COURT HOUSE – Law enforcement is hoping new artificial intelligence (AI) based technology will help find answers to a 30-year-old cold case from Middle Township.
Mark Himebaugh disappeared from Middle Township in 1991 and police were never able to find a substantial lead into the case.
Middle Township Police Department (MTPD) released an announcement, May 24, stating they are working in close partnership with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office in an effort to advance the investigation into Himebaugh’s disappearance.
Himebaugh was 11 when he left his home in Del Haven at around 4 p.m. Nov. 25, 1991, and was not seen again.
For its part, the Prosecutor’s Office has entered into an agreement with Tabtu Corp and its service provider, Terawe, to use their Vollee AI service to assist in attempts to solve the Himebaugh case.
The MTPD said investigations can result in the collection of large amounts of data and evidence and AI has the potential to help find patterns and connections in the vast array of information collected that may not be readily apparent. Law enforcement said the Vollee AI service can help improve the efficiency and efficacy of these investigations.
“I want to thank the Vollee team and Microsoft for partnering with us on this important project,” said Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner, who is retiring June 1. “It is important that we use every available resource and the latest technology to help us find Mark. My hope is this pilot program will help us solve Mark’s case and be used as a model to help with other cold cases.”
“Recent advances in technology have been assisting law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases,” said Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland. “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners investigating Mark’s disappearance and we look forward to utilizing the new technology from Tabtu Corp and Terawe in continuing our search for Mark.”
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, FBI’s Atlantic City Field Office, and New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit are partners in this investigation.
Lower Township – Who are these people that are obvious experts on trash cans and leaf pick-up? Maybe they don't have any trash to put out or leaves in their yard!!
