CCSO leaders attend Cold Case Advisory Commission meeting
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - On Thursday afternoon, September 19, 2024, Citrus County Sheriff Office officials, Sheriff Mike Prendergast and Major Crimes Unit (MCU) Lieutenant Matthew Baird returned from a two-day Florida Sheriff's Association (FSA) Cold Case Advisory Commission (CCAC) training and meeting session at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. This semi-annual opportunity allows CCAC members to learn about the new techniques and technologies used to successfully resolve previous cold cases.
"Over the last decade, the technological tools at the disposal of law enforcement agencies have undergone significant advancements," said Pasco County Detective Sergeant Michael Rosa. "It's essential to keep up with these developments through training. Yet, it's equally important to share and pass down the seasoned techniques we've spent years mastering to the new wave of homicide detectives to ensure those cold cases are put to rest, and future cases are not given a chance to go cold."
The meeting began with a presentation from Rosa, who discussed interview strategies for talking to victims, witnesses, and suspects that can help law enforcement connect with each person in an investigation and obtain as many details as possible.
Among the other presentations from the day were Dani Gluth and Rachel Oefelein with DNA Labs International, a leading private forensic DNA lab with the latest cutting-edge technology that focuses on innovation across all casework types.
They presented new techniques, the best ways to collect evidence, and the probability of building a DNA profile on different types of evidence. DNA Labs International works with many law enforcement agencies.
Staying informed about and utilizing the latest developments in DNA science is crucial for law enforcement in their efforts to solve cases. As DNA analysis techniques become more sophisticated and sensitive, they allow for the re-examination of evidence that may have been inconclusive in the past. This opens up new possibilities for identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and providing closure to victims and their families.
"I am so appreciative that we are invited to attend the Cold Case Advisory Commission Meetings and given the opportunity to collaborate with our local law enforcement members to discuss what we can do, what innovations would help them solve crimes, and give us new scientific goals to work toward," said Chief Scientific Officer Oefelein. "DNA testing has enhanced significantly through the years and will continue to develop rapidly. However, right now, we are urging people to upload their commercially developed DNA profiles to GEDmatch, FTDNA, and DNA Justice databases and opt-in for law enforcement. The collaboration between technology and law enforcement through public genetic testing represents a significant advancement in crime-solving methods. By opting in, individuals support the development and utilization of cutting-edge technologies that enhance law enforcement's ability to give names back to unidentified human remains and to solve crimes efficiently and effectively."
Although they only meet twice a year, at this time, each agency is continuously working to utilize new information and reunite the facts back to cases and family members awaiting answers.
During day two, multiple counties presented open cases that have gone cold over the years. The CCAC does not solve homicide cases; the Sheriffs' Offices and Police Departments do that. The commission does, however, provide professional consultations and subject matter experts to assist agencies in their efforts.
Thanks to CCAC and similar organizations in America, field advancements, training, and modern technology, many cases long considered cold are resolved each year.
About halfway through day two, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Captain Chris Stallings updated the commission on a 1981 cold case.
On November 28, 2023, the Florida Sheriff's Association (FSA) Cold Case Advisory Commission (CCAC), under the leadership of Sheriff Mike Prendergast, assisted the Putnam County Sheriff's Office with reopening the case.
Back in 1981, skeletal remains were located, and at that time, the autopsy exam was limited due to decomposition, and anthropological analysis was not available for skeletal remains. No biological samples were retained, and the remains were buried in a 'John Doe' grave.
"If it were not for this board, which funded the exhumation of these remains, this case would still be cold today. Being able to collect further forensic evidence has opened up previously unavailable avenues for the investigation, and enabled us to revive what has been a 43 year old unidentified human remains case," said Stallings. "Thanks to current forensic tools, we have developed leads to further this case that were previously unavailable. This breakthrough has not only breathed new life into the investigation but has also aided in identifying these remains and providing the affected family with answers they have been desperately seeking for years. Working alongside the members of this board has been an honor and a privilege."
Multiple other agencies presented cold cases they have reopened to the commission members, who asked questions previous investigators might not have thought of and offered advice on steps to take moving forward that could yield positive results, helping progress the investigation.
"I want to emphasize the unwavering commitment of this committee to solving cold cases and uncovering the truth for people grappling with the loss of a missing loved one," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast, Chair of the FSA CCAC. "Our mission is clear: to ensure these cases are never forgotten. However, it's about more than just solving cases; we recognize that, regardless of the years that have elapsed, the victims' friends and family are burdened with unanswered questions. The CCAC helps to ensure that those long-standing questions are answered, and if possible, justice is served so the victims' loved ones can be provided closure. Thanks to the FSA, regardless of the county you serve, we can stand together, relentlessly in our pursuit of justice and truth, to ensure that no victim is forgotten and every family has the opportunity to heal."
If you have any information or questions on a cold case, please do not hesitate to call your local law enforcement agency. Remember that ANY tips are important.
About the CCAC
The CCAC is multi-disciplinary and comprised of various personnel and specialty resources that can be extended to the presenting agency to assist in solving a homicide. This includes three Sheriffs, homicide investigators, DNA and Forensic scientists, legal teams, Florida Department of Law Enforcement members, medical examiner staff, and a citizen. Across our state, there are thousands of unsolved homicides and over 900 unidentified John/Jane Doe cases. Established in 2015, CCAC was created for Florida Sheriff's Offices to collaborate with one another to discuss strategies and hear cold case presentations. When these cases are presented, advice regarding investigative steps may be provided to the case officer.