The P.I. Post: Convicts, Cards & Cold Cases

Welcome to the first post in The P.I. Post series!

In these posts, which you’ll find on the blog about every other month in between the Nonfiction Nuggets series, I’ll be sharing details on P.I. topics, unique stories and interesting case reviews. I don’t intend to share specific details about cases (I’ll share links for further reading when appropriate for anyone who would like more information), but I would still like to warn readers that some posts might offer information on subject matters that might be difficult for sensitive readers. I’ll try to offer specific warnings when appropriate, but please take care as you read each post. 

The first topic in the P.I. Post is about an item you’d least expect when it comes to murder, mayhem and missing persons…

Today’s topic is going to be about playing cards

That’s right, a deck of cards. But not just any deck of cards. Were you aware that a number of cold case murders and cases involving missing persons have been solved by those serving time in prison?

I came across this fact when I read an article about the cards while writing and conducting research. When I was a private investigator working on criminal cases, there were times when inmates would claim to have information about a case or about statements made to them by another inmate (jailhouse confessions). Usually, though, the information being offered was wrapped with the expectation that the state would shave some time off their stint in jail or prison. I don’t believe I’ve ever personally heard about an inmate offering information on a case just because they thought it was the right thing to do.

People can sometimes surprise you

So it was refreshing to read about the cold case cards and the fact that these cards have prompted inmates to offer up information, anonymously if they so desire. These tips can then help authorities close out old missing persons and murder cases that would otherwise remain unsolved.

Years ago, a deck of playing cards might feature fugitives on America’s Most Wanted list but in 2005, Tommy Ray, a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, came up with another idea. He wanted to include photos and details about cold case murders and missing persons on each playing card in a deck of cards. You can read an interview where Ray spoke more about the cards with A&E Real Crime here.

There was some push back on the idea at first, due to cost, but Ray’s idea was finally put into action in 2007 and eventually, 100,000 decks in two editions with 104 Florida cases were distributed to state prison inmates. After tips were received and a few cold cases were solved, the idea showed promise. The following year, a third edition deck with 52 new unsolved cases were distributed to 65,000 inmates in all Florida county jails, as well as to over 100,000 supervised offenders who were on probation.

More states try their hand at the idea

The State of Connecticut decided to test the idea of utilizing inmates to solve cold cases and they distributed their own cards in 2010. Later that year the card displaying the details of a cold case involving the murder of a 20-year-old in 2006 brought in a viable tip which eventually provided closure to a grieving family.

The results couldn’t be ignored and soon other state authorities were providing cold case cards to inmates. Such a simple idea and yet the possible results were inspiring. At any time an inmate might offer the one tip needed to solve a cold case and provide closure to other families. However, not all states decided to partake in the idea. Some prisons don’t allow inmates to play cards due to fights that can break out and the desire to limit gambling between inmates.

States in the PNW aren’t afraid to ask for help

Washington, Oregon and Idaho also hopped on the bandwagon and offered similar cards to their inmates. Washington cold case cards were first introduced to inmates in 2008 when Snohomish County distributed cards and again in 2009 when King County created their own cards. During an interview with a detective in 2009 about the status of the results, the comment from the detective was that law enforcement hadn’t yet received anything earth-shattering.

However, good things come to those who wait. In 2011, Washington authorities received a tip from an inmate about a crime committed more than 30 years prior. The details about a female victim killed in 1979 in Lynnwood were part of the cold case deck and the inmate’s tip eventually led to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

It’s an incredible feat to solve a 30-year-old case. I truly sympathize for the families who have to wait that long for answers. I once worked on a murder case that had occurred 29 years prior, when I was only 5 years old, so the case was almost as old as me at the time I received it. In this instance, a possible suspect had been named and authorities and the family assumed him to be the murderer. However, DNA later offered proof that another individual may have been responsible instead. It’s a tricky job, working on a case that old. When a cold case is officially closed, it releases a collective sigh of relief from all involved; except for the person who’s finally arrested and convicted for the crime.

You won’t likely see a deck of cold case cards at random in any retail store. They aren’t sold to the public, but you may be able to find decks on eBay if you’re so inclined. If you’re wondering what a cold case deck might look like, check out the editions created by the State of Connecticut by clicking here.

When playing cards become a plea from the grave

In my opinion, cold case cards are a great idea. Inmates talk to each other, they share details (aka brag) they may share with no one else and they learn things about each other after spending a lot of time together in confined spaces. Normally, and without the assistance of the playing cards, an inmate might not make a point of reaching out to authorities to offer a tip unless there’s something in it for them. But what about those days when the inmates are playing a relaxing game of cards and they’re staring at the face of a victim who’s reaching out to them from the grave?

Then it might become a little more personal and maybe…just maybe…it might convince them to do the right thing if they know something that can help break the case. At least, we hope so, for the sake of the families waiting for answers.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the first post in The P.I. Post series. Don’t hesitate to share any thoughts you have in the comment section below and please check back again to read future installments, including those I’ll continue to share as part of my Nonfiction Nuggets and Character Coffee Chats.