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Syracuse Cold Cases

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Syracuse, New York Cold Cases

Syracuse, located in central New York, is a medium-sized city with a population of around 142,000. Syracuse, like many other cities, has its fair share of unsolved crimes, including murders and disappearances.

There are now over a hundred cold cases in Syracuse, with some dating back to 1980, according to the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs). From missing persons to murder investigations, these incidents affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

Many methods have been established by the Syracuse Police Department to reopen cold cases and bring closure to the families of the victims. Using cutting-edge forensics equipment to reexamine crime scene evidence is a key tactic. DNA testing, ballistics evaluation, and other forensic methods may be used. 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. Throughout the investigative and judicial process, families of missing individuals and homicide victims can rely on the Syracuse Police Department's Victim Services program for support and help.

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. Many plans have been established by the Syracuse Police Department 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 Syracuse

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 crimes in Syracuse and elsewhere have been solved thanks to this partnership.

Law enforcement agencies have not been able to solve all of these instances, which has left many people in need of closure. The Syracuse Police Department uses every tool at its disposal to track down the criminals responsible for these atrocities and bring them to justice for 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. The Syracuse Police Department often updates their social media profiles with information regarding cold cases and pleas for the public's help in solving them.

In sum, cold cases are still a major problem in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse Police Department (SPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

Unsolved homicides and missing person cases are investigated by the Syracuse Police Department's Cold Case Unit. Members of the team are seasoned detectives with expertise in cold case investigations who collaborate closely with various branches of law enforcement and external groups.

The department uses a multi-pronged method for investigating cold cases, which consists of the following:

To start, the Cold Case Unit looks over the case file to see if there are any new leads or evidence that may have been missed during the initial 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 unit employs cutting-edge forensic equipment and techniques like 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 Syracuse Police Department also uses technology to supplement these methods wherever possible. DNA evidence, for instance, can be checked against a database of suspected perpetrators.

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. Throughout the investigative and judicial process, families of missing individuals and homicide victims can rely on the Syracuse Police Department's Victim Services program for support and help.

Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and groups is also an integral part of the 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 Syracuse 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?

In Syracuse, New York, there are a number of resources available to investigate and potentially solve cold cases. To name a few examples of such materials:

The Cold Case Unit of the Syracuse Police Department is responsible for the investigation of unsolved crimes. Members of the unit are seasoned investigators who collaborate closely with victims' loved ones in order to find answers in these cases.

Non-profit organization Onondaga County Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the solving of crimes, even cold cases. Members of the public can offer tips to the group anonymously.

The New York State Police conducts statewide cold case investigations, including in Syracuse. For the purpose of solving these cases, they collaborate closely with local law enforcement.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a non-profit organization that collaborates with law enforcement to investigate and resolve incidents of child abduction and exploitation.

The development of DNA testing technology has led to the resolution of numerous cold cases. DNA testing is available to law enforcement organizations in Syracuse and across New York State, and is frequently used to shed light on previously unsolved crimes.

Major cities surrounding Syracuse, New York

Rochester, New York
Utica, New York
Oswego, New York
Auburn, New York
Oneida, New York

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