What is the value of the Cold Case Unit in NH? For the families still waiting for an arrest of the person/persons who murdered their loved one the value is pretty high. I’m not sure if we can put a monetary value on an agency that distributes hope to each of us, some waiting more than forty years.
What is hope? The dictionary defines the phrase hope against hope. “To continue to hope, although the outlook does not warrant it.” This is the kind of hope we’ve endured for years before the Cold Case Unit was established. The kind that lingers in the back of your mind that one day someone will be arrested for the murder he or she committing against the one you love.
Another definition for hope, “A feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfillment.” This is the hope the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit gives us now. Every time we hear an arrest has been made in a cold case our hope is strengthened.
In the short time since the Unit has been established, three cold cases have been solved.
1. 1989 quadruple homicide: http://doj.nh.gov/media-center/press-releases/2010/20100630-david-mcleod.htm
2. 1988 double homicide: http://doj.nh.gov/media-center/press-releases/2011/20110412-nashua.htm
3. 2001 homicide: http://doj.nh.gov/media-center/press-releases/2012/20120516-jodoin-murder-collins-arrest.htm
Some may question the value of the Cold Case Unit. The value has already been proven. Some think the 350,00 dollars a year to operate the agency could be better used elsewhere. What is the price you would pay for life, your life? If a murderer walks, he walks amongst us all. Some may say, “Why doesn’t the Homicide Unit work on these cases?” When would they have time? How many homicides do you think are committed each year in the United States? Never mind the United States, what about in New Hampshire? In 2011, 23 murders were committed in New Hampshire. One young soul was Celina Cass, it’s been almost a year and an arrest has not been made. I pray she does not join the ranks of unsolved murders in New Hampshire.
When a murderer is not arrested he is free to murder again in any state. Could one of them be your next-door neighbor? How valuable is the Cold Case Unit now?
Call your Senators today and let them know you support the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit becoming a permanent agency. Below is the link to contact them.
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/senate_roster.aspx
Justice ~ Unsolved Murders 
Karen,
A powerful post. To hope is the only thing to get the family of the missing through each minute, day, month, and year their loved one is missing or awaiting closure with the case. I pray everyone living in New Hampshire picks up their phones, sends emails, and writes a letter for this vital need.
Lisa M. Buske
http://lisabuske.weebly.com
LikeLike
Lisa,
It would be a shame and a step backwards if the Cold Case Unit is discontinued. Many of these cases can be solved if a Unit is allowed time and resources to do so. Every State needs a Unit that is dedicated only to cold cases and not pulled out on the field every time a murder occurs. When does one find the time to work on cold cases when everyday they are faced with more murders, unresolved deaths, and the missing?
LikeLike