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Little Rock Cold Cases

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Little Rock, Arkansas Cold Cases

The police and relatives of the missing and murdered in Little Rock, Arkansas have struggled with cold cases for years. The Arkansas Crime Information Center reports that there have been over 500 cold cases in Little Rock since 1980. The passage of time and the absence of important evidence or witnesses can make certain cases more challenging to solve.

A significant obstacle in solving cold cases is the common absence of pivotal evidence or witnesses. Potential eyewitnesses could have relocated, forgotten key facts, or even perished. Over time, physical evidence may have degraded or been lost. It may also be difficult for investigators to identify and apprehend the criminal because the trail of evidence may have gone cold.

Law enforcement in Little Rock and elsewhere in Arkansas and the United States is persevering in its efforts to close cold cases despite these obstacles. The application of cutting-edge forensic technology, such as DNA testing and analysis, has been shown to be effective in some investigations. The use of modern technology in re-examining old evidence can lead to the identification of perpetrators and, in some cases, the release of falsely condemned individuals.

The use of social media and other technologies by law enforcement can supplement the findings of forensic science and provide additional leads and information. In order to bring attention to a case, solicit information from the public, or notify the public of recent events, they may use social media. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a database that law enforcement agencies can use to share information and work together.

Famous cold cases in Little Rock

Cooperation between law enforcement and other groups is another effective method for resolving cold cases. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Doe Network are two non-profits that can aid law enforcement with resources including databases and knowledge of how to solve cold cases. By pooling their resources and knowledge, law enforcement agencies and organizations can more efficiently solve cold cases.

It's crucial that law enforcement and the public keep pushing to crack cold cases, despite the fact that they're difficult and time-consuming. We can help victims' families find resolution by devoting time and energy to these cases, and we can ensure that those responsible for these atrocities face justice.

The Arkansas Crime Information Center is a valuable resource for families who have lost loved ones to violence in Arkansas (ACIC). To facilitate the search for and sharing of information on missing persons and unidentified remains, this organization serves as a hub for law enforcement agencies, relatives, and the general public. By using ACIC, concerned parties can create profiles for missing loved ones and collaborate in efforts to locate or identify them.

In conclusion, missing and homicide cases that go unsolved are a challenging problem in Little Rock and across the country. Since solving these cases can be difficult and time-consuming, it is crucial that law enforcement and the public remain dedicated to doing so in order to bring justice to the victims' loved ones and bring them closure. We can keep working to solve these cold cases and deliver justice to individuals who have been wronged through the use of cutting-edge technology, collaboration with other groups, and focus on these instances.

Joseph Smedley
Joseph SmedleySuspicious Death, 2015
Asha Degree
Asha DegreeMissing, 2000

Consider this

More than 200,000 unsolved cases have gone cold since 1980, and murder clearance rates continue to drop. With equity for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underserved victims not prioritized in the true crime community—together we can do better.

What is Little Rock Police Department (LRPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

Unsolved and cold cases may be investigated by LRPD using a wide range of tactics.

Evidence and forensic materials are frequently reexamined using state-of-the-art equipment and scientific techniques. Forensic analysis can involve several methods, such as DNA testing and ballistics analysis. As part of their work, investigators may re-interview witnesses, speak with new individuals who may have information relating to the case, and pore over case files and prior investigations in search of new leads or ignored evidence.

In addition, local police may form partnerships with federal agencies like the FBI in order to pool resources and pool knowledge. They may also coordinate with regional media to increase exposure of the investigation and find fresh leads.

A number of police agencies have established "cold case units," staffed by investigators with expertise in reopening cold cases. Some agencies have specialized divisions whose job it is to reexamine closed cases for possible new leads and devise plans for reopening the investigations.

Involving and keeping the victims' loved ones informed during the investigation is another crucial tactic. Trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the families involved can be crucial in solving many cases, and this can assist foster that.

A police department's approach to a given case, the tools at its disposal, and the experience of its investigative officers will all influence the methods it employs. While inquiries into cold cases can be difficult and time-consuming, they can also give victims' families with closure and help individuals who have been wronged receive justice.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In order to help in the resolution of cold cases, Little Rock, Arkansas provides a number of different options. For example:

The Arkansas State Police Cold Case Unit is in charge of investigating cold cases, such as unsolved homicides or missing persons cases, across the state, including in the capital city of Little Rock. Along with law enforcement, they use a variety of tools and strategies to investigate and perhaps solve cold cases.

The Little Rock Police Department has a special cold case squad that looks into cold cases of homicide that have gone unresolved. They use things like Genetic evidence and forensic procedures to try to figure out what happened.

Located in the heart of Little Rock, the Arkansas Crime Information Center serves as a reference and support hub for law enforcement departments around the state. Cold case investigations can benefit from their forensic analyses, criminal records checks, and other services.

The Little Rock, Arkansas, field office of the FBI is a useful resource for solving cold cases. They have specialist units that can assist with criminological tasks, including forensic analysis and profiling.

Arkansas is home to a number of charitable organizations dedicated to investigating cold cases and providing assistance to victims' loved ones. Two such groups are the Arkansas Cold Case Coalition and Arkansas Survivors of Murder, Inc. These groups can help families and law enforcement authorities with cold case investigations by providing them with resources and support.

Major cities surrounding Little Rock, Arkansas

Memphis, Tennessee
Shreveport, Louisiana
Jackson, Mississippi
Tulsa, Oklahoma
St. Louis, Missouri

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