AUSTIN, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – The Texas Department of Public Safety is expanding the Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Crimes Investigation or Cold Case Program.

According to DPS, the expansion will double the size of the specialized unit across the state and add one additional Texas Ranger specializing in cold case investigations in each of the Rangers’ six companies across the state.

The Ranger’s Company B investigates crimes in the Northeast portion of the state, and Texas DPS says they’ll now have two Rangers assigned to investigate unsolved murders and sexual assaults in that area.

Texas Rangers investigate inmate death at Harrison County jail

“For nearly 25 years, the Texas Rangers Cold Case Program has helped partner law enforcement agencies bring justice to victims and their families in every corner of Texas,” said Texas Ranger Division Chief Scotty Shiver.

“The expansion of this program is a testament to the Rangers’ success in working alongside investigators and forensic scientists to identify and arrest criminals who, sometimes for many years, have believed they have gotten away with committing some of the most heinous crimes.”

“As forensic science and technology continue to advance, so will our ability to make a bigger impact in our state – putting more violent criminals behind bars and making Texas communities safer.”

Update: In-custody death at Harrison County Jail under investigation

State funds to add the new positions come from Senate Bill 1, which was passed by the Texas Legislature last year.

Since its launch in 2001, the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case Program has helped solve over 300 cases, including more than 156 sexual assaults since the SAKI program was launched in 2020.

The program has also helped uncover the identities of a dozen unidentified human remains since 2020.

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