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Shreveport Cold Cases

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Shreveport, Louisiana Cold Cases

Several cases of missing and murdered people in Shreveport, Louisiana, dating back to the 1980s, remain unresolved. More than fifty homicide and missing person cases in Shreveport remain unresolved, as documented by the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs).

The length of time that has gone since the crime has been one of the biggest obstacles to solving cold cases. There's a chance that witnesses and evidence are hard to find or have degraded over time, complicating matters. Police in Shreveport are dedicated to solving cold cases and holding perpetrators accountable, despite the difficulties they face.

Shreveport's law enforcement uses modern forensic technologies to reexamine evidence as one of its tactics. 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.

Shreveport police often conduct follow-up interviews with previously interviewed witnesses, victims' loved ones, and suspects to glean new details about a 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.

Shreveport's police department is no different from others in its use of technology and forensic databases to investigate crimes and find answers. For instance, the DNA evidence from cold cases can be matched to DNA profiles from convicted criminals, crime scenes, and unidentified remains stored at the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory.

Famous cold cases in Shreveport

The participation of the local community is also crucial in solving cold cases. Shreveport's law enforcement collaborates with local groups and advocates to spread the word about missing and murdered people and solicit tips from the general public. Tips from the general public have helped solve certain cold cases.

Information about missing persons and unidentified remains cases in Louisiana can be found on a website maintained by the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children and Adults. The public can access case details and provide police with tips and leads through this website.

Overall, the problem of missing and murdered people in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a serious challenge to local authorities and the public. It is a priority for law enforcement to resolve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families. 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 Shreveport Police Department (SPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

When investigating cold cases, SPD may employ a number of possible methodologies and techniques, including:

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 Shreveport, Louisiana Police Department may potentially have created its own specialized technique based on its expertise with cold cases.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In Shreveport, Louisiana, there are a number of tools at your disposal to investigate and maybe solve cold cases:

The Shreveport Police Department is the lead agency in all criminal investigations in the city. They have a special team dedicated to reopening cold cases of murder and disappearance. Contact the section at (318) 673-6955.

The Louisiana State Police can help local police departments by conducting forensic analysis and providing other services. Furthermore, the state maintains a Cold Case Unit dedicated to reopening previously closed cases.

Office of the District Attorney for Caddo Parish: The District Attorney's Office can give legal aid and support to law enforcement authorities conducting investigations.

The goal of Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization, is to help the police solve crimes by receiving anonymous tips from the public. Rewards are offered monetarily for information that leads to an arrest.

The Doe Network is a group of people from all over the world who have volunteered their time to assist law enforcement in solving cold cases involving unidentified human remains. They keep track of missing people and unidentified bodies and offer forensic analysis and other support to law enforcement.

Major cities surrounding Shreveport, Louisiana

Dallas, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Houston, Texas
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Little Rock, Arkansas

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