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Cracking Cold Case

Cracking the Cold Case: The Anatomy and Deconstruction of Unsolved Crimes

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Abstract

Popularized by the media and trendy television programs, the topic of “cold case investigation” has become ubiquitous. By examining unsolved cases and investigating detective processes, a compilation of information is gathered to analyze, reexamine and recreate crimes in an effort to solve them. This research aims to examine the procedures and anatomy of unsolved cases while reviewing the current cold case management tactics used by local and national law enforcement officials. Through academic literature, eight law enforcement staff interviews, governmental publications and the author’s documented first-hand investigative experience, this thesis also suggests recommendations for all cold case investigative personnel in their future case investigations. Though the media has worked for and against creating an accurate depiction of cold case investigation, using determined volunteers or decks of playing cards could offer unique techniques to investigators that now may have more tools to use than they realized.

Part I: Introduction and Definitions

For centuries, law enforcement agencies have used

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Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations:

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INTRODUCTION

Statement of the Problem

Advancements in DNA technology and other forensic investigative tools have enabled law enforcement agencies to reopen cases left dormant for years. Although the number of cold cases investigated by agencies on a nationwide basis each year is currently not tracked, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) does track the number of offenses cleared. In 2009, 66.6 percent of the 13,242 murder and non-negligent manslaughter crimes in the United States were cleared by arrest or exceptional means.1 While this is a significant clearance rate, it leaves many homicides unsolved each year. In response to the advances in forensic technology, many law enforcement agencies have established cold case units with the hope that reexamining evidence will help solve more crimes. As cases are reopened, investigators are contacting survivors of homicide victims. Although survivors may be grateful that their loved one’s murder has renewed attention, the reopening of a

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