison said. “This initiative will support law enforcement and medical-legal death investigators in funding DNA research of evidence.”
The 5K is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to participate, donate, sponsor, or volunteer. In addition to the 5K race, the event will include a kids’ run at 8:45 a.m., a community building event for affected family members, as well as a memorial to honor victims of unsolved and violent crimes.