A CODIS “hit” can be made by a DNA profile from evidence in an unsolved case matching the DNA profile from a convicted offender or an arrestee. A “hit” can also be made between evidence in an unsolved case and another unsolved case or to a previously solved case.
The fact that the DNA profiles matched is meant to provide an investigative lead to the detective or investigator, to help solve the particular unsolved case. He/she will need to conduct further investigation to determine any possible involvement of the convicted offender, arrestee, or the perpetrator of the solved case to the unsolved case in question.