Indiana Boosts Funding for Cold Case Investigations

State officials say increased resources are helping solve long-standing cases

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:21pm

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The Indiana Governor's office is highlighting new investments in public safety tied to recent cold case developments. State officials say funding increases for the Indiana State Police are supporting efforts to solve long-standing investigations, including a 19% reduction in the DNA backlog and a 50% increase in automated DNA batch processing.

Why it matters

The additional funding and resources are helping Indiana law enforcement make progress on unsolved crimes, providing closure for victims' families and holding criminals accountable even decades later.

The details

In 2025, the Indiana State Police's forensic laboratory budget increased by more than $3 million, rising from under $15 million to $18 million. Officials report these resources are being used to expand forensic testing and improve investigative efficiency. Recent developments include the arrest of an Indiana resident in January connected to a 1975 homicide, as well as progress in a 1987 infant death case in Ferdinand and a 2000 armed robbery and carjacking case in Dubois County.

  • In 2025, the Indiana State Police's forensic laboratory budget increased by more than $3 million.
  • In January 2026, an Indiana resident was arrested in connection to a 1975 homicide.

The players

Mike Braun

The Governor of Indiana.

Indiana State Police

The state law enforcement agency that has received increased funding and resources to investigate cold cases.

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What they’re saying

“For too long, families have waited for answers. We made smart investments in technology and cut red tape so our State Police can do their jobs more effectively. The results speak for themselves — criminals are being held accountable, no matter how much time has passed, and Hoosiers are safer because of it.”

— Mike Braun, Governor

What’s next

State officials say the focus remains on using technology and resources to continue reviewing unsolved cases.

The takeaway

The increased funding and resources for the Indiana State Police's cold case investigations are helping to provide closure for victims' families and hold criminals accountable, even decades after the crimes were committed.