Lead Development

Expanding the Investigative Toolbox

Cold cases often reach a point where every traditional investigative avenue has been exhausted. The Jack & Jill Rosenthal Foundation (JJRF) was created to complement—not replace—the work of law enforcement by applying specialized skills and modern investigative techniques that may uncover new opportunities for inquiry.

Our role is to identify potential leads that fall outside the scope of conventional investigative resources. By combining diverse areas of expertise, we provide agencies with a fresh perspective on cases that have remained unresolved for years or even decades.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

JJRF brings together professionals and volunteers with expertise in fields that can complement a criminal investigation, including:

  • Investigative Genetic Genealogy

  • Traditional genealogy

  • Historical and archival research

  • Public records analysis

  • Case timeline reconstruction

  • Behavioral and victimology research

  • Geographic and demographic analysis

  • Digital research and open-source intelligence (OSINT)

  • Media and public engagement strategies

  • Case visualization and analytical review

Each case is approached collaboratively, allowing multiple disciplines to examine the evidence from different perspectives in an effort to identify overlooked connections, new investigative avenues, or individuals who may warrant further attention.

From Analysis to Action

As our team develops information, every potential lead is carefully documented and organized into a written report. These reports may include:

  • Newly identified persons of interest or potential witnesses

  • Previously overlooked records or historical information

  • DNA or genealogical findings

  • Investigative observations and supporting analysis

  • Recommendations for possible follow-up inquiries

Our objective is to provide law enforcement with actionable intelligence—not conclusions. Every lead we submit is intended to assist investigators in determining whether additional investigative steps are appropriate.

Respecting the Investigative Process

JJRF does not conduct criminal investigations on behalf of law enforcement, nor do we independently pursue the leads we develop.

JJRF will never interview witnesses, contact persons of interest, or conduct investigative activities without the prior written request and authorization of the investigating law enforcement agency. Furthermore, we will never undertake any action that could compromise, interfere with, or otherwise negatively impact an active or inactive criminal investigation. Our role is to support law enforcement while respecting the agency's authority, investigative strategy, and chain of command at all times.

All leads generated by JJRF are submitted directly to the requesting agency for its review and evaluation. Decisions regarding follow-up investigation, evidence collection, interviews, or enforcement actions remain solely with the lead law enforcement agency.

A Collaborative Partnership

Our goal is to provide agencies with additional investigative resources that may not otherwise be available—leveraging modern technology, specialized expertise, and multidisciplinary analysis to help generate fresh leads in difficult cold cases.

When combined with the knowledge, experience, and authority of law enforcement investigators, these additional perspectives can create new opportunities to move long-unsolved cases closer to resolution.