Facebook Pixel

Portland Cold Cases

Stay on top of all things cold cases, advocacy, and true crime with our twice per week newsletter

Portland, Maine Cold Cases

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.

Famous cold cases in Portland

Law enforcement in Portland uses both conventional investigation methods and citizen tips. They might hold public events, use social media, and talk to the press to get the word out about cold cases and get people to help solve them. The Portland Police Department's Crime Stoppers program encourages the public to come forward with anonymous tips that may help solve unsolved crimes.

Finally, Portland's law enforcement is known for its cooperative nature. Cooperation amongst agencies is crucial in solving cold cases since they frequently span jurisdictional boundaries. It is possible for agencies to pool their knowledge, resources, and efforts in order to better serve victims and their families.

In conclusion, Portland, Maine's high rate of missing and murdered people instances poses a serious problem for police and the public. Yet authorities are dedicated to finding out what happened and giving the victims and their families closure. They use methods like as studying case files, interacting with members of the public and families, employing cutting-edge forensic technology, and coordinating with other organizations. The Portland Police Department's (PDB) ongoing efforts to solve cold cases give hope to victims' families and show that justice is achievable, despite how challenging and time-consuming such investigations can be.

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 Portland Police Department (PPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

While looking into cold cases, PPD may employ a number of different strategies and methods, including:

Going back through old case files and evidence to see if anything has changed. The available evidence, including witness testimony, physical evidence, and forensic evidence, may be thoroughly examined by detectives. To find new clues or overlooked details from the initial investigation, they may also review the case files with a new perspective.

Using cutting-edge forensics equipment and methods. 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.

Collaboration with the loved ones of victims of violence and disappearances. 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.

Inviting members of the public to share their knowledge with authorities. Portland police may use public events, local media, and social media to talk about unsolved crimes and get the public involved in solving them. They might also have a designated Crime Stoppers program where anonymous tips that help solve cold cases are accepted.

Coordinating efforts with many organizations and governments. Cooperation amongst agencies is crucial in solving cold cases since they frequently span jurisdictional boundaries. It is possible for agencies to pool their knowledge, resources, and efforts in order to better serve victims and their families.

It's crucial to keep in mind that the specifics of each cold case may necessitate a different approach from law enforcement. Based on its past experience with cold cases, the Portland, Maine Police Department may have also created its own unique approach.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In the event that you need assistance with a cold case in Portland, Maine, you can find a number of options to do so. Some examples:

The Serious Crimes Unit of the Maine State Police investigates homicides and other major crimes in Maine, and is frequently asked to help local law enforcement agencies with cold case investigations.

The Maine Cold Case Alliance is a non-profit group that seeks to find answers to unsolved homicides and missing person cases in the state of Maine. The organization collaborates with law enforcement, victim families, and other groups to raise awareness of these cases and collect data that could help bring them to closure.

The Portland Police Department maintains a special section dedicated to investigating cold cases, such as murders that have gone unsolved or people who have gone missing.

The website Maine Missing People details missing persons cases in Maine, both active and cold. It has a database of missing person cases and helps those who are close to someone who has gone missing.

NamUs is the National Amnesty International's database for missing and unidentified persons. NamUs is a national database designed to aid in the identification of unidentified remains and the recovery of missing persons. It is a database for missing people and unexplained bodies where relatives and authorities can enter data and look for leads.

Major cities surrounding Portland, Maine

Boston, Massachusetts
Manchester, New Hampshire
Worcester, Massachusetts
Providence, Rhode Island
Lowell, Massachusetts

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide