Photo: EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI / AFP / Getty Images
There are more than 20,000 murders that have gone unsolved in Florida since 1965, which ranks the state sixth in the nation.
That's according to Attorney General Ashley Moody who on Thursday announced the creation of a statewide Cold Case Investigation unit.
"We went to the Legislature, we sought additional funding. We pulled together investigators. We pulled together attorneys with the right expertise."
Moody paid a visit to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children's office in Palm Beach Gardens to make the announcement.
"In certain instances where Florida agencies need assistance. They need additional resources. They need expertise. They need help following up on evidence. We can be that resource for them as needed."
She says the unit has already started working. The state last month indicted 33-year old Timothy Thomas in the murder of a 16-year old Gainesville boy more than a decade ago.
Alongside the attorney general was Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Callahan Walsh, son of John Walsh and cohost of the new version of "America's Most Wanted" with his father.
In giving the Sunshine State's status as sixth in the nation for unsolved murders, Moody pointed out that Florida is a large state, but said that doesn't mean they don't aggressively pursue these cases. The states with more cold cases are California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan.
She reminded residents that they can help solve these cold cases by reporting any information at CrimeStoppers by dialing **TIPS from anywhere in the state. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could get a reward.