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Kansas City Cold Cases

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Kansas City, Kansas Cold Cases

Unsolved murders and disappearances have plagued Kansas City, Kansas, for decades. Around 200 murders dating back to 1980 remain unsolved, according to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD). In addition, the KCKPD is now looking into approximately 50 incidents of missing persons.

According to the National Institute of Justice, there are currently over 200,000 cold cases of homicide in the United States, many of which date back decades. Many of the victims' loved ones in Kansas City, Kansas, have not been able to find peace because so many crimes go unsolved.

The passage of time since a crime has occurred is one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome when researching a cold case. There's a chance that witnesses and evidence are hard to find or have degraded over time, complicating matters. Although difficult, the KCKPD remains dedicated to solving cold cases and prosecuting those involved.

The KCKPD has a policy of re-examining evidence from cold cases in light of new developments in forensic science. DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, and other forensic methods can be used to verify previously untested evidence. Evidence reexamined with cutting-edge forensic methods has produced new leads in some cases.

The KCKPD also uses reinterviews with witnesses, victims' families, and suspects to glean more details about the case. Witnesses and suspects may have moved away, changed their names, or even passed away throughout the course of an investigation. By re-interviewing them, detectives may learn new details or discover fresh leads.

The KCKPD also makes use of technological resources, such as forensic databases, to research potential suspects and find new lines of inquiry. When it comes to serious crime, for instance, the KCKPD collaborates with the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP). This software aids forensic analysts and investigators in spotting trends in cold cases.

Famous cold cases in Kansas City

The participation of the local community is also crucial in solving cold cases. The KCKPD collaborates with local groups to alert the public about cold cases and solicit tips from concerned citizens. Tips from the general public have helped solve certain cold cases.

There is a prize available from the KCKPD for information that helps solve homicides that have yet to be solved. For the public to come forward with information that could aid police in solving these crimes, this is a crucial incentive.

In conclusion, the problem of missing and murdered people is a major obstacle for authorities and citizens in Kansas City, Kansas. The KCKPD and its allies are determined to close cold cases and bring closure to the families of those who have been wronged. Yet to solve this problem, authorities, advocates, and the public must work together to educate the public, offer aid, and apprehend the perpetrators.

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 Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

When looking into cold cases, KCKPD may employ a number of possible methods, such as:

Finding fresh information or leads by going over case files, evidence, and witness statements from the first investigation.

The process of re-interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses to glean new information and spot discrepancies in their stories.

Making use of computers and forensics databases to track down leads and identify suspects. DNA testing, fingerprint comparison, and other forensic methods could be used.

Using incentives, collaborating with the media, and social media to solicit participation and collect data from the public.

Sharing knowledge and resources with other law enforcement organizations including the FBI and local prosecutors.

Having seasoned investigators look into cold cases on a regular basis in the hopes of finding fresh leads.

Making use of the expertise of dedicated teams like the cold case squad, which is made up of investigators with specialized experience and education in solving cold cases.

It's crucial to keep in mind that the specifics of each cold case may necessitate a different approach from law enforcement. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department might have, on the basis of its past experience with cold cases, established its own unique approach.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

City, Kansas, Kansas City is located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, which also includes Missouri. There are a number of tools at your disposal to help track down missing persons and solve cold cases in the area.

The Kansas City Police Department maintains a special cold case section that investigates and tries to solve cold cases of homicide and other violent crimes. Sharing data and resources, they work with other organizations and law enforcement entities.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation also has a cold case unit to investigate cold cases of murder and disappearance across the state.

Crime Stoppers is a program that encourages the public to anonymously contribute information to police enforcement regarding crimes that remain unsolved or are considered cold cases. Tips that lead to an arrest and conviction can be rewarded monetarily through the Kansas City Crime Stoppers program.

Numerous private detective firms in the Kansas City region focus on solving cold cases.

The NCMEC works with law enforcement to assist find missing children and investigate incidents of child abuse, and it also provides services and support to the families of missing children.

Major cities surrounding Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas City, Missouri
Topeka, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas
Omaha, Nebraska
St. Louis, Missouri

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