The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today unveiled a new section of its website dedicated to solving cold case murder investigations across the state of Texas. The Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Homicides webpage is aimed at renewing the public’s interest in these cases, including the Rangers Top 12 Unsolved Cold Case Investigations, which features two cases from each of the state’s six DPS regions. The cases that are featured in the Top 12 will be changed periodically.
“Cold cases are typically challenging to solve for a variety of reasons, but we want to send a clear message that we are not giving up on these murder victims,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Our goal for this webpage – and the investigative efforts supporting it – is to shine a new light on these crimes, so they are not forgotten. We are committed to bringing these ruthless criminals to justice and to bringing some amount of closure to the families involved.”
Texas Rangers, along with local police agencies, will reassess – and in some case reanalyze – evidence, and take another look at persons of interest or attempt to develop new persons of interest. Many of these cases involve smaller or rural police agencies, which the Texas Rangers routinely assist in working murder investigations. Currently, the website features a total of 68 cases dating back to 1978.
By putting the cases back in the public eye, it increases the possibility that people will come forward with new information or leads that can be investigated. The public will have the opportunity to submit information online through the new webpage or by calling a toll free number, 1-800-346-3243. Callers may remain anonymous. (Some of the cases have rewards associated with them, which are noted on the website.)
To view the information on the Unsolved Homicides site, visit: http://www.dps.texas.gov/TexasRangers/UnsolvedHomicides/Index.htm.
To specifically view the Texas Rangers Top 12 Cold Case Investigations visit: http://www.dps.texas.gov/TexasRangers/UnsolvedHomicides/topCases.aspx.
