“Prosecutor Mason started the Cold Case Squad in 2006. He wanted to make resolving these cases a priority, providing justice for the victim’s family as well as the community. Mr. Mason also wanted to send a clear message that no matter how old or how cold the crime, his office would pursue the offender.”
The Cold Case Unit
Through a federal government DNA grant and support from the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Prosecutor Mason has created a squad consisting of a Director (former Major Trial Supervisor), Chief Investigator of the Prosecutor's Office, a Sheriff's Detective, a retired Homicide Detective, and a paralegal. Personnel in the Squad work with Cleveland Police Detectives from the Homicide and Sex Crime Units as well as the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and the Coroner's Office.
The DNA grant provides for the investigation into and the collection of evidence that contains biological material that may solve homicides through the use of DNA.
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Task Force
The primary purpose of the CODIS Task Force is to resolve old rape cases using DNA evidence. The Task Force utilizes a system that compares a prisoner's DNA to old rape kits and comes up with a positive hit.
Prosecutor Mason formed the Task Force in 2005, establishing an investigative protocol to ensure that these cases are properly investigated and prosecuted.
The protocol involves investigators contacting the victim. They show the victim a photo array of the DNA suspect, for instance. Investigators also interrogate the suspect.
The Task Force offers its assistance to the Cleveland Police Department. The Cleveland Police have had hundreds of hits matching a victim's rape kit to a previously unknown suspect.
News Coverage
Click for News Article: Cold Case Squad re-examines unsolved homicides
Click for the Plain Dealer's: Cold Case Homicide Database
Click for 19 Action News Video:
Cold Rape Case Cracked! - Defendant: Jimmie Jackson
Cleveland, OH (WOIO) - Cuyahoga County's Cold Case squad just got a big grant. Because of that squad one local woman can now sleep better at night. It helped bring justice for the man who attacked her on her 11th birthday.
Last Modified: Oct 29, 2009 6:43 PM EDT
Visit: http://www.woio.com/global/story.asp?s=11401065
Click for News Channel 5 Video:
1982 Cold Case Solved - Richard Wilson
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Prosecutor: 1982 Cleveland slaying and rape solved (Associated Press)
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Cold Case Investigation Becomes Vital Tool For Police (News Channel 5)
Recent Press Releases - Cold Case Unit