Cold Cases are defined as “an unsolved criminal investigation which remains open pending the discovery of new evidence. “Although the nature of these cases can sometimes reach a plateau, they never lose their significance. For the families, victims and communities involved, the absence of closure can be shattering.
ITV's The Real Unforgotten is an exemplary show that brings these issues into the limelight. The documentary-style series takes a dive into cold cases, bringing viewers alongside investigators as they seek to uncover new evidence and perspectives that might have been missed in the past.
Cold Cases are a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. Several factors contribute to the difficulty of cold cases including witness and evidence deteriorating, the increase of public perception and pressure, limited resources (technological limitations, financial constraints and resource allocation) and attempting to retrace steps and correct past missteps. Investigating cold cases demands a mix of experience, creativity, and compassion. It's important to recognize that solving these cases can take years or even decades, with each unresolved case serving as a reminder of the unpredictable and challenging nature of criminal investigations.
The advancement of Forensic Technology (such as DNA analysis), the commitment of new investigators and the willingness to revisit old evidence provide insights that were previously inaccessible. The importance of evidence provides hope to the individuals involved and this fresh approach often reveals crucial details that could change the course of an investigation.
The ITV documentary series features the 1981 murder of Carol Morgan, a Linslade shopkeeper who was tragically murdered in the storeroom of her shop. The documentary delves into the six-year reinvestigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, leading to the conviction of her husband in 2024 for conspiracy to murder, as he was found guilty of hiring a killer whilst he took the children to the cinema.
The Real Unforgotten exemplifies how cold case reviews can renew interest, galvanize public involvement, and potentially lead to justice and the importance of revisiting cold cases cannot be overstated.
For more information, you can visit the Leighton Buzzard Community Policing Team's Facebook page, where they have shared updates related to the documentary.