Yesterday (Tuesday), Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced the launch of a new cold case unit dedicated to solving the state’s 400+ unsolved murders. Bird introduced the new unit during a press conference in Polk County. She says, “I became a prosecutor to fight for victims and families. That is why on day one in office, I made it a priority to build our office’s first cold case unit. I am glad to announce that we have today launched our new unit that will bring fresh eyes to Iowa’s cold cases and dedicate a team to detecting new leads. And I thank the legislature for granting us the budget to make it happen. My promise to families of Iowa cold case victims is this: we will never give up, we will never stop searching, and we will never lose hope. If even one case is solved, it is all worth it. No one should get away with murder.” The unit consists of three full-time investigators and one prosecutor. It will partner with law enforcement agencies across the state to reopen old cases and seek answers for families who have waited years for a resolution. Bird adds they need the public’s help to solve many of these unresolved murders. Iowans with tips are asked to contact the Iowa Attorney General’s Office’s hotline at 1-800-242-5100 or email coldcase@ag.iowa.gov.
