PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the establishment of a Cold Case Homicide Unit within the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. This specialized team will partner with local law enforcement agencies to re-examine unsolved cases using modern investigative techniques and advanced technology.
“This unit reflects my commitment to ensuring that justice is not forgotten or abandoned, no matter how much time has passed,” said Mayes. “Justice has no expiration date. This is about more than solving crimes—it’s about providing justice for the victims and their families. Every cold case represents a life that mattered and a story that deserves to be told.”
Focus on Five Arizona Cold Cases
The new unit will initially prioritize five unsolved cases, each representing a tragic story and a hope for justice:
- Leslie Good (2008)
- Found shot in her home in Goodyear. The case remains under investigation with the Goodyear Police Department.
- Sabino Lopez (2018)
- Shot while walking in a Tolleson neighborhood after being confronted by three men in a silver SUV. The case is being investigated with the Tolleson Police Department.
- Victoria Lacey (2012)
- Stabbed and found seeking help in Glendale. Witnesses reported suspicious activity nearby, but the connection remains unclear. The case is under review with the Glendale Police Department.
- Diana Shawcroft and Jennifer Lueth (1996)
- Last seen getting into a blue truck in Phoenix; their remains were discovered in a remote area of Yavapai County. Recent evidence will be analyzed in partnership with the Glendale Police Department.
- Melody Harrison (1992)
- Discovered in the desert near Apache Junction, identified in 2023 using familial DNA. She had been reported missing as a juvenile. The Apache Junction Police Department is collaborating on the case.
Tools and Techniques
Equipped with advanced forensic tools and fresh investigative perspectives, the unit will focus on applying modern technology to cases that may not have had access to these resources when initially investigated.
The creation of the Cold Case Homicide Unit highlights Arizona’s commitment to ensuring that justice is pursued, even decades after a crime occurred. Families of the victims hope this renewed focus will finally bring closure and accountability.
