Revamped cold case database aims to help with unsolved cases

Jan 29, 2019, 4:02 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:28 am

cold case database...

Getty Images

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Public Safety has overhauled the Cold Case Database website to help law enforcement solve crimes three years old or older.

The website has better search features and photos to aid investigators as they look for links between cases or try and identify victims. The 400 cases listed also include missing persons.

At the launch at the State Capitol, Salt Lake Police Chief Mike Brown recalled the case of Patricia Barrett, whose body was found by the Sheriff’s Office near Saltair in 1978. A missing person’s report was filed a few months later with police. The cases weren’t linked until 2011.

“So agencies sitting side by side never made that connection [that the family did],” said Brown. He thinks this will get law enforcement groups talking to each other and keeping these cases alive.

There are officially 400 cold cases in Utah, but the database’s crime analyst Kathy Mackay thinks there may be more.

The state is spending about $170,000 in the first year to run and maintain the site.

The public will soon be able to access a similar database at publicsafety.utah.gov.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

US inflation worsened...

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer

US inflation worsened with rising groceries and gasoline prices

The pace of U.S. inflation worsened last month, with rising costs of groceries, gasoline, and rent.

10 minutes ago

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, arrives...

David Klepper, Associated Press

Senate confirms Gabbard as Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans fall in line

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans who had initially questioned her experience and judgment fell in line behind her nomination. Gabbard was an unconventional pick to oversee and coordinate the country’s 18 different intelligence agencies, given her past comments sympathetic to Russia, a meeting she held with […]

1 hour ago

four-day school week...

Becky Bruce

Utah public school enrollment declines slightly statewide

Utah public school enrollment dropped about a half percent from 2021 to 2024 statewide, though some districts saw much larger gains and losses.

2 hours ago

A sign welcoming people to the city of Ogden on 25th Street....

Verl Johansen

Ogden housing among 41 metro areas with inventory levels at or above pre-pandemic levels

Ogden housing availability makes the area one of 41 metro areas with supply at or above pre-pandemic levels.

3 hours ago

An electric shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava at Zion National Park. Zion National Park shuttles be...

Mariah Maynes

Zion National Park shuttles begin 2025 seasonal service in March

Zion National Park shuttles will begin regular operation on March 2, 2025.

4 hours ago

A FrontRunner train passes under a new pedestrian bridge at 300 North and 490 West, that crosses tw...

Shara Park, KSL TV

New video shows FrontRunner hit SUV stopped on tracks in Layton

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA FrontRunner train in Layton on February 4.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Revamped cold case database aims to help with unsolved cases