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Kamiyah Mobley case brings hope to families still waiting for justice

Mobley was active on social media and posted multiple photos of her and Williams. 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Kamiyah Mobley case is re-igniting hope among many local families who are still seeking answers for their loved ones.

For years, Ryan Backmann, founder of Project Cold Case, has made it his mission to bring attention to the unsolved crimes. Backmann said the recent discovery of the abducted infant 18 years alter is exactly why he never gives up hope.

“Eightteen years later somebody called in a tip, somebody thought, "You know what, there’s something suspicious here, let me do the right thing,'” Backmann said.

It goes back to the quote he has on his website that reads “and sometimes against all odds, against all logic…we still hope.”

Reports: 18-year-old abducted from Jacksonville hospital in 1998 knew for 2 years

While the Mobley case is unique, Backmann said it teaches a valuable lesson of perseverance. “For most of the families we help, nobody is going to find our loved ones alive, but there’s still the hope that 18 years later. We can get answers,” Backmann said.

In 2016, Jacksonville had a backlog of more than 750 cold cases dating back to 1990. Backmann created his own data base including 1,300 searchable cases, going beyond the 90s.

He’s also co-authored a book called Grief Diaries Project Cold Case. which highlights local cases. “We were able to release it now for the world to read our stories and how we grieved, and maybe even call in a tip,” said Backmann.

Backmann said keeping cold cases in the public eye is critical, and thanks to the Mobley case, there’s a renewed spotlight on all unsolved crimes.

Backmann now has regular meetings with JSO cold case detectives and also works in other Florida cities serving on cold case review teams. His hope is that the state will eventually help track all unsolved crimes.