NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News Police Department (NNPD) has created a new team to work on unsolved homicides, the department shared Wednesday.
The Cold Case Team is made up of two full-time homicide detectives and one investigator, who is a retired homicide detective.
NNPD says it understands the impact unsolved homicides have on families, and that the goal of its Cold Case Team is to not only solve these cases, but also to provide a sense of closure to families.
“Collectively we agree the Cold Case Team will help bring back a voice to victims that, through time, has become a whisper," said Detective Aaron Thornton in a release.
He said the team will use "advancements in investigative technology, and partnerships with state, local, and federal authorities." Advances in DNA analysis will also give them more opportunities to solve older cases.
Chief Steve Drew said while NNPD clears homicide cases at a rate almost 30% higher than the national average, even "one unsolved murder, is one too many."
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"With the new NNPD Cold Case Team, we hope to help those families desperately looking for answers. We have assembled a skilled and compassionate team dedicated to making this happen,” he said.
The police department also encourages the Newport News community to support their efforts investigating these unsolved cases by reporting tips to the team. You can always leave an anonymous tip by calling the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or online at p3tips.com.
