Aric Sleeper here, thinking about the impressive progress that the Cold Case Project of Monterey County has made in its first year, pursuing justice for victims and families affected by unsolved violent crimes.
Investigating cold cases comes at a price, whether it’s money for advanced forensic lab testing or the time and energy of volunteer investigators, such as retired Monterey Assistant Chief of Police Bill Clark, who serves as the project’s senior cold case investigator and board member.
"One year ago, our community came together around a simple but powerful belief: No victim should be forgotten, and no family should be left without hope," Clark says. "The generosity of our donors has made it possible to pursue answers in cases that might otherwise remain unresolved."
Since its inception in June 2025, Cold Case Project of Monterey County has raised more than $585,000 and provided funding for 20 cold case investigations, which allows local law enforcement agencies access to specialized resources that they may not be able to afford with their investigative budgets, as many cold cases require funding exceeding $30,000 for forensic testing and analysis.
The 1-year-old nonprofit operates in partnership with Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni’s Cold Case Task Force, which works in tandem with local law enforcement to review and investigate unresolved homicide cases, missing persons cases with foul play suspected, and cases of unidentified human remains throughout Monterey County. Since 2020, the task force has closed 17 cold homicide cases, identified the remains of 10 unidentified individuals and led to an arrest in a 2010 home invasion/sexual assault case.
In 2021, the task force was awarded a three-year, $535,000 federal grant to investigate local cold cases, but these funds were essentially used up in 2025, which inspired the creation of the Cold Case Project of Monterey County. Ann Kern, the organization’s president, says that the nonprofit plans to expand its efforts in the coming year, continuing to raise funds and build partnerships that help bring resolution to cold cases across the county.
"Serving as president of the Cold Case Project is both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience,” Kern says. “Every day, we have the privilege of helping families find hope, pursuing justice for victims, and working alongside dedicated individuals committed to uncovering the truth. Together, we strive to bring answers, accountability and resolution to families and communities still seeking closure.”
Although the cost of investigating cold cases can be high, bringing criminals to justice and providing solace to the friends and families of victims, however delayed, has a value beyond measure.