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Can this newly enhanced composite crack 1980 Jacksonville cold case?

By Lorena Inclan, Action News Jax
By Lorena Inclan, Action News Jax

Action News Jax first told you about the murder of 18-year-old Carol Ann Barrett in November of last year.

PODCAST: Project Cold Case: Carol Ann Barrett

Her case has never been solved, but the Jacksonville’s Sheriff’s Office said an unresolved palm print at the scene was a promising lead.

Now, detectives also have a new photo that could make the difference.

It’s all thanks to St. Augustine-based Facelogics. Founder Vinnie Russo, worked with JSO to enhance the composite of the suspect.

Project Cold Case: Carol Barrett

Carol Barrett was 18 when she traveled to Florida for spring break in 1980. Her half-nude body was found by I-95 near the Jacksonville airport. Her killer has never been found, but authorities have one piece of evidence that could solve this (very) cold case: http://bit.ly/2znU91a ITUNES: Subscribe to our Project Cold Case podcast: http://apple.co/2zHzTrZ

Posted by Action News Jax on Wednesday, November 8, 2017

“Basically, what we’re looking for is the points of the face and we’re almost going to do a manual facial identification,” said Russo.

The suspect in pictured in the digitally enhanced composite is suspected of killing Barrett during a spring break trip to Daytona Beach, according to JSO.

Her body was found off I-95 near Jacksonville’s airport in March of 1980.

For Barrett’s niece Claire Gilligan, the new composite changes everything.

“It definitely looks like an actual person it’s not just a pencil and paper kind of thing,” said Gilligan. “I actually thought it looked a lot like my aunt’s ex-boyfriend.”

However, JSO believes Barrett didn’t know her assailant.

Facelogics showed us dozens of other composites its created that have been successful.

Local and statewide law enforcement agencies use Facelogics to help solve active and cold cases. Russo says they also work with federal agencies.

“Even for smaller agencies they now have those resources that they wouldn’t have before,” said Russo.

Russo said his company is also now working with law enforcement to improve suspect line-ups, his company allows for victims or witnesses to look at line-ups remotely without compromising the case.

Barrett’s death is still impacting her family including Gilligan’s children.

“I don’t let certain things happen I’m very cautious,” said Gilligan.

Gilligan is encouraging anyone with information to call JSO, your tip could help heal her family.

“What if it’s your family? Wouldn’t you want closure? Wouldn’t you want someone to speak out?” said Gilligan.

Cox Media Group

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