Caroline's Crime Scene

Hundreds of people are getting away with murder in Minnesota. You read that right. Hundreds.

Some killers are out on the streets while others may be locked up for another crime -- or dead. It's easy to forget these cases, if you weren't directly affected. However, I have met many of the victims' families over lots of years on the crime beat. I can tell you what a painful loss they continue to live with long after the murder has faded from the news (if it even got covered at the time). Not having justice only deepens their hurt.

Families find hope with the success of DNA and other advances in forensic science. The St. Paul Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in this state trying to do something to finally bring justice to the victims and their families. (BCA and Minneapolis also have cold case units.)

With about $250,000 in funding from a U.S. Department of Justice grant, St. Paul Police have hired a dozen retired investigators to come out of retirement for a little while and focus on about 100 cold cases. I got to meet with some of them at their first "roll call" last month. The group includes some true legends of the department who some former colleagues call former "rock stars" in the investigative ranks. Some of them retired just a few months ago; others have been gone for over a decade.

The investigators are getting paid for their work as civilian analysts. But talking with them, I am sure a lot of them would do it for free. As one former investigator told me, you never remember the cases you solve. You remember the ones who worked on 'round the clock and still couldn't solve or get enough evidence to lead to charges. It stays with you.

The supervisor of the Cold Case Unit, Sgt. Anita Muldoon, has already submitted several cases to the Minnesota BCA for testing for possible DNA. She is very optimistic that bringing together some of the best retired investigators, along with DNA advances, will get some breaks in cases that go back over 30 years.

Some of the cold cases, including the chloroform murders of Diana Smith and Scott Jones back in 1981, I covered when they were new murders (and I was a new reporter). A lot has changed over the years, including the growth of DNA as a forensic tool and the Internet as a communication tool. These changes give me hope that some day I will be able to re-interview victims' families who finally have word of justice for their loved ones.

The St. Paul Police union is challenging the use of the former officers for civilian positions. They are asking a judge to grant an injunction to stop their use and put current officers in those investigative jobs. We will keep you posted on this legal battle and any developments on the 100 cold cases getting a fresh look.

LINKS:

Cold Case Page

Experienced Eyes To Take Fresh Look At Cold Cases (12/01/2008)

Minnesota Releasing Cold Case Playing Cards (10/27/2008)

Former WCCO Producer Writes Murder Mystery (06/26/2008)

Cold Case: The 2 Susans In Highland Park (05/13/2008)

Cold Case Unit To Look At 2 Eerily Linked Murders (05/13/2008)

Cold Case: Chloroform Murders (02/27/2006)

I-TEAM: New Technology Could Help Solve Old Case (11/15/2005)

Gas pumps are the latest place for identity thieves to rip off consumers, according to a report in today's Dallas Morning News. The report said the cases have been popping up nationally after getting started several months ago on the West Coast. Haven't heard yet about a big problem here -- but like most crime trends, we are not likely to be immune.

The way it works: ID thieves skim credit card and debit card numbers at the pumps and use the information to make fake cards.

To avoid becoming a victim, the article suggests you use a credit card instead of a debit card at a pump. They typically provide better fraud protection than debit cards, which offer direct access to your cash. Also, don't punch in your personal ID number at the pump. It's also a good idea to keep close tabs on your bank account to see if any unusual transactions.

We will be keeping this on this latest trend and keep you posted on what we find in the Metro area.

Around the country, there have been recent news reports of upticks in crime that some police officials believe are connected to the current economic crisis. An article in today's New York Times focuses on that concern.

I have touched base with law enforcement executives throughout the metro area in past few weeks, asking the same question. So far, I haven't come across any significant increases in crime that appear connected to the economy. There are concerns about rising number of foreclosed properties becoming magnets for squatters or criminals looking for places to hang out or do their "business."

I found some communities are even seeing a decline in crime. I will continue to keep tabs on crime trends and share any developments here on my blog.

The day after hundreds of police officers, friends and family members packed a church in Minneapolis to say goodbye to Scott Harr, his daughter Kelsey ran the Twin Cities marathon. Seven years ago, Scott ran the same marathon, also as part of Team In Training, to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Kelsey had just passed the mile 23 marker on Summit Avenue in St.Paul when I took this photo of her. It was the same spot where I cheered on her dad who, at the time, was my adviser at Metropolitan State University. (Scott died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 55. He was recovering from minor surgery when a blood clot apparently triggered cardiac arrest. His death has stunned and saddened everyone who knew the Concordia University professor and former police chief.) Scott inspired me to run a marathon three years ago as part of Team In Training,to also raise funds for blood cancer research.

I can't imagine where Kelsey, who is a junior in college, got the strength to get through the marathon today. She must have known her dad was watching as she followed in his footsteps.

It's not too late to send a check in Kelsey Harr's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or learn more about their training and fundraising opportunities.