LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Police have launched a Cold Case Division to address unsolved crimes, a move which aims to find answers to cases that have remained unresolved for years, if not decades. The State Police, led by Director Col. Mike Hagar, have emphasized the complexity and importance of the work being done by their investigators.
The ASP Cold Case Division is focused on following up on leads, clearing suspects, and collecting evidence to crack these long-standing cases. ASP Director Col. Mike Hagar emphasized that this unit represents a part of the State Police that many citizens may not be familiar with, and that the investigative work required for these cold cases is often quite intricate.
The development and establishment of the ASP Cold Case Division is a significant achievement in the State Police’s efforts to address unresolved cases. Major Stacey Rhoads, with over 20 years of experience in the Criminal Investigations Division, plays a pivotal role in leading the state investigators and their efforts to bring closure to these cold cases.
According to Rhoads, the ASP has always investigated cold cases, but the launch of this dedicated unit in 2020 signifies a concerted effort to prioritize and emphasize these cases. The unit has brought hope to investigators who have carried these unsolved cases with them for years, as it allows them to rekindle their hope in finding resolution.
The focus of the cold case investigators is not to critique past detective work, but rather to delve into any potential leads or evidence that may unravel these cases. The goal is to find a new spark in these cold cases and ultimately bring closure to the families and communities affected by these unresolved crimes.
As the Arkansas State Police delve deeper into these cold cases and seek out new evidence, their dedication remains unwavering in their pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The Cold Case Division represents a critical step forward in the ongoing efforts to solve these long-standing cases and bring perpetrators to justice.