Watch CBS News

Conn: Success From Program That Looks To Prison Inmates To Help Solve Cold Cases

HARTFORD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Law enforcement officials in Connecticut say they've had success in a new attempt to solve cold cases, WCBS 880 Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

Podcast

They have been showing prison inmates playing cards, not entirely unlike the ones the U.S. Department of Defense used during the search for Iraqi leaders.

SEE: First Round Of Cold Case Cards 

Anxious to cut the length of their sentences, inmates do their best to examine the cards depicting victims of various crimes - unsolved cases that over the years have grown cold, officials said.

Connecticut Chief State's Attorney Kevin Kane told Schneidau that the program, which was initiated last year, has brought in more than 200 tips.

"Some of those tips... led to nothing, but many of them led to very solid leads, leading to active investigations," Kane told Schneidau.

Kane said one tip led to an arrest in an unsolved Hartford murder dating back to 2006.

He said sometimes it is reasonable to give inmates consideration if their information leads to a successful prosecution.

They released the second round of playing cards Wednesday afternoon.

Do you support the program? Sound off in the comments section below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.