MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County is getting $100,000 in federal funding for its abducted, missing, murdered and unidentified women initiative.
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy made the announcement Wednesday morning in Mayville, along with members of the sheriff's office, who say this money will go a long way in helping the families involved with these unsolved cases.
"Their lives tragically cut short. Their families left with unanswered questions in unimaginable pain," Langworthy said.
Langworthy just announced that the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office will be getting $100,000 in federal funding for the abducted, missing, murdered and unidentified women initiative.
"They will have the resources necessary to meticulously piece together evidence, follow up on leads, and collaborate with other agencies to ensure that no stone is unturned, and they're able to capitalize on new technology that didn't exist when many of these tragedies took place," Langworthy said.
Langworthy says that over the past 45 years, more than 25 people have disappeared, have been murdered, or are still unidentified in Chautauqua County. He added that 14 of the cases involve girls and women between the ages of 14 and 35.
The Sheriff explained why he uses the term unsolved cases instead of cold cases.
"Officers, our investigators, our office, continually work on them, look for leads, look for cases, evidence that we can move forward. Some are more difficult than others. But with their persistence, we're seeing successes," Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone said.
The Sheriff thanked the families of the women, and mentioned the relatives of Yolanda Bindics who disappeared in 2004. Her body was found in 2006 and her case remains unsolved.
"They often drive our motivation to work these cases to come up with some resolutions, to come up with some answers. We can't say necessarily closure, but I think sometimes when we can come up with something, it gives them a little bit more of a peace of mind," Sheriff Quattrone said.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office has a website where you can learn more about the unsolved cases with an option to email investigators.
RELATED VIDEO: