FAQ About Cold Cases and Breakthroughs

Yes, there have been cases where public involvement and tips have played a pivotal role in solving cold cases. Here are a few notable examples:

• The Capture of Whitey Bulger: James "Whitey" Bulger, a notorious Boston mobster, was on the FBI's Most Wanted List for 16 years. In 2011, the FBI launched a media campaign focused on Bulger's girlfriend, Catherine Greig. The campaign generated significant public attention and awareness, leading to a tip from a member of the public. This tip ultimately led to Bulger's arrest in Santa Monica, California.
• The Identification of "Baby Hope": In 1991, the body of a young girl was found in a cooler in New York City. The child remained unidentified for over two decades. In 2013, the New York Police Department launched a media campaign, featuring posters and billboards with an artist's rendering of the child's face. A tip from a woman who recognized the image led to the identification of the child as Anjelica Castillo and the arrest of her cousin for her murder.
• The Capture of the Golden State Killer: The Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, was a serial offender responsible for numerous rapes and murders in California during the 1970s and 1980s. Decades later, in 2018, the case received renewed public attention through a book and a documentary series. This resulted in a tip from an individual who connected the crimes to a suspect, leading to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo, a former police officer, who was subsequently convicted.