YOUR EVIDENCE WAS PRESERVED. YOUR CASE IS NOT CLOSED.
In the 1970s, years before DNA technology existed, a GBMC pathologist preserved forensic evidence from sexual assault cases on microscope slides. Those advances in forensic science mean there may be closure and answers where there weren't before.
Evidence has led to 49 criminal convictions thus far, and it may hold answers for you. GBMC and the Baltimore County Police Department want you to know support is available on your terms, at your pace, whenever you are ready.
THE STORY BEHIND THE SLIDES
Between 1977 and 1997, GBMC pathologist Dr. Rudiger Breitenecker recognized something others didn't: forensic evidence from sexual assault cases had lasting value, even if the science to use it did not yet exist.
He began preserving biological evidence on microscope slides, a practice he continued into the 1990s. Over two decades, he documented more than 2,000 cases. Dr. Breitenecker's foresight eventually led to the creation of the GBMC Sexual Assault Forensic Examination, Domestic Violence & Child Protection Program, one of the most respected programs of its kind in the nation. And his slides have proven viable for modern DNA testing.
THE NUMBERS
- Evidence spans 1977–1997
- More than 2,000 microscope slides
- Since 2023, 1,408 cold case slides transferred to the Baltimore County Police Department
- 49 criminal convictions to date
A PARTNERSHIP FOR JUSTICE
The GBMC Slide Project is a partnership between GBMC HealthCare, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office, and community advocacy organizations. Support is available to all survivors, no matter when the event occurred. Through trained victim advocates, every contact is trauma-informed and centered on each survivor's choices.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REACH OUT
We know this may feel overwhelming. Here is what you can expect:
Your contact is confidential.
You can reach us in whatever way feels safest. Call the GBMC cold case line at 443-849-3145. Email SafeSupport@gbmc.org. Or fill out the confidential form on this page. You do not have to give your name. You will not be connected to law enforcement unless you choose to be.
You will not be pressured.
A trained victim advocate will respond. They will listen. They will answer your questions. They will not push you to take any action you are not ready for.
You decide what happens next.
You can choose to learn about your case. You can choose to engage with the investigation. You can choose not to. Any of these choices is valid. There is no wrong answer.
You can opt in or out.
If you want to receive information about your evidence and next steps, you can opt in. If you prefer not to be contacted, you can opt out. Either way, your wishes will be respected.
You are not alone.
Whether the assault happened three years ago or 30, support is available to you. The GBMC SAFE, Domestic Violence & Child Protection Program provides free, confidential care—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
GBMC Cold Case Line: 443-849-3145 (confidential)
GBMC Cold Case Email: SafeSupport@gbmc.org
GBMC SAFE & DV Hotline: 443-849-3323 (confidential, 24/7)
GBMC SAFE Website: gbmc.org/safe-dv
Baltimore County Police Special Victims Unit: 410-887-2223
STATEWIDE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA): 833-364-0046 / mcasa.org
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV): mnadv.org
TurnAround, Inc. (Baltimore County Rape Crisis Center): 443-279-0379
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.