New Kentucky law aimed at helping local police solve cold cases

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There's a house in Louisville's Park Hill neighborhood that has become a beacon of hope.

At 25th Street and Standard Avenue, a boarded-up house was transformed into The Ace Project, a safe place for people impacted by gun violence and trauma.

Rose Smith, who's son was shot and killed at that intersection, decided to open the community center in his honor.

"My son's nickname is Ace, and this was birthed after his tragic homicide," she said.

His case is one of hundreds of homicide cases that have gone unsolved in Louisville. Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, said Louisville Metro Police has about 700 open cases.

"One of the things that I've learned as I've talked with families impacted by violence is that, often times, you hear is maybe its been three years, five years or seven years since they've gotten answers about their love one," Herron said.

So Herron is working with Smith to bring closure to more families. Earlier this year, she sponsored House Bill 551 in Frankfort, a bill aimed at allowing local police departments to contract with retired officers to work on cold cases.

Herron sees it as a way to build relationships between law enforcement and a hurting community.

"When those cases are not solved, I believe that also makes them have some type of animosity toward law enforcement or the city," Herron said. "And I believe that if we can start to get some of those cases solved, we can help to bridge that gap."

For Smith, October will mark a decade without answers.

"Ten years (with) no answers," she said. "Ten years looking over your back. Ten years — you just don't know."

The bill was passed and signed by Gov. Andy Beshear on April 4 and will become law July 1.

"I have an open wound because I have no closure," Smith said. "This bill will help to close some wounds for some of us that are out there hurting and help us to heal.

"This bill is hope."