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Colorado Springs Cold Cases

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Colorado Springs, Colorado Cold Cases

Murders and disappearances in Colorado Springs often go unsolved. Several people's loved ones have disappeared without a trace, and some instances have gained notoriety because of the length of time they went unsolved. The families of victims in some cases have received closure, while victims in others have been left with more questions than answers.

The National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs) reports that Colorado Springs has over a hundred unsolved cold cases dating back to at least 1980. Every one of these cases—from the missing to the murdered—represents a family looking for closure.

The 2012 disappearance of Kara Nichols stands out as one such instance. Nichols, a 19-year-old aspiring model from Colorado Springs, vanished on route to a photo assignment in Denver. Her story went viral, and her loved ones are still looking for closure.

The 2010 murder of Micah Lambert is another high-profile example. Lambert was murdered in his Colorado Springs home, and the crime has never been solved. His demise stunned the city where he was a popular musician.

Regrettably, these are only a small percentage of the cases in Colorado Springs that have yet to be solved. The police department in Colorado Springs has a special squad tasked with examining cold cases. The team collaborates closely with victims' loved ones as they investigate evidence with the help of cutting-edge technology and forensic methods.

Famous cold cases in Colorado Springs

Several instances are still unsolved and families are still waiting for answers despite their best efforts. These unsolved crimes have repercussions for the entire neighborhood, not just the victims' families. Many locals are hoping for justice and closure after suffering from the effects of crime fear and anxiety about the safety of loved ones.

While some cases may never be solved, there is hope that new technology and improvements in forensic science will eventually lead to answers. Meanwhile, many in Colorado Springs continue to honor the victims and demand justice for the families of those killed.

Statistics on unsolved crimes in Colorado Springs highlight the need for citizen participation in crime monitoring and reporting. If you have any information about these offenses or any other crimes in Colorado Springs, please call the police department or Crime Stoppers.

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 Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) employs a wide range of techniques and strategies in its investigation of cold cases and other unsolved crimes, as do other police departments across the country. Following are some of the strategies that the CSPD uses to examine unsolved cases:

The CSPD often employs the practice of re-examining evidence from cold cases in light of advances in forensic science. Improvements in DNA technology have led to breakthroughs in many instances, and the CSPD works with forensic professionals to analyze evidence in order to uncover fresh leads and suspects.

The CSPD also makes use of cutting-edge technology to investigate and solve cold cases. The department's crime lab, for instance, makes use of an advanced database system to help find potential evidence-suspect matches.

The CSPD reviews cold case files frequently to look for new leads or information that may have been overlooked. In order to get more information, detectives may re-interview witnesses or victims' loved ones.

In order to share information and resources, the CSPD collaborates closely with other law enforcement agencies, both local and national. This is especially useful if the suspect has possibly fled to another country.

Finally, the CSPD asks for the public's help by inviting anyone with knowledge of cold cases to come forward. To encourage the public to provide information on unsolved crimes, the department has set up a special tip line and collaborated with the local media.

Although it can be difficult, the CSPD will continue to investigate cold cases in the hopes of bringing closure to the victims and their families. The agency periodically analyzes its methods and tactics in order to stay up-to-date with the newest investigative techniques and technologies. Through collaborating with the community and other law enforcement agencies, the CSPD intends to continue to solve cold cases and hold those responsible for crimes accountable.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to a number of resources devoted to the investigation of cold cases. Here are only a few examples:

Colorado State Police use the services of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for both criminal investigations and forensic analysis. Specifically, they have a Cold Case Unit that collaborates with other organizations to investigate and solve cold cases.

The Murder Cold Case Unit at the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) investigates homicides and disappearances that have not yet been resolved. There is also a Missing People Unit to help with such investigations.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains a Cold Case Unit dedicated to solving cold cases of murder and disappearance.

As the name implies, the Colorado Cold Case Database is a statewide repository for data pertaining to unsolved crimes. The CBI is responsible for its upkeep and its availability to the public and law enforcement.

Supporting and advocating for the relatives of homicide victims and missing persons, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons (FOHVAMP) is a non-profit organization. They also try to get the word out about cold cases and push for changes in legislation and policy.

Major cities surrounding Colorado Springs, Colorado

Denver, Colorado
Aurora, Colorado
Pueblo, Colorado
Castle Rock, Colorado
Fountain, Colorado

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