Crime & Safety

Town Cops to Review Unsolved Cases With DA's Help

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police Chief Scott Seaman expected to present most promising cold case to DA for consideration.

Los Gatos' three unsolved homicides are about to get new life with the announcement from Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen that his agency is re-establishing the Cold Case Unit.

The announcement, made Wednesday, was well received by as the unit is expected to assist law enforcement agencies in the county with their investigations of unsolved homicides and sexual assaults.  

"I support and appreciate the steps that DA Rosen has taken to commit resources to a Cold Case Unit," Seaman said, adding that, in response to Rosen’s call for candidate cases, he would present the most promising case to the new unit for consideration.

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Town cops have worked with the DA's office in the past on unsolved homicides, and the department will commit personnel to assist Rosen in the new effort, to the degree that its staffing allows it to participate, Seaman said.

"If funds become available to compensate our officers, I will consider assigning a detective to work alongside the DA’s office to work on our case," Seaman said.

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The chief declined to elaborate on the cases, explaining that he didn't want anyone who may have information about them or who may be involved to know his department would be working aggressively on them.

Rosen, who became the county's top prosecutor in January, promised during his campaign to make such a unit a “top priority” during his new administration. Veteran county prosecutor Ted Kajani will lead the unit, and Nate Wandruff will be its criminal investigator.

Rosen also signed an agreement with Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith and the chiefs of police that will allow his office to have greater access to unsolved cases so biological evidence can be located and submitted, witnesses can be interviewed and
comprehensive case evaluations can be conducted.

The unit will also help county law enforcement agencies to bring violent offenders to justice, Rosen said.

The county crime laboratory will also try to handle DNA evidence in an expedited fashion, according to Rosen. This commitment will assure that laboratory backlogs will not cause further delays for family members and loved ones who have often waited years for justice, he said.


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