Minnesota Cold Case Playing Cards

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:03:08 GMT

Hoping to solve some cold cases, thousands of Minnesota inmates are being given decks of playing cards. The 52 cards have pictures of unsolved murders, missing persons and unidentified remains cases that occurred in the past 50 years. The cards are being distributed to state prisons and county jails as part of a program developed by the MN Departments of Corrections and Public Safety.

The cards feature a photo of a victim, a brief summary of the case and the number for the Minn. Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Tip Line (1-877-996-6222).

Many of the victims’ cases were heavily covered in the news media, including Jacob Wetterling, Kevin Brewer and Georgia Smith. Many others are less well-known.

Last May, we first reported that Minnesota officials were planning this creative approach to solving cold cases and their hope for success similar to what happened in Florida where a cold case detective came up with the card idea. (The cards are credited with solving at least four cases solved in the Sunshine State.)

Authorities say it makes sense to go behind bars where there is likely information about unsolved crimes -- the equivalent of conducting more than 10,000 interviews at once.

We will keep you posted on the success of the MN playing cards. If you want more information, go to the BCA’s Cold case website.

Minnesota BCA E-Mail: BCA.Coldcase@state.mn.us
Tip Line: 1-877-996-6222

Report: Playing Cards Behind Bars To Crack Cold Cases (May 1, 2008)
Slideshow: Florida's Cold Case Playing Cards
Slideshow: Minn. Cold Case Playing Cards

Caroline's Crime Scene

Minnesota Cold Case Playing Cards