ROSIE TAPIA IDENTIFICATION PROJECT (rtip)
What is RTIP?
WHAT IS IT: The Rosie Tapia Identification Project is a funding grant for law enforcement seeking resolution for cold cases via DNA related services including Whole Genome Sequencing and Genetic Genealogy. Sponsored by the Cold Case Coalition, it provides funding for extraction of DNA, Whole Genome Sequencing (including bioinformatics), upload fees to LE accessible databases and FIGG services.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Law Enforcement agencies, Medical Examiners' Offices, DA Offices and Innocence Organizations with in the United States.
WHAT IS COVERED: RTIP covers testing of 1 sample per case. Testing of additional samples is available at a discounted rate. It also covers upload costs and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy through our FIGG division.
Please read through our Funding Specifications before you apply >>
QUESTIONS: For questions not answered on our Funding Page and FAQs, please email info@coldcasehelp.com with information about your case. Please include RTIP in the subject line or body of the email.
About Rosie Tapia
It's because of Rosie that our Coalition was founded in 2017, when Rosie's family came looking for help. In August 1995, Rosie was 6 years old, the middle of Lewine and Roberto's five children. She had just started kindergarten. She loved to dance, play with Barbie dolls and with others - a happy little girl.
On August 13, older sister Emo babysat while Lewine and Roberto were on a date night. Arriving home about 2 a.m., Lewine checked on Rosie and the younger twins who shared a room. She closed their window and left the bedroom door ajar. About 5 a.m., Lewine sensed that something was wrong and got up. The door was completely closed. The twins were asleep, but the window was open - the screen gone. Rosie's bed was empty.
The family searched frantically. Sadly, Rosie's body was found about 10 a.m. in a canal. She had been assaulted and murdered. No one has yet been arrested.
In 2018, at our request, "Rosie's Law" was passed creating a statewide cold case database. Rosie was the first person entered into the database. We also created the Rosie Tapia Identification Project (RTIP) offering grants to law enforcement to identify victims, and included Rosie in cold case cards that we give to jail inmates. We will never stop looking.