Questions about evidence handling/mishandling persist, and are also raised in numerous media reports including this NEWSWEEK look at the case and 

MYSTERY AT MILE MARKER 45 / WWW.UNSOLVED.COM / NETFLIX

NEWSWEEK Latest on UNSOLVED/VALIANTE CASE

For more on evidence "management", and the many obstacles (not limited to dealing with contamination due to storing evidence in plastic rather than paper containers) faced by the renowned, independent DNA lab looking for clues in this case, visit www.damatolawfirm.com DNA DEAD ENDS

Correct, the Valiante family paid the cost of the DNA lab analysis.