MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a loud outcry, there is possible progress when it comes to having a forensics lab in Shelby County.

For more than a decade, we have reported on the backlog of rape kit testing, and the lack of a local crime lab, which moved from Memphis to Jackson in 2021.

When it comes to rape kit testing and justice, some say it doesn’t always happen in a timely matter in Memphis.

Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis has pushed for the state to study the feasibility of having a crime lab in Shelby County.

“There is a delicate balance between the rights of the victim and the rights of the accused, but we’re not meeting either because we’re jammed up. We’ve got a log jam,” said Hardaway. “I’m looking for a more efficient and effective crime lab. We’re going to set the model for the rest of the nation and probably the world.”

The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations or TACIR is meeting this week in Nashville to examine the rape kit issue, the cost of funding a crime lab, the economic impact on the county, and whether it would speed up the backlog of testing evidence.

“We can say, ‘Whoa it’s us, let’s look at the problem’ or we can jump in with both feet and hands and try to find a solution to work. So, that’s what the hope is with this TACIR study,” said Rep. Ryan Williams of Cookeville.

Back in February, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy explained why a crime lab is needed.

“I think it could be a game changer in terms of increasing our solve rate, which is really the important thing we need to improve if we are going to bend the curve on crime,” said Mulroy.

Many people point to the case of Cleotha Abston, the man sentenced to 80 years for the rape of Alicia Franklin and accused of kidnapping and killing Eliza Fletcher.

“It’s simple, if Miss Franklin had gotten timely justice, then Eliza Fletcher would still be alive today,” said Hardaway.

But now, possible hope is on the horizon for rape kit testing and a crime lab in Shelby County.

“We want to make sure we do it. This is not a partisan issue. This is about victims and victims’ rights,” said Williams.

TACIR will meet again on Thursday, and could eventually present its findings to the full Tennessee General Assembly.