Cold Case Friday: Spotlight on the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute

Founded in 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia, the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI) is a non-profit that helps families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases. CCIRI is composed of over 600 experts and 5,000 student volunteers. Each volunteer has a particular specialty, whether it be forensics, law, crime mapping, ballistics, or any other field which aids in the closing of a cold case.

Sheryl McCollum, founder of CCIRI, began her career 25 years ago at the Rape Crisis Center of Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Her resume includes working at the Department of Corrections, the office of Secretary of State, and the FBI. Today she’s a CSI with Metro Atlanta Police Department.

Through McCollum’s direction, CCIRI launched their Wine Bottle Project, a new twist on the missing-children-on-milk cartons idea. The initiative puts victims on wine bottles to aid in awareness about ongoing cold cases. Their goal is to keep these stories alive, because new tips or leads could come from anywhere.

To submit a case for consideration by the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, click on the link here.