The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit–Unsolved has launched a new initiative aimed at generating investigative leads in long-standing cases through the creation of a Cold Case Deck of Cards. The deck features 52 of Maine State Police’s unsolved homicides and suspicious missing person cases and will be distributed to inmates in correctional facilities across the state, according to  Maine Department of Public Safety, in a news release.

Maine State Police currently have 69 unsolved homicides and 38 long-term suspicious missing person cases, with investigations dating back several decades.

While cold case cards have been used in other states for nearly two decades, this marks the first time the concept has been implemented in Maine, according to DPS.

"Similar initiatives in more than two dozen states have been credited with helping solve multiple homicide investigations," said DPS.

The project was funded through a grant from Season of Justice, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support for cold case investigations. After receiving the grant, the Major Crimes Unit–Unsolved undertook the extensive process of selecting cases from across the state. The team then worked with Priority Marketing in Fort Myers, Florida, to design and customize each card.

Cases were chosen based on investigative necessity and potential for public assistance. This initial deck represents a portion of Maine’s unsolved cases, and additional decks will be created in the future to highlight others.

The cards will be distributed within correctional facilities through a partnership with the Maine Department of Corrections. Similar programs in other states have shown that incarcerated individuals may have knowledge, associations, or historical information relevant to open investigations.

“Our goal is to introduce these cards to the inmate population with the hope that they will produce actionable information leading to arrests and help bring missing people home to their families,” said Detective Corporal Michael Chavez, who helped create and implement the program. Chavez partnered with the Maine Department of Corrections to distribute the cards and manage any incoming intelligence.

Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty expressed support for the collaboration.

“We are pleased to work with the Maine State Police on this important initiative,” said Liberty. “Cold case playing cards are one of many tools that may assist investigators in their ongoing efforts to solve Maine’s unsolved cases. These cards will help keep victims’ stories alive, and we hope they generate information that leads to prosecution.”

For more information about this initiative, please contact: Detective Corporal Michael Chavez, 207-624-7076 ext. 9