OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A new unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation will help tackle more than 1,200 cold cases, agency officials said
The bureau plans to open its Cold Case Unit next month, The Oklahoman reported . The unit will consist of a bureau investigator and a crime analyst who will examine cases dating back to 1950. The agency chose the date based on the likelihood of suspects still being alive.
New technology and investigative tools can help investigators solve cold cases, the bureau said.
“Over the years, there were cases that there may not have been enough evidence at the time to prosecute, or the evidence we had at the time we may not have had the technology to completely vet it,” said Ricky Adams, the bureau’s director. “In many cases today, we have some of that, so we’re looking to go back and try to capitalize on that.”
The unit will work with law enforcement jurisdictions around Oklahoma to help solve cases, officials said.
“We’re going ask outside agencies how many cases they have so we can dedicate resources to helping solve them,” said Andrea Fielding, director of criminalistics with the bureau.
Adams said investigators are dedicated to getting families answers.
“We don’t care who puts the cuffs on a bad guy, we just want to make sure that these families get answers and we can find justice to speak for those people who can no longer speak for themselves,” Adams said.
The agency hopes lawmakers will give additional funding to expand the program in the coming years.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
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