What are 'cold cases'?

Cold cases refer specifically to unsolved criminal investigations that have remained open for an extended period, often due to a lack of new evidence or leads. These cases typically include serious crimes such as homicides, disappearances, or serious assaults that have not been resolved despite thorough initial investigations.

The defining characteristic of a cold case is that it remains open but has not been solved for a significant amount of time, which can often lead to the potential for re-examination using new technology, fresh evidence, or tips from the public that may arise later. This status allows investigators to revisit the case as new methods and resources become available, potentially yielding breakthroughs that were not possible during the original investigation.

Other categories, such as recent homicides awaiting trial or active investigations, do not align with the definition of a cold case, as they imply ongoing activity and involvement, whereas cold cases have stagnated due to various challenges.