Supporting a Cold Case investigation

Crime Stoppers provides a trusted, anonymous way for the public to share information in cold cases, helping overcome fear or reluctance that may have prevented tips in the past. By re-publicizing cold cases and offering anonymity and potential rewards, Crime Stoppers can generate new leads, identify witnesses or suspects, and uncover details that were previously overlooked. When combined with modern investigative and forensic efforts, Crime Stoppers helps re-engage the community and reinforce that cold cases remain active and solvable.  To engage Crime Stoppers regarding an investigation, contact the investigating law enforcement agency or locate the local Crime Stoppers office listed on the state Crime Stoppers website that covers the jurisdiction handling the case. 

https://www.crimestoppersusa.org

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that gives the public the right to request access to records held by federal government agencies. FOIA is designed to promote transparency and accountability by allowing individuals, including victims’ families, to request documents such as case reports, investigative records, correspondence, and other agency files, subject to certain legal exemptions. In addition to the federal FOIA, every state has its own version of a public records or open records law that applies to state and local government agencies, including police departments, prosecutors’ offices, and medical examiners. While some information may be withheld to protect ongoing investigations, privacy, or sensitive law enforcement methods, these laws provide an important legal pathway for families to request and obtain case-related documents and better understand the status and history of an investigation.

Beyond FOIA-based requests, records may also be obtained through other established legal processes, such as requesting certified documents from county or state vital statistics offices, obtaining court records, filings, and transcripts from the court of jurisdiction, and accessing archived or administrative records maintained by local agencies.

Submitting or updating a case in national databases such as NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System located at www.NamUS.gov) can dramatically increase visibility and access to vital investigative resources. These platforms allow families and agencies to share case information publicly, helping reach medical examiners, law enforcement, forensic professionals, and members of the public who may hold critical information. Ensuring that photographs, physical descriptions, last-seen details, and circumstances are accurate and complete improves the chances of recognition and potential matches with unidentified remains. For older cases, updating entries with new photos or information can reintroduce the case to fresh audiences and modern investigative tools.

 Responsible social media campaigns can play a valuable role in advancing cold case investigations by increasing public awareness and encouraging meaningful community participation. Effective campaigns rely on the careful sharing of verified, factual information, providing enough detail to prompt recognition and generate credible tips without compromising investigative strategies or sensitive evidence. Just as importantly, these efforts should be conducted in collaboration with the investigating law enforcement agency to ensure messaging aligns with investigative priorities and that appropriate systems are in place to receive, triage, and follow up on public tips. When used thoughtfully, social media can expand outreach while preserving the integrity of the investigation and supporting investigators in managing public responses. 

Reviewing historical media coverage is an important investigative tool in cold case investigations. Broadcast news segments, newspaper articles, books, and other published materials often capture details that may not appear elsewhere, including contemporaneous descriptions of the crime, timelines as they were understood at the time, and interviews with victims, witnesses, persons of interest, or even offenders. Media sources can also reveal names, locations, relationships, and investigative leads that were reported early in the case and later overlooked or forgotten. While this information can be extremely valuable for generating leads and context, it should always be treated as lead information rather than verified fact and corroborated through primary sources such as police reports, official records, and follow-up interviews to ensure accuracy and investigative reliability. 

Retired investigators who possess intimate knowledge of unsolved homicides and missing person cases can be invaluable assets during a cold case review. Their firsthand familiarity with the original investigation, witnesses, evidence handling, and decision-making provides historical context that may not be captured in reports alone, helping current teams understand why certain paths were taken and where gaps may exist. They can often recall overlooked details, clarify investigative timelines, and offer practical insight into past limitations in technology or resources. However, while this experience is extremely valuable, it is equally important to safeguard against bias or preconceived assumptions that may have formed over time. A successful cold case review must remain objective, allowing fresh eyes, modern tools, and current forensic advancements to guide the process, ensuring that conclusions are driven by evidence and facts, not legacy theories or prior beliefs.