A new law going into effect in Mississippi today may have profound effects on violent crime in the state, all thanks to a New Mexico couple determined to prevent other parents from experiencing their own nightmare.

Katie’s Law is named for New Mexico graduate student Katie Sepich who was brutally attacked and killed in 2003. Mississippi’s version of the law began as Senate Bill No. 2430.

Katie’s killer was arrested the same year she was killed, but because New Mexico didn’t collect DNA samples upon arrest, he wasn’t connected to her death until 2006.

Katie’s parents have lobbied all across the country to help states realize the huge potential benefits collecting DNA upon arrest could provide to law enforcement officers.

Mississippi is the latest of more than two-dozen states to adopt such DNA collection requirements for suspects charged with violent crimes.

We all know the judicial process in our country moves slowly. Criminals with violent tendencies rarely act once and stop.

By equipping law enforcement officers with what some people claim is the 21st century version of fingerprinting, we’ve given law enforcement the tools to not only rapidly solve crimes, but also to prevent them as well.

Katie’s killer could have been brought to justice more than two years sooner had DNA tests been done in her state. Imagine the powerful crime-solving ability that will come when more states pass similar laws.