How are cold cases defined?

Cold cases are primarily defined as unsolved murders or other criminal cases that have not been resolved for an extended period of time. This term is often used to refer to cases where investigative leads have stalled, and no new evidence has emerged to push the investigation forward. The nature of cold cases varies, but they typically encompass instances where law enforcement has exhausted all available leads and a significant amount of time has passed, which can lead to renewed interest in the investigation later on.

The key aspect of a cold case is that it remains unresolved, despite previous efforts to bring about a resolution. Cold cases can sometimes be reopened due to new evidence or advancements in technology, such as DNA testing, which can help to shed light on previously unsolved crimes. This underscores the importance of continuously reviewing cold cases, as they can provide crucial insights and lead to justice even after a long period of time has elapsed.