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Rochester Cold Cases

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Rochester, New York Cold Cases

There have been several unsolved homicides and missing person cases in Rochester, New York, dating back to the 1980s. Many of these cases have not been closed despite progress in some over the past few years.

There are now 136 cold cases in Rochester, with some dating back to 1980, according to data from the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs). There are 63 missing person cases and 73 homicide cases among these reports. There are people of various ages, both sexes, and different ethnicities involved in these cases, and many of them have been unsolved for decades.

Law enforcement in Rochester has evolved a number of approaches to the difficult and time-consuming task of solving cold cases. Re-examining evidence from crime scenes with the help of cutting-edge forensic tools like DNA analysis is a common tactic. In recent years, tremendous advances have been made thanks to the development of new technologies that have helped law enforcement agencies identify suspects and bring them to justice.

Public outreach is another tactic that can be used to find new clues and information about the cases. This can involve engaging with community organizations and advocacy groups to spread the word about the incidents and encourage individuals to come forward with any information they may have as well as making public appeals through media outlets, social media, and other platforms.

To help families of missing individuals and homicide victims deal with their grief and keep their loved ones' cases in the public view, law enforcement authorities work closely with them. The Rochester Police Department has established Victim Services to aid the loved ones of those who have gone missing or been the victims of violent crimes during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Without tangible evidence or eyewitnesses, investigating cold cases can be extremely difficult. Since many of these instances were first investigated decades ago, progress may be slow if no new evidence or technology has emerged since then. The Rochester Police Department has multiple plans in place to deal with these issues.

One tactic is to re-interview previous interviewees, such as family members and witnesses, to determine whether they have any new information or if their memories have altered. Some potential witnesses may feel more at ease talking to police now than they did in the past.

Famous cold cases in Rochester

Sharing information and resources with other law enforcement agencies is another tactic. This includes the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Some previously unsolved instances have been solved thanks to this partnership between researchers in Rochester and elsewhere.

Law enforcement agencies have not been able to solve all of these instances, which has left many people in need of closure. The Rochester Police Department uses every possible tool to find and arrest those responsible for these crimes, all in the name of bringing justice to the victims and their loved ones.

Law enforcement organizations frequently utilize internet communities like social media in order to bring attention to cold cases and find fresh leads. Social media sites run by the Rochester Police Department frequently feature updates on cold cases and pleas for the public to come forward with any information they may have.

In sum, unsolved cases are still a major problem in the Rochester area. There is, however, reason to believe that more crimes can and will be solved with the help of the community, the application of cutting-edge technology, and the commitment of law enforcement officials.

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 Rochester Police Department (RPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

The Rochester Police Department is approaching cold cases from multiple angles. The following are the stages of this plan:

Case files, evidence, and witness testimonies are reviewed by the Rochester Police Department's Cold Case Unit to find any new leads or evidence that may have been missed during the first investigation.

The team reinterviews potential witnesses, relatives, and others with knowledge of the case to discover whether their memories have altered or if they have any new information.

In order to reexamine evidence and find fresh leads, the team employs cutting-edge forensic technology and DNA analysis.

The Cold Case Unit collaborates with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to share information and resources.

The unit uses several platforms to reach out to the public in the hopes that someone may recognize the case and come forward with information.

The Rochester Police Department takes these and other measures to aid their investigations, and they also use technology. Skeletal remains, for instance, can be examined at a forensic anthropology lab, and DNA evidence can be matched to suspects via a DNA database.

The division also works closely with the loved ones of those who have gone missing or been murdered, giving them with assistance to help them deal with their grief and keep their cases in the public eye. The Rochester Police Department has established Victim Services to aid the loved ones of those who have gone missing or been the victims of violent crimes during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and groups is also an integral part of the Rochester Police Department's strategy for investigating cold cases. They exchange data and resources with the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

In general, the Rochester Police Department's approach to cold case investigations includes a review of all available evidence and information, the application of cutting-edge forensic technology, partnerships with other organizations and the public, and the dissemination of information to the general public in an effort to find fresh leads. The department's top priority is solving unsolved crimes so that victims' families can find peace and justice can be served.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

Rochester, New York has a number of services accessible to aid in the investigation of cold cases. Among these are:

The Rochester Police Department has a Cold Case Unit specifically tasked with investigating and solving cold cases of homicide. Call (585) 428-7274 to reach the section.

Crime Stoppers of Monroe County is a private, non-profit organization that gives cash prizes for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in any criminal case, no matter how old the case may be. Just dial (585) 423-9300 to get in touch with them.

The New York State Police have an active cold case unit that investigates and attempts to resolve cold cases. Just dial (844) 845-7269 to get in touch with them.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides help to local authorities looking into cases of missing children and cold cases of homicide. You can reach them at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Support group for local families who have lost loved ones to homicide or disappearance. Call them at (585) 546-5990 if you want to get in touch.

Major cities surrounding Rochester, New York

Buffalo, New York
Syracuse, New York
Niagara Falls, New York
Batavia, New York
Canandaigua, New York

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