Cleveland Missing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families of missing persons, has come up with a unique approach to solving cold cases. They have created decks of playing cards featuring 52 missing persons cases from northern Ohio in the hopes of generating new leads. The cards will be distributed to inmates in local jails, as they may have information about crimes in their communities or have knowledge of unsolved cases.
Devan Althen, the law enforcement liaison for Cleveland Missing, explained that the organization chose older cases from the years 2000 to 2017 or 2019 that have lost traction over time. They focused on cases with the most details and where families are still actively searching for their loved ones. The goal was to honor these families and provide them with renewed hope.
Each card in the deck showcases a missing person’s photo, age, date of disappearance, and the latest information released by law enforcement. The cards also include the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s tip line for anyone with relevant information. The decks are distributed for free to inmates, as they are known to engage in conversation and may remember details that could help solve the cases.
The Cleveland area, including the suburbs, has experienced a significant increase in missing persons cases this year, particularly among children and teenagers. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s missing children website reports over 1,000 minors missing from Cleveland, including nearly 50 kids this month alone. However, local authorities have downplayed the numbers, stating that 90% of missing children are eventually found.
Cleveland Missing is focusing its efforts on the Columbus metropolitan area, which has seen the highest number of missing children reports in Ohio. By distributing the playing cards to inmates in this region, the organization hopes to encourage conversations that could lead to valuable tips and ultimately solve some of these cases.
For Devan Althen and Sylvia Colon, co-founders of Cleveland Missing, this cause is personal. They understand the pain and anguish that families experience when a loved one goes missing. Despite the passage of time, these families continue to search and hope for answers. The playing cards serve as a reminder that their loved ones have not been forgotten and that there are people actively working to solve their cases.
The nonprofit’s initiative not only aims to generate new leads but also offers support and reassurance to the families affected by these cold cases. By keeping these cases in the public eye, Cleveland Missing strives to bring closure to these families and help them find justice.
To provide tips on missing persons in and around Cleveland, individuals can contact the Cleveland Police Department at 216-623-7697 or email [email protected]. Cleveland Missing can be reached at 216-232-6470 and is located at 2937 West 25th St. in Cleveland.
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