Unsolved crimes, also known as "cold cases," are a stark reminder of the anguish and sadness that can persist long after a loved one has been lost or murdered. Several unsolved crimes in Springfield, Missouri date back to the 1980s, leaving families and law enforcement with unanswered questions.

There are more than fifty missing persons cases and approximately sixty homicide cases in Springfield that have not been solved as of yet, according to information compiled by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and dating back to 1980. Families and loved ones of victims of all ages, walks of life, and circumstances have been heartbroken.

These mysteries have various root causes. Some instances may have been mishandled during the initial investigation, while others may have lacked necessary physical evidence or witnesses. It can be more trickier to investigate these crimes because many of them predate modern forensics equipment.

Springfield police are dedicated to cracking these cold cases despite the difficulties they pose. Unsolved murders and disappearances are investigated by detectives of the Springfield Police Department's Cold Case Unit. The major mission of the team is to answer the questions of victims' loved ones and to bring those responsible to justice.

Reviewing and analyzing the case file, reinterviewing witnesses and suspects, employing new technology, partnering with other agencies, requesting the public's help, and maintaining touch with victim families are all standard operating procedures for the agency while investigating cold cases.

In 2018, the Cold Case Unit solved a homicide case from 1987 involving the deaths of Sherri Scherer, age 31, and her daughter Megan, age 12. After more than 30 years, the Cold Case Unit finally solved the case with the use of new DNA evidence that led to the suspect's arrest and conviction.

Unfortunately, while some of these cold cases have been solved, the vast majority have not. Cold Case Unit detectives are still looking for new clues and evidence that could help solve these crimes as victims' families still wait for answers.

Recent developments in forensic technology have provided investigators with new resources that have led to the resolution of several long-cold cases. Cases that had been unsolved for decades could now be brought to closure because to advances in DNA analysis and genetic genealogy. It might be challenging for smaller police departments like the Springfield Police Department to routinely use these technologies due to their high cost and lengthy implementation.

Solving cold cases often requires the help of the community. Anybody in Springfield who may have information about these crimes is urged to contact the police. A apparently insignificant detail may turn out to be the key to solving a case.

In conclusion, the impact that unsolved crimes may have on families and communities is highlighted by the missing persons and homicide cases in Springfield, Missouri. After years of seeking, these families deserve answers, and the Springfield Police Department's Cold Case Unit is dedicated to finding them. The department is committed to solving these cases despite the difficulties.

While looking into cold cases, the Springfield Police Department uses a multifaceted approach, which includes:

In order to find any new information or potential leads that may have been missed during the first investigation, the Cold Case Unit evaluates all available evidence, witness statements, and other information linked to the case.

The Cold Case Unit's detectives will try to track down and re-interview any potential witnesses or suspects from the original investigation to determine if they have any new information or insights that could lead to a resolution.

The department may evaluate the case's evidence using cutting-edge forensic tools like DNA and fingerprint analysis.

The department may coordinate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Missouri State Highway Patrol in order to pool their respective resources and experience in order to solve the case.

The agency may issue a news release or share information about the case on social media in the hopes that someone with knowledge will come forward.

Cold Case Unit detectives may keep in touch with victims' loved ones on a regular basis to share investigation updates and lend emotional support.

The department also actively solicits citizen participation in the investigation and resolution of such matters. The department routinely asks the public for tips and information, and anyone with knowledge about these crimes is urged to come forward.

Overall, the Cold Case Unit of the Springfield Police Department is dedicated to exhausting all avenues in order to solve cold cases and provide closure to the victims' families. The division is committed to doing all in its power to bring those responsible for these terrible acts to justice.

In Springfield, Missouri, you can find a number of resources aimed at resolving cold cases.

Unsolved homicides and missing person cases are reviewed and investigated by the Springfield Police Department's Cold Case Unit. At (417) 864-1810, you'll access the section.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Clearinghouse Unit collects and stores information about missing persons and unidentified human remains in the state. Call them at (573) 526-6178 if you want to get in touch.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a government-run institution that helps authorities find missing kids and solve cases of child abduction and abuse. Call 1-800-THE-LOST to get in touch with them (1-800-843-5678).

NamUs is a nationwide database that aids in the identification of unidentified remains and the recovery of missing persons. Law police, medical examiners, and the public can all access the database.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has produced a deck of playing cards called Missouri Cold Case Playing Cards, which feature unsolved crimes from across the state, including a few from Springfield. These cards are given out to incarcerated people in Missouri in the hopes that someone will have information that will lead to the resolution of these cases.

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