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Helena Cold Cases

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Helena, Montana Cold Cases

Helena, Montana's capital and largest city, is home to a population of just under 30 thousand people. The city's tiny size hasn't protected it from the problems of cold cases and unsolved crimes. The Helena Police Department has worked on several cold cases involving missing or murdered persons over the years.

According to statistics provided by the Montana Department of Justice, there have been a total of 14 killings in Helena since 1980. Only 5 of the 14 cases have been solved, with a clearance rate of only 36%. A male, 25, was discovered shot to death in a Helena parking lot in 2017. This murder remains unsolved to this day. No suspects have been apprehended at this time, but the inquiry continues.

There have been a number of unsolved disappearances and homicides in Helena as well. David Wayne Nelson, who had been missing since 2006 and whose last known whereabouts was in Helena, is one such example. Nelson was a homeless man who was often spotted around the central business district of the city. There have been numerous attempts to locate him, but without success.

The Spurlock mother-and-son duo, Rachel and Robert, have been missing since 1990 after they were last seen in Helena. They left their car in a deserted place far from the city, yet nobody ever came back for it. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.

This and other cold cases are being investigated by the Helena Police Department's Cold Case Unit. The squad is manned by seasoned detectives who are committed to reopening and reinvestigating these cases using cutting-edge tools and methods.

The Cold Case Unit collaborates closely with the FBI, the Montana Department of Justice, and other local law enforcement agencies. During missing person investigations, the team also taps into the expertise of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Famous cold cases in Helena

The Helena Police Department will not be deterred from its goal of investigating cold cases and bringing those responsible to justice. The department understands that unresolved crimes can leave victims' loved ones and the community traumatized for years to come. The department's continued investigation of these instances is motivated by a desire to offer closure and meaning to these tragic events.

The help of the public is essential in solving cold cases. The Helena Police Department wants to hear from anyone who may have information concerning unsolved crimes. Help solve these crimes and bring justice to those affected by even the smallest pieces of information.

In conclusion, Helena is not immune to crime and cold cases despite its relatively tiny population. The Cold Case Unit of the Helena Police Department is dedicated to solving these incidents and punishing those involved. These cold cases may be solved and closure brought to families and the community with sustained dedication, collaboration, and assistance.

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 Helena Police Department (HPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

Unsolved crimes in Helena, Montana are reviewed and investigated by the Cold Case Unit of the police department. Expert detectives who have dedicated their careers to solving cold cases use a wide range of investigative tools at their disposal.

The Helena Police Department's Cold Case Unit relies heavily on re-examinations and reviews of all available material. Forensic evidence, witness testimony, and other leads that have been ignored up until this point all fall under this category. DNA analysis is just one example of the cutting-edge technologies used by the unit.

The Cold Case Unit does more than just examine existing evidence; they also actively seek out fresh leads and information about the cases. Media releases, social media, and other channels of communication can all be used to solicit feedback from the general public. The unit collaborates with other law enforcement entities and makes use of tools like NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified People System) to solve crimes.

The Helena Police Department understands the value of victim advocacy and collaborates with nonprofits and advocacy groups to aid the bereaved of those who have gone missing or been killed. The department keeps families apprised of the investigation's progress and connects them with mental health services if they need it.

The Helena Police Department's approach to solving cold cases includes staying in close contact with victims' loved ones. One way to do this is to keep the families updated on the investigation and give them chances to weigh in with their own questions and observations.

The Helena Police Department's Cold Case Unit investigates cold cases in a thorough manner. The unit's goal is to bring closure to the families of those who have gone missing or been killed through the use of forensic analysis, public outreach, and victim advocacy.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

Helena, Montana, is home to a number of resources that might assist law enforcement with solving cold cases. Important tools include:

Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Montana Department of Justice The DCI provides a variety of forensic services, such as DNA testing, crime scene investigation, and evidence processing. Along with local authorities, the DCI investigates and attempts to solve cold cases.

NamUs, or the National Missing and Unidentified People System, is a database that helps with situations involving missing and unidentified people all around the country. Information submitted by law enforcement agencies to the database can provide leads and potentially solve cold cases.

Montana is home to a number of non-profits whose missions include aiding law enforcement authorities and providing help to families of missing and murdered loved ones. These groups can be a source of moral support, offer counseling, and help raise money for rewards and other resources to crack cold cases.

New forensic tools have allowed investigators to reexamine old evidence and find fresh clues in cold cases in recent years. DNA analysis and digital forensics are only two examples of the cutting-edge forensic technologies available to law enforcement in Helena.

Reaching out to the public is crucial because they can provide invaluable information that can help solve cold cases. Helena police departments frequently issue press releases, post on social media, and otherwise reach out to the public in an attempt to solve cold cases.

Helena's police departments can use these tools to investigate cold cases and bring closure to the families of the victims of violent crimes. Keep in mind that solving cold cases frequently calls for a group effort on the part of law enforcement, families, and the general public.

Major cities surrounding Helena, Montana

Great Falls, Montana
Bozeman, Montana
Butte, Montana
Missoula, Montana
Kalispell, Montana

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