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Pierre, South Dakota Cold Cases

Although though Pierre, South Dakota's capital, is relatively tiny, it is not safe from the problem of cold cases. A number of homicides and disappearances in Pierre have gone unsolved since 1980, leaving the victims' loved ones with unanswered questions and an unfulfilled sense of justice.

There are over 400 unsolved homicide and missing person cases in South Dakota, with the majority of them occurring in larger areas like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, according to the Attorney General's Office. Yet, Pierre is not immune to this pattern, and there are some decades-old mysteries that have yet to be solved.

The Cold Case Unit of the Pierre Police Department is responsible for looking into such mysteries. Nevertheless, the team can only work on a small number of cases at a time due to a lack of resources and personnel. When conducting investigations, the department often works with other law enforcement agencies, such as the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

The passage of time presents a difficulty in solving cold cases. Evidence may have been lost or destroyed, memories may have faded, and witnesses and suspects may have passed away. This is especially true in places like Pierre, where long-term inhabitants may know the victims and suspects personally.

The Pierre Police Department's Cold Case Unit is committed to resolving these cold cases despite the obstacles they face. Witnesses may be re-interviewed, physical evidence may be re-examined using updated forensic methods, and fresh avenues of inquiry may be pursued.

New technological developments in recent years have also opened up potential leads in the investigation of cold cases. The Pierre Police Department is interested in learning how DNA evidence can be used to solve cases in Pierre, as this technology has been essential in solving several high-profile cold cases around the country.

Famous cold cases in Pierre

Victims' loved ones in Pierre who are still waiting for answers are holding out hope. They keep holding memorials and vigils in the hopes that new information may be discovered about their loved ones.

The help of the community is also essential in solving these crimes. People who may have information about a case are advised to contact authorities, even if they believe their knowledge to be inconsequential.

The Cold Case Unit of the Pierre Police Department works to solve cold cases and deliver justice to victims' loved ones and those responsible for the crimes they committed. The agency is nonetheless dedicated to pursuing these cases and giving closure to people who have been traumatized by these tragedies, despite the fact that the path to justice may be lengthy and winding.

In conclusion, the numbers of people who have gone missing or been murdered in Pierre, South Dakota since 1980 are a sobering reminder that no place is safe from criminal activity. Some of these cases have been solved, but many more are still open. The community and law enforcement must collaborate to deliver justice to the victims' loved ones and provide them the answers they need.

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

The Pierre Police Department takes a multifaceted approach to investigating cold cases, one that includes re-interviewing witnesses, conducting extensive background research, and applying cutting-edge forensic methods.

An important part of any investigation is going through the case file and all of the evidence that has been collected up to that point, such as witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic evidence. This helps detectives learn more about the situation and spot any holes in their research.

The Cold Case Unit shares information and collaborates on investigations with other law enforcement agencies, including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Also, the department frequently solicits public participation in solving these cases. To do so, they may announce fresh details about a case to the press, hold public events to attract potential witnesses, and solicit tips from locals.

Technology advancements have also been important in the department's efforts to crack cold cases. The agency is looking into how Genetic evidence, which has been crucial in solving several high-profile cases around the country, may be utilized to solve crimes in Pierre.

The department's plan also includes updating the victims' loved ones on the investigation's development. This gives them closure and motivates them to keep sharing information that may lead to an arrest or prosecution.

The Cold Case Unit of the Pierre Police Department works to identify those responsible for cold cases and bring those responsible to justice. Although researching cold cases and bringing closure to individuals affected by disasters can be challenging and time-consuming, the department is dedicated to doing so.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

When it comes to solving cold cases, the Pierre Police Department has a number of tools at its disposal. Some of these tools are:

There is a unique team inside the department devoted to solving cold cases, called the Cold Case Unit. Cold case detectives reexamine evidence and reinterview witnesses, among other strategies and tools.

DNA analysis, ballistics testing, and other cutting-edge methods of analyzing physical evidence are all within reach of the department's forensics labs. These labs have the potential to give crucial evidence in the resolution of cold cases.

The bureau can also look up information on missing people and unsolved murders in national databases. Potential suspects and new leads in cold cases can be found by searching these databases.

The department also uses community resources in an effort to close cold cases. The department collaborates closely with regional media to raise awareness of cold cases and inspire citizens to come forward with any relevant information.

Partners in Law Enforcement The department has cooperative relationships with other law enforcement organizations, such as the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In some situations, the department may give financial incentives to the public for providing information that results in the capture and conviction of those responsible for cold cases. Incentives like this have been shown to increase the likelihood that a witness or informant may come forward with useful information to investigators.

The police force in Pierre, South Dakota, has a number of tools at its disposal to help in cold case investigations. Department officials are dedicated to helping victims' loved ones find peace of mind and putting those responsible for crimes to account by marshaling these tools and collaborating closely with the neighborhood.

Major cities surrounding Pierre, South Dakota

Fort Pierre, South Dakota
Pierre, South Dakota
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Huron, South Dakota
Watertown, South Dakota

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