What is "cold case"

n. A criminal investigation that has not been solved after a considerable time but remains "on the books"; may be reopened when new evidence appears.

A cold case is a crime or an accident that has not yet been fully solved and is not the subject of a recent criminal investigation, but for which new information could emerge from new witness testimony, re-examined archives, new or retained material evidence, as well as fresh activities of the suspect. New technical methods developed after the case can be used on the surviving evidence to re-analyze the causes, often with conclusive results.

A cold case is an unsolved crime no longer being investigated.

Cold Case (2003–2010) and Cold Case Files (1999–2006) were American TV series.

Cold Case may also refer to:

• "Cold Case" (Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye)
• "Cold Case" ('Til Death)
• "Cold Case" (The Whole Truth)
• A Cold Case, a novel by Philip Gourevitch

Season one of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 28, 2003. Cold Case is a drama about Lilly Rush, an enigmatic and highly effective detective on the Philadelphia Homicide Squad. Rush's instinctive understanding of the criminal mind and her singular passion for uncovering the truth makes her the perfect fit for investigating cold cases, yester-crimes that have remained unsolved – some only a few months old, others going back decades. Rush and her team use their wits to take on aging evidence and witnesses with buried secrets, uncovering fresh clues, digging into old wounds and doggedly pursuing the truth. Joining Rush on her mission are a team of talented detectives: Scotty Valens, Rush's confident and street-smart partner; Nick Vera, rough around the edges but a sharp investigator; Will Jeffries, an experienced veteran who's been around the block; Kat Miller, no-nonsense and resourceful; and Lieutenant John Stillman, Rush's mentor and sometime father figure. With their assistance, Rush is able to take on the toughest cases, giving voice to victims unable to speak for themselves – making sure none is ever forgotten. Season one regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry and Jeremy Ratchford. In 3 episodes, Justin Chambers had played Chris Lassing, Lilly's partner on the Philadelphia Homicide Squad, but left the show to star as Alex Karev in ABC's hit drama show Grey's Anatomy.

Season two of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on October 3, 2004 and concluded on May 22, 2005. Season two regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry and Jeremy Ratchford.

Season three of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 25, 2005 and concluded on May 21, 2006. Season three regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry and Jeremy Ratchford. From episode 8 ownards, Tracie Thoms joins the main cast as Det. Kat Miller.

Season four of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 24, 2006 and concluded on May 6, 2007. Season four regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry, Jeremy Ratchford and Tracie Thoms. This is the only season of the series to feature 24 episodes.

During this season before the season finale "Stalker", Danny Pino guest starred as his character Scotty Valens in an episode of CSI:NY, also produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Season five of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 23, 2007 and concluded on May 4, 2008. Season five regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry, Jeremy Ratchford and Tracie Thoms. This season was originally scheduled to air 24 episodes, but due to the Writer's Strike only 18 episodes were produced and aired.

Season Six of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 28, 2008 and concluded on May 10, 2009. Season Six regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry, Jeremy Ratchford and Tracie Thoms.

Season seven of Cold Case, an American television series, began airing on September 27, 2009 and concluded on May 2, 2010. Season seven regular cast members include Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Thom Barry, Jeremy Ratchford, and Tracie Thoms. This is the series's last season; it was cancelled due to low ratings. This season had an average of 9.86 million viewers, being the least watched season of the series.