Illinois state lawmakers could help many survivors of gun violence by passing plans this year to re-open cold cases and provide more transparency on homicide investigations.
CHICAGO — Families of gun violence victims are asking the legislature to reform how police handle unsolved murder investigations through legislation introduced last week.
In Chicago, police announced last month that in 2023, the department reached a 51.7 percent clearance rate, the highest since 2019. Clearance rates are an oft-maligned metric, as they reflect crimes which occurred in past years but were solved recently.
House Bill 4753, sponsored by Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, would establish a procedure for families to request a review of “open unresolved murders” or cold cases.
House Bill 4753, sponsored by Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, would establish a procedure for families to request a review of “open unresolved murders” or cold cases.