Volusia County has new tool to solicit cold case tips

DELAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - There are currently 48 cold cases in Volusia County and Sheriff Mike Chitwood believes each of these cases can be solved. He's hoping new technology can help generate information.

Laralee Spear was only 15 years old when she was killed, after getting off her school bus. Her body was found behind an abandoned home in DeLand. Twenty-four years later, her killer remains unknown.

Chitwood says, "Our goal is to do everything humanly possible to solve those cases."

Part of that commitment involves a new interactive map created for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office by an outside company. 
 The map shows where each of the 48 murders happened and what the area looks like today, victim photos and case information are also shown.  Because this information is online, Chitwood is hoping someone with information will see the map and call police.

Chitwood explains, "With the transient nature of Florida. We're prime ground for a lot of these predators to come into play and just pass through."

For Chitwood and deputies, this is about finding answers for the families forever changed.  To take a look at the interactive map, visit their website.  Anyone with any information about these crimes is asked to call Crimestoppers at 888-277-TIPS (8477).