VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office implemented new technology this week to help solve cold cases: An interactive homicide map lists 48 unsolved homicides.
- Map shows location of crime, gives details of case and victim
- Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood says this will help give closure
- Mother: My life has changed since my daughter's remains have been ID'd
- RELATED: DNA Test Confirms Remains Found Are That Of Missing Mandy Ciehanoski
- SEE BELOW: Interactive Map of Volusia County Cold Case ▼
"To me, these are all solvable cases," said Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Investigators need information to do it. On the map, people can see the location of the crime, read details about the case and learn more about the victim.
There are currently 47 cold cases listed in the interactive map.
"As science emerges, we are hoping it gives hope to victims that we never forget," Sheriff Chitwood said.
Debra Ciehanoski knows what it is to hold on to hope and wait. She has felt empty since her daughter Mandy was killed in 2011.
"You feel hollow," she said.
That changed less than a week ago when she learned DNA finally identified Mandy's remains.
Ciehanoski explained how getting that closure changed her life.
"It really is life-changing because it makes you feel. God, I got her back, I got my life back. I feel like life again. I feel like I have life with me. Before, I felt nothing," she described.
That is the type of closure that Chitwood hopes the new geographic technologies will help many others find.
"All they want is answers. 'What happened to my child?' And that's the hard part, to sit across from families and know that we have no information to go on," he added.
People can email tips to the Cold Case Unit at coldcaseunittips@vcso.us.
People can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477) anonymously and may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.