Decks of playing cards feature Wisconsin cold cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Justice Department has helped fund the printing of playing cards that depict more than 100 unsolved homicide and missing-persons cases across Wisconsin.

A Press-Gazette Media report says officials distributed the decks in jails and prisons, hoping the cards would spark some leads. But in two years not a single arrest has resulted.

DOJ officials say they’re trying to come up with more ideas to help move cold cases forward.

At least 10 states have tried the playing-card idea.

Relatives of Wisconsin homicide victims are hoping the state DOJ continues with the plan, which was funded with $10,500 in private donations and public money. They say it’s worked elsewhere, and it can work in Wisconsin too.

The cards were produced by the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators.