In a move to reignite the quest for justice in lingering unsolved crimes, the Coconino County Attorney's Office has joined forces with local law enforcement to establish a Cold Case Unit, advancing collaborative efforts to comb through unresolved criminal cases. According to a statement from Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker, the new unit will comprise experienced legal personnel, including a seasoned prosecutor, a paralegal, and a legal assistant, to diligently review and potentially prosecute long-stalled investigations.
Advocating for the pursuit of justice, irrespective of the time passed, Barker furthers, "We are determined to ensure that every case, regardless of how long ago it happened, deserves justice," emphasizing a shared resolve with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Police Department, among others, as reported by the Cococino County website. Barker believes the unit, by harnessing modern forensic methods, presents a formidable force against unresolved violent offenses and signifies a decisive commitment to resolving lingering injustices, suggesting that the collaboration underscores their resolve to bring about accountability and finality for the families long haunted by unanswered questions.
From the successful identification of "Valentine Sally" in 2021 to the ongoing probe into David Wilkinson's unsolved murder, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit has been unearthing pieces of the past since 2008, primarily led by volunteer investigators. Sheriff Bret Axlund reaffirms this dedication, stating that the team remains committed to reevaluating every clue: "The formation of the Cold Case Unit is an important step in ensuring that justice is not delayed or forgotten." This sentiment is echoed by Flagstaff Police Department Chief Sean Connolly, who stated, "This Cold Case Unit brings together the right people, resources, and technology to reexamine the evidence and provide the families of victims the answers they deserve," as noted by the Coconino County website.
