Local cases included in Cold Case Playing Cards
This year’s edition of Cold Case Playing Cards includes the unsolved missing persons case of Branson Perry and the unsolved murder of Teresa “Tess” Hilt.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Two Nodaway County unsolved cases are featured in the second edition of Missouri’s Cold Case Playing Cards program that is intended to help shed light on cold cases and pursue new leads.
The program puts victims of unsolved cases from across the state on playing cards that are distributed throughout Missouri correctional facilities. Each card features a photo and details about an unsolved homicide, missing person or unidentified remains case. The cases are submitted by law enforcement agencies.
This year’s edition includes Branson Perry, a Skidmore man who has been missing since April 11, 2001, and Teresa “Tess” Hilt, a Northwest Missouri State College student killed in her apartment in 1973 whose murder remains unsolved. Perry is the two of clubs and Hilt is the ace of clubs.
The initiative, intended to encourage offenders with information to come forward and assist investigators, is a partnership among Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office, the FBI, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Corrections and law enforcement agencies statewide. According to a news release from Hanaway’s office, more than 25 states have participated in the FBI’s program, which has led to the revitalization of cold cases and, for some cases, a final answer.
“Many families have continued to suffer for years while they wait for justice in unsolved homicides, missing persons, or unidentified remains in cases that have gone cold,” FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Chris Ormerod said in the news release. “At the FBI, we’re committed in bringing the full weight of our office to solving these cases. This playing card initiative is just one way in attempting to generate additional leads.”
The cards are viewable online at bit.ly/3UnR10Q.
Law enforcement encourages anyone with information that could be useful regarding a cold case to contact the toll-free automated tip line at 844-458-6622 or email [email protected].
