Springfield Police Department applies for federal grant to help solve cold cases dating back to 1970

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Police Department is hoping to be one of only 14 departments across the country to receive a federal grant to help solve cold cases.

Cases like that of the three missing women-- Sherrill Levitt, Stacy McCall and Suzie Streeter-- who disappeared at Levitt's home in 1992.

There were no signs of a struggle, but rather the appearance of the missing women being abducted. All their personal property was left behind including purses, money, clothing, cars, keys, cigarettes, and the family dog.


The $500,000 grant would allow the department to create a cold case review team in the hopes of solving cases like the three missing women and crimes involving homicide over the last 40 years.

"Since the 70s, we have about 32, not counting our missing women," said Manlove.

If the department is awarded the grant, the money would fund overtime, travel expenses, computer equipment, training, and DNA testing costs.

"Some of  the private labs offer superior technology in terms of what's available in testing in DNA these days, but that does come with a price-tag, it is expensive," said Manlove.
    
It is expensive, said Manlove, but worth the effort.

He said it may put someone responsible for a crime behind bars, and give a grieving family a measure of closure.

"We want to get justice for those family members, for the victim obviously, and for those family members who are still with us today."