Over 30 years ago, a quadruple homicide claimed the lives of four teenage girls in Austin, Texas and today the case remains unsolved. The Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act was inspired by this case and would require federal agencies to look at cold cases with a fresh set of eyes and apply the most up-to-date technologies and investigative standards.

In the quiet agony of unresolved homicide, families are often left with more questions than answers. Their loved ones’ names are buried beneath files labeled “cold case,” and with each passing year, hope dims. But in 2022, that hope was rekindled.

The passage of the Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act (HVFRA) marked a pivotal moment in the U.S. justice system, one that acknowledged not just the crimes themselves, but the enduring pain of the families left behind.

What Is the Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act (HVFRA) of 2022?

The HVFRA is a federal law signed in June 2022 aimed at giving families of federal homicide victims new tools to seek justice, even years after the crime. It empowers them to formally request a review of their loved one’s case -if it has remained unsolved for at least three years and exhausted all viable leads.

This groundbreaking legislation was created to close the gap between law enforcement and grieving families, offering transparency, communication, and most importantly, a pathway to reinvestigation.

What Rights Does the HVFRA Give Families?

Under the HVFRA, families now have the legal right to:

• Request a full case review for unsolved federal homicides over 3 years old
• Receive a decision within 90 days from the investigative agency
• Obtain regular updates throughout the review process
• Get a final report detailing the results of the reinvestigation
• Challenge a denial with documented reasoning required by the agency

These provisions were designed to restore trust and ensure families aren’t left in the dark.

Cold Case Reality: Why This Law Was Needed

There are currently over 250,000 unsolved homicides in the United States. That’s more than 250,000 families still waiting – often for decades with no justice and no closure.

The HVFRA brings national attention to this often-ignored crisis. By mandating data collection, it not only addresses individual cases but also exposes broader flaws in how cold cases are managed. It’s a bold statement that every victim matters, and that no case should be forgotten simply due to time.

Why Families Must Be Part of the Justice Process

Family members aren’t just passive observers. They often carry vital information, emotional insights, and relentless determination that can reopen closed doors. Excluding them causes unnecessary trauma and deepens distrust in law enforcement.

Research shows that involving families:

• Boosts investigative accountability
• Promotes transparency and communication
• Helps identify new leads or overlooked details

The HVFRA sets a precedent for victim-centered justice, reinforcing that families deserve a seat at the table.

How to Request a Cold Case Review

Whether the case falls under federal or local jurisdiction, there are now clearer steps for families to formally request a cold case review.

For Federal Cases (FBI)

• Go to: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
• Contact your nearest FBI Field Office
• Provide case details, your relation to the victim, and a written request

Agencies have 90 days to respond under HVFRA guidelines.

For Local or State Cases

• Start with the law enforcement agency that originally investigated the case
• Many states now have cold case units – search “[Your State] cold case review request”
• Some states offer online forms (e.g., Colorado, Illinois, Texas)

A New Chapter for Cold Case Justice

The Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act is more than a law, I believe it is a signal of change. It recognizes that justice delayed shouldn’t be justice denied, and that the voices of families deserve to be heard, respected, and acted upon.

For every cold case still waiting to be solved, and every family still waiting to be heard – this law is a step forward.

References:

Public Law 117-164 – Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act of 2021 (Summary, Congress.gov) congress.gov.

Sen. John Cornyn – Press Release, Aug. 3, 2022: “Cornyn Bill to Help Solve Cold Cases Signed Into Law.” cornyn.senate.govcornyn.senate.gov.

VOCAL / Fox News – “Biden signs bipartisan cold case law establishing federal right to request review…” (Aug. 2022) vocalonline.orgvocalonline.org.

Air Force OSI – “Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act” (guidance on submitting requests) osi.af.milosi.af.mil.

Federal Register – Proposed DOJ Rule to implement HVFRA (Jan. 2025) federalregister.govfederalregister.gov.

ABC7 Chicago – “Proposed IL law could give cold cases new life” (Feb. 7, 2024) abc7chicago.comabc7chicago.com.

National Sheriffs’ Association – “Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations” (2011 guide) sheriffs.orgsheriffs.org.

Texas Attorney General – “Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit” (overview & stats) texasattorneygeneral.gov.

Joseph Giacalone (Det., NYPD Cold Case Squad, ret.) – Quote on HVFRA impact vocalonline.org.