JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ryan Backmann had no idea his world would be turned upside down on Oct. 10, 2009. It is the day his father, Clifford Backmann, was robbed and killed at a construction site on Bonneval Road. His case remains unsolved.
In the years since, Ryan Backmann founded Project: Cold Case in Jacksonville to help support and advocate for families of unsolved homicides. Recently working with Senator Rosalind Osgood and Representative Christopher Benjamin on Florida Senate Bill 350, the "Decker-Backmann Act".
Named for Marilyn Decker, who was murdered in 1987, and Clifford Backmann. Ryan Backmann says having his father's name on the bill is a mixture of emotions.
"Knowing that his name is a part of something very powerful and positive and helpful for families, but then struggling knowing his name has to be on it," explains Backmann.
The legislation would allow families to apply to have their loved one's case reviewed after five years of being cold, also instruct agencies to keep families updated on the case and enhance law enforcement resources while establishing cold case units within agencies across Florida. It would also encourage the development of protocols for evidence storage for cold cases and help provide emotional support for families.
Backmann says he hopes to see law enforcement in particular step forward to support the bill.
"We need the world to know that they consider cold cases a priority and they are willing to do these things to make sure families are served," tells Backmann, "Hopefully their cases are being resolved and regardless of that, they are not being forgotten."
If you are in support of the bill, Backmann says the best thing you can do is to reach out to your state senator and ask them to support it as well.
To read the full 'Decker-Backmann Act' CLICK HERE:
