How to Find Old Homicide Cases: Tips, Sources, and Techniques
Old homicide cases, also known as cold cases, refer to unsolved criminal cases, usually involving homicide, that have not been solved for an extended period, often more than a year. These cases present a challenge to law enforcement, investigators, and families of victims because the trails can go cold, evidence disappears, and memories fade. However, the use of modern technology and investigative techniques has made it possible to solve some of these cases. The aim of this article is to provide tips and techniques on how to search for old homicide cases and highlight online and offline sources of information that can aid the search process.
Different sources to search for old homicide cases
There are several sources to search for old homicide cases; here are a few:
Police department and law enforcement archives
The police department and other law enforcement agencies often keep a record of unsolved cases, including homicides, which are accessible to the public. This record can be accessed through public records requests or by visiting the department in person. In some cases, the department’s website may have a searchable database of cold cases.
One example of a solved homicide case achieved through the use of police department archives was the case of Lisa Ziegert, who was murdered in 1992 in Massachusetts. The case went unsolved for over twenty years until detectives, using archives, found a DNA sample that led to the perpetrator’s arrest.
Crime and public records databases
Several online resources provide access to a wealth of crime and public records databases, including MuckRock, Archive.org, PublicRecords.com, and PublicData. These databases have large collections of old homicide cases, police reports, coroner reports, and other crime-related records that can aid the search process.
One example of a solved homicide case achieved through the use of a public records database was the case of Jody Loomis, who was murdered in Washington State in 1972. The case was solved in 2018 when detectives retrieved DNA from evidence found on the victim’s clothes and used a public genealogy database to identify the perpetrator.
Private investigators and cold case organizations
Several private investigators, law firms, and non-profit organizations specialize in searching for old homicide cases and provide resources online. These organizations often have access to resources not available to the general public and can provide support in navigating legal and legislative processes when necessary.
One example of a solved homicide case achieved through the use of a private investigator was the case of Michaela Garecht, who was kidnapped in California in 1988. The case went unsolved for over 30 years until a private investigator, using DNA evidence, located the perpetrator in 2020.
Tips for searching for old homicide cases
Effective searching of old homicide cases requires attention to detail, strategic planning, and patience. Here are a few tips on how to conduct a comprehensive search:
Understand the details of the case
Effective searching begins with understanding the case’s details, including the victim’s full name, the date and location of the homicide, and any known details about the perpetrator. Knowing these details helps in narrowing down the search and appropriately using the available resources.
Use advanced search tools
Advanced search tools on online databases and search engines can be useful in narrowing down search criteria. Examples include using quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, using ‘OR’ or ‘-‘ to exclude irrelevant results or searching for specific file types.
Seek help from expert researchers
When conducting a search, it’s not uncommon to encounter obstacles or hit dead ends. Expert researchers are useful in providing guidance on strategies to navigate these obstacles and providing access to specialized resources and expertise.
Utilize community resources
Community resources such as local libraries, newspaper archives and history societies can provide information not available in other sources. These resources often contain details and information about older cases that are not available online.
Famous cold cases that were solved
Several famous cold cases have been solved using different investigation techniques. Here are some examples:
The Golden State Killer
The Golden State Killer was responsible for 13 murders and over 50 rapes in California in the 70s and 80s. The case remained unsolved for decades until 2018 when detectives used a public genealogy database to identify a distant relative of the perpetrator, eventually leading to his arrest and sentencing in 2020.
The Boy in the Box
The case of the ‘Boy in the Box’ is one of the oldest and most enduring cold cases in America. The body of an unidentified boy was found in a cardboard box in Philadelphia in 1957. The case remained unsolved for over 60 years until a team of investigators used forensic genealogy to identify the boy’s family and track down potential suspects.
Significance of solving old homicide cases
The importance of solving old homicide cases cannot be overstated. Solving these cases provides closure to families of victims, helps investigators bring perpetrators to justice, and promotes public safety by removing criminals from society.
One significant example of the impact of solving cold cases is the arrest and sentencing of the murderer of Marcia King. Marcia’s disappearance in 1979 went unsolved for over 40 years until the DNA matched from the crime scene was used through genealogy to lead the police to a suspect. Her sister stated: “Without ending Marcia’s story, it’s impossible for our family to move forward.”
How to use genealogy to solve old homicide cases
Genealogy has become a critical tool for solving old crimes. Genealogy involves the use of DNA from crime scenes to identify suspects, often by linking the DNA to relatives. This technique has become more popular with the availability of large public genealogy databases such as Ancestry.com and 23andMe.
One example of a solved homicide case achieved through the use of genealogy was the Golden State Killer case mentioned above.
Common challenges in finding old homicide cases
Common challenges one may face when searching for old homicide cases include missing or incomplete records, lack of digitized files, faded memories, and dead-end investigations. However, these challenges can be overcome by seeking out creative ways to gather information and collaborating with other investigators and organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, searching for old homicide cases requires time, patience, and attention to detail. We have highlighted some of the sources, techniques, and tips that can aid this process and provided examples of famous cold cases that have been solved. Solving these old homicides is crucial, not just for victims’ families but also for the safety of society, and we hope this article has been helpful in demonstrating the strategies that can be applied to solve these cases.