Recap: Someone asked, "How far back in time can a cold case be sent in? How many years back can a case be re-opened?"
I answered that there is no statute of limitations on murder. If a murder hasn't been solved, the case is still open even if no one has looked at it for years or decades. Then I asked others to weigh in.
From Det. Wendell Stradford: Yes that is correct, there is no statute of limitation on murder. And if a "very old" case has a chance to be brought to a meaningful conclusion, even if no one is ever arrested, we would give it a go. The bottom line is the family of the victim gets answers.
From retired Deputy Inspector Vito Spano: There is never a time limit. The key element is solvability. If there is new evidence, information or technology that may lead to solving a case, then the case will be assigned to a detective. Can it be developed? That is the main criteria for opening up a cold case.
Posted by Horn at September 1, 2005 08:52 AMGreatgrandmother was apparently murdered in her home in late 1942. Believe she live in New York. Name Anna Burke.. Mother of Catherine Boyle. Too far back to investigate??
Posted by: Tocko. K. at January 26, 2006 03:28 PM