The families that have put on an annual rally to protest the state’s handling of backlogged murder investigations are geared up for an even bigger rally this year.
This year’s event will feature more speakers, more posters, more attendees and more journalists. One of the victims-rights advocates working with the group is in talks with the Good Morning America show to have a presence at the event.
The rally comes almost exactly 10 years after Denise was murdered in Manchester’s North End. Denise’s case is just one of over 320 outstanding cases the Attorney General’s office is investigating. The families of victims have reached their boiling point.
“People don’t understand how frustrating it is working with the AG’s office and Cold Case Unit. It’s like they go out of their way to disrespect us, said one person involved with the group. “If we ask them what color the sky is, they make us file a Right-To-Know request.”
The state just finalized their Biennial Budget and the Cold Case Unit has been allocated just under $2,000 per backlogged case for Fiscal year 2026. There is even less money available in 2027.