FAQ About Cold Cases and Breakthroughs

A cold case refers to a criminal investigation, typically a homicide or a serious crime, that remains unsolved and has been inactive for a significant period of time. The exact duration required for a case to be considered "cold" can vary, but it is generally defined as a case that has gone unresolved for several years, often exceeding the statute of limitations. Cold cases may also refer to missing persons cases or other unsolved mysteries. These cases often lack viable leads and have exhausted available evidence and investigative avenues. However, they can be reopened and reinvestigated if new information or evidence emerges, or if advancements in technology or investigative techniques provide fresh opportunities for solving the case.