PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island’s Cold Case Unit has made significant progress since it convened for the first time last year, according to R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Neronha told the R.I. Senate Finance Committee Tuesday evening that the Cold Case Unit has “effectively solved” two homicides. He stopped short of revealing which ones are on the verge of being cracked, noting that investigators are still tying up loose ends.

“We have solved those cases with the resources the committee recommended and ultimately the Senate passed,” Neronha explained, adding that he expects to unveil the Cold Case Unit’s findings within the next month.

Neronha began his crusade to launch a dedicated Cold Case Unit last spring, when he requested Gov. Dan McKee include funding for his office in his state budget proposal. He explained that his office was understaffed, underfunded and did not have the resources to take on cold case investigations.

McKee initially denied Neronha’s budget request, citing uncertainty over a possible recession . But the R.I. General Assembly found a way to make it work , thanks to the significant amount of settlement funds that Neronha’s office has generated over the years.

Neronha said McKee’s $13.7 billion budget proposal includes level funding for his office, which he’s grateful for.

“The investment in my office is well worth it,” Neronha told the committee. “We have delivered results.”

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