Several missing or murdered people have not been found in Portland, Maine, and there are a large number of cold cases dating back to the 1980s. There are approximately 20 unsolved incidents of missing persons or homicides in Portland, according to the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs).
When investigating cold cases, it might be difficult to find witnesses, collect credible evidence, and follow up on leads because of the passage of time. Yet, Portland's law enforcement is committed to solving these cases and delivering closure to the victims' families.
One tactic used by Portland police to reopen cold cases is to reexamine the original investigation's case files and evidence. To do so, it may be necessary to examine all pieces of evidence, including testimony, artifacts, and forensic analysis, in detail. A second look at the case files may help detectives see new information or realize they missed anything the first time around.
Alternatively, you might try employing cutting-edge forensics tools. Forensic science has progressed to the point that investigators now have better resources to analyze evidence and identify suspects. DNA analysis, for instance, has been shown to be an effective tool in solving cold cases since it can accurately link a suspect to a crime scene or victim.
Portland's police department also assists relatives of those who have gone missing or been murdered. They might be there for the families and keep them apprised of the investigation's development. Families may be able to assist investigators with previously undiscovered facts or clues.