After 17 Years, DNA Tied a Man to Her Rape. Under Massachusetts Law, It Was Too Late.

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:00 am

Massachusetts Statute of Limitations Hinders Rape Prosecutions

A recent investigation by WBUR and ProPublica reveals a significant hurdle in Massachusetts' legal system: a strict statute of limitations that often prevents rape victims from seeking justice. The state's law allows only 15 years to file charges after an alleged rape, placing it behind nearly every other state in the nation. This deadline, coupled with victim privacy laws that restrict public access to incident reports, makes it difficult to scrutinize cases lost to the statute.

The investigation highlights the case of Louise, who was allegedly raped and stabbed in 2005. Despite the eventual identification of a suspect through DNA evidence, the 15-year deadline had passed, rendering prosecution nearly impossible. The Suffolk County district attorney's office, which handled Louise's case, has encountered similar situations, reviewing several cases each year that are barred by the statute.

The investigation found that many states have extended deadlines or made exceptions for cases with DNA evidence. In Massachusetts, however, legislation to extend the deadline has repeatedly failed. While defense attorneys argue that longer deadlines could violate the rights of the accused, advocates for victims, like Louise, are pushing for change. Louise testified before the state Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary, urging them to pass House Bill 1987, which would allow prosecutors to charge suspects after the deadline in some rape cases with DNA evidence.

BNN's Perspective: The current statute of limitations in Massachusetts appears to be a significant barrier to justice for rape victims. While balancing the rights of the accused is crucial, the state should consider amending the law to allow for prosecution in cases with compelling evidence, such as DNA, to ensure that victims have a fair opportunity to seek justice.

Keywords: Massachusetts, rape, statute of limitations, DNA evidence, prosecution, sexual assault, justice, victims' rights, legal reform, Boston, WBUR, ProPublica.

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