Dec 1, 2008 11:08 pm US/Central
Experienced Eyes To Take Fresh Look At Cold Cases
(WCCO)
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Each retiree was given a so-called "murder book" full of summaries about individual cases. About 100 cases will be reviewed, all with the potential for DNA evidence that could help solve the murders.
CBS
About a dozen former police officers with 400 years experience are going to take a fresh crack at unsolved murders in St. Paul. They are part of the department's new Cold Case Unit that is funded with a $250,000 DNA grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
"These cases are not easy cases to resolve and they have a passion for it," said Sgt. Anita Muldoon, who supervises the unit.
WCCO was there when the unit gathered for its first roll call a couple of weeks ago. The retirees will work as civilian analysts and report to Muldoon. Each was given a so-called "murder book" full of summaries about individual cases. About 100 cases will be reviewed, all with the potential for DNA evidence that could help solve the murders.
One such officer, Denny Wilkes, retired in 1998.
"You never remember the ones you solve," said the former homicide investigator. "You always remember the ones that weren't solved."
His first case is still a mystery. It happened back in March 1981. The victims were a young couple named Diana Smith and Scott Jones, who were found suffocated by chloroform in Jones' apartment.
"You always replay in your mind the possible suspects and what could have been done differently," said Wilkes.
R
ich Munoz retired just six months ago. He hopes to take a fresh look at two cold cases he investigated before. They were the murders of two women named Susan murdered on the same date two years apart in early 1980s. (The murders of Susan Petersen and Susan Rheineck were the premise for a murder novel written by former WCCO investigative producer Julie Kramer last summer. Publicity about the novel, "Stalking Susan" generated some possible new leads to police.)
"If we put this effort together and we can solve one, it would be worth it," said Munoz.
Munoz and Wilkes are part of the group of retired investigators that will have their second "meeting of the minds" later this week.
During the first meeting, a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension forensic scientist brought the group up-to-date on the latest advances in DNA technology. That tool wasn't around when many of them originally investigated homicides.
Before bringing in the retired investigators, Muldoon spent several months sifting through old evidence and files in the police property room. The clues and files have been included in the "murder books" that will be reviewed by the investigators who are now civilian employees.
"A lot of people are getting away with murder in this city," commented WCCO-TV crime reporter Caroline Lowe.
"That's true. They get away with murder but hopefully they won't now," replied Muldoon.
Muldoon has already submitted evidence from several cases to the BCA lab to see if they might provide have a potential to produce DNA that could lead investigators to suspects. She said she is optimistic this team of respected retirees will finally find justice for victims and their families.
"At least some resolve and maybe some peace for the first time in their lives," said Muldoon.
Meanwhile, the St. Paul Police Union is challenging the legality of hiring former officers to investigate the cold cases. Federation president Dave Titus is seeking a court injunction to stop them from working in their new roles, preferring current officers to do the jobs. He is waiting word from a judge on a possible court date to make his case.
Anyone wanting to reach the Cold Case Unit with a tip or question should call 651-266-5650.
Links:
Minnesota Releasing Cold Case Playing Cards (10/27/2008)
Former WCCO Producer Writes Murder Mystery (06/26/2008)
Cold Case: The 2 Susans In Highland Park (05/13/2008)
Cold Case Unit To Look At 2 Eerily Linked Murders (05/13/2008)
Cold Case: Chloroform Murders (02/27/2006)
I-TEAM: New Technology Could Help Solve Old Case (11/15/2005)
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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