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Inmate DNA Testing Draws Links To 74 Crimes

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Newly required DNA tests of state prisoners have led Michigan authorities to identify possible suspects or links in five slayings.

Michigan State Police and the Department of Corrections said Friday that overall 74 crimes have been linked to 61 state prisoners following the DNA analysis.

Measures are in place to make sure the prisoners associated with the crimes aren't released until the cases are resolved.

DNA associations were made on 23 rapes and many other crimes, according to a report by WOOD-TV.

The Department of Corrections last year said it had collected samples from almost 5,000 prisoners who previously had not submitted samples. The sample collections were required by a new state law.

Inmates previously weren't required to provide a sample until being released or placed in a halfway house.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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