News - Local/State

Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2008

To crack crimes, state's betting on cards

York Co. faces might jar inmates' memories

YORK -- They look like playing cards, but they're so much more.

The aces, kings, queens, jacks, spades and jokers could be the bridge to help link police to statewide unsolved homicides and missing persons, including seven cases in York County.

Come the first week of October, the cards will be distributed in 28 S.C. Department of Corrections institutions to 24,000 inmates.

"One segment of the population that has tips on these crimes are inmates," said Detective Mike Baker of the York County Sheriff's Office. "It's an untapped source of information. Every time a hand is dealt, these cards will flash in front of prisoners. We hope to solve these cases with the tips and bring closure to the victims' families."

Officials also are working to get the cards distributed locally at York County Detention Center.

"It's going to be a great tool for law enforcement in that the information we receive regarding criminal activities may help bring justice for the victims' families," York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant said. "We don't normally pick up that information from preachers and Sunday school teachers."

The initiative started in Florida about three years ago and led to arrests, Baker said. In February, Tom Lucas of Spartanburg picked up the effort. Lucas' son, Brian, was the victim of an unsolved homicide in Spartanburg County.

"Mr. Lucas felt so strongly about this (the cards) that he provided the start-up money," Baker said.

The effort is further supported by statewide CrimeStoppers' agencies as well as fundraisers.

"If we can solve one case with the first deck, all the work will be worth it," Lucas said in a news release.

"We are confident that, at some point in time, some families with loved ones on these cards will get the relief that comes with solving the crime."

It's possible the cards may jar memories, Rock Hill Police Chief John Gregory said.

"On the surface, it may seem like a shot in the dark, but inmates traditionally discuss things in prison," Gregory said. "Sometimes, people brag about things they've done. People hear that information."

Anyone with information on these cases can call 1-888-CRIMESC. Inmates can call *49. A reward might be offered.