In an effort to solve 52 unsolved crimes in the Yakima Valley, inmates at Yakima County Corrections in Washington have been given playing deck cards with information on cold cases. This initiative was launched by Yakima Police Department Detective Kevin Cays and other members of the Cold Case Unit. The main goal of this project is to generate new leads or directions for these cases and provide some sense of justice to the families of the victims. Detective Cays emphasized the importance of remembering the victims and the families they have left behind, highlighting that the community’s help is crucial in solving these cases.
The announcement of this initiative was made at a news conference at the Union Gap Police Department, where it was revealed that the cards feature a total of 52 unsolved cases, dating back to 1977. The cards include information on 26 Yakima Police Department cases, 17 Yakima County Sheriff’s Office cases, as well as cases from the Sunnyside Police Department, Union Gap Police Department, and FBI investigations. Each card in the deck showcases a picture of the victim, a summary of the crime, and ways to report any relevant information that could help solve the case. It is hoped that by distributing these playing cards to inmates, some individuals may recall details or have information that could assist in moving forward with these cold cases.
Union Gap Police Chief Greg Cobb highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about these cold cases, as it may prompt individuals who were previously hesitant to come forward with information to reconsider. He mentioned the possibility that people’s circumstances may have changed, making them more willing to cooperate now than before. The deck of playing cards also includes a joker card with contact information for Yakima County Crime Stoppers, which funded the project. Reports that lead to an arrest can result in a reward of $1,000, which is available even if tips are submitted anonymously. This aspect of incentivizing the sharing of information may encourage individuals to come forward with valuable leads.
Mark Peterson, the president of Yakima County Crime Stoppers, emphasized the role of the community in supporting law enforcement efforts to solve these cold cases. He highlighted that Crime Stoppers represent people who want to see justice served, and not everyone may feel comfortable contacting the police directly. The anonymity provided by Crime Stoppers can be an important factor in encouraging individuals to share information that can contribute to solving these unsolved crimes. While there are currently no plans to release the cards to the public, the possibility has not been ruled out, suggesting that broader community involvement may be considered in the future to help bring closure to these cases.
In 2023, violent crime in Washington saw a decrease of 5.5%, with 31,050 offenses reported compared to the previous year. This data reflects the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address and combat criminal activity in the state. By engaging inmates in the Yakima County Corrections facility with playing deck cards containing information on unsolved cold cases, there is a proactive approach to potentially solving long-standing crimes and providing answers to families seeking justice for their loved ones. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations like Yakima County Crime Stoppers underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing crime and promoting public safety in the Yakima Valley.
