Facebook Pixel

Memphis Cold Cases

Stay on top of all things cold cases, advocacy, and true crime with our twice per week newsletter

Memphis, Tennessee Cold Cases

There are many cold cases of missing or murdered people in Memphis, Tennessee, a city noted for its rich musical past and vibrant culture. The numbers are disturbing, and the victims' loved ones are still searching for answers and resolution.

The Memphis Police Department reports that there are over a thousand cold cases of homicide or disappearance in the city, some of which date back to the 1980s. There is still a need for justice and closure for the victims' families, and these cases are a terrible reminder of the catastrophic impact of violent crime.

The process of solving cold cases is difficult and time-consuming. It calls for the employment of cutting-edge forensics technologies in addition to a comprehensive examination of all new leads and tips. Unsolved crimes in Memphis are looked into by the Cold Case Unit of the Memphis Police Department.

Dedicated to solving cases and providing closure to victims' loved ones, the squad is made up of seasoned detectives and forensic experts. They put in countless hours re-examining evidence, launching fresh probes, and employing cutting-edge forensic methods to find fresh clues.

The Memphis Police Department's Cold Case Unit works in tandem with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others, to pool resources and share leads on cold cases.

The division also engages the local populace in its efforts to acquire intelligence and find new leads. Rewards are offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, and the media is used to spread the word about the cases and encourage potential witnesses to come forward.

Famous cold cases in Memphis

Many unsolved cases have been brought to a close thanks in large part to DNA evidence. Also, the Memphis Police Department has started utilizing this technology to aid in the resolution of cold cases. Recent developments in forensic science have made it possible to do DNA testing on material that was previously inaccessible, such as older clothing. In many cases, this technology is vital in identifying criminals.

The victims' loved ones have not given up on solving these mysteries. 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.

Finally, the numbers of people who have gone missing or been murdered in Memphis, Tennessee since 1980 are a sobering reminder of the impact that violent crime may have on a city. 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. The Memphis Police Department's Cold Case Unit is still dedicated to solving these mysteries and providing closure to the victims' families.

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 Memphis Police Department (MPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

Unsolved homicide and disappearance cases in Memphis are the purview of the Memphis Police Department's Cold Case Unit. Expert detectives with specialized training in cold case investigations and the use of cutting-edge forensic tools staff the team.

The Cold Case Unit frequently reviews investigative records, witness statements, and forensic evidence as part of their investigation strategy. The team's goal is to find any holes in the evidence and generate fresh leads that could ultimately crack the case.

Modern forensic methods, such as DNA analysis, are used by the team to positively identify suspects and establish their ties to the crime. DNA testing may now be performed on material that was previously inaccessible, thanks to advancements in forensic science; this testing often yields crucial information that leads to the identification of suspects.

In addition to using cutting-edge technology, the Cold Case Unit actively engages the local community in its investigations and solicits tips from members of the public. Rewards are offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, and the media is used to spread the word about the cases and encourage potential witnesses to come forward.

When it comes to solving cold cases, the unit also collaborates closely with other law enforcement agencies like the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Memphis Police Department is committed to bringing justice to the victims' families by fostering strong ties with other agencies in order to solve these cases.

Finally, the Memphis Police Department's Cold Case Unit uses a wide range of techniques to probe cold cases involving missing and murdered individuals. In order to identify suspects and solve cold cases, the team makes use of cutting-edge forensic technology, cultivates ties within the local community, and coordinates closely with other law enforcement organizations. It is the department's top priority to strive hard to deliver justice to the families of the victims of these unsolved cases so that they might find peace and closure.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In Memphis, Tennessee, there are a number of resources available to help investigate and maybe solve cold cases. To name a few examples of such materials:

Cold Case Unit of the Memphis Police Department is a specialist unit of the Memphis Police Department responsible for investigating cold cases. Detectives with years of expertise work in this section to revive cold cases.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) offers forensic and analytical services and aids local law enforcement agencies with investigations. A special section of the TBI is responsible for looking into cold cases and other instances that have not been resolved.

Crime Stoppers is a non-profit group that helps law enforcement authorities by receiving anonymous information. In exchange for information that leads to an arrest or conviction, the organization pays incentives.

The Cold Case Review and Investigation Unit of the Shelby County District Attorney's Office reviews and investigates cold cases. Members of this section collaborate with law enforcement in order to apprehend and bring to justice those who commit crimes.

The Mid-South Cold Case Initiative is a non-profit organization that helps law enforcement and the families of victims of cold cases. In order to assist in solving cases, the group provides training, forensic analysis, and investigative support.

Major cities surrounding Memphis, Tennessee

Southaven, Mississippi
West Memphis, Arkansas
Germantown, Tennessee
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Collierville, Tennessee

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide

Top Memphis Cold Cases

Ricarda Tillman-LocketCordell DanielsAmerica Shell2003 Shelby County John Doe2001 Shelby County John Doe2002 Shelby County John Doe1997 Shelby County Jane DoeJoseph FitzgibbonPandora DuckettSymaria AveryLauryn DickensLori AmendolaraJamiah BowdenYolanda BoylandMarcia BrownLee ButlerDianna CarterShaylea ChildressTonja ConleyApril DahlvangRodney DouglasRegina DyeRicci EllsworthMarquita GantEberardo Gomez-GodinessJalen JacksonNoah JeffersonAlissa JonesAshley JonesPrecious JonesClifton JonesRobert KingBrenda LambertLarue LanierRandolph LaughlinGrace MorrisBenjamin NguyenSydnee RaineeDawone RichmondBrianna RosserTerry SavageTimothy SaylesIalla SharpMarcus TateAvila ThompsonOlivia Vasesquez-De LeonLeslie VesterRarecias WheelerNikiero WilliamsMattie WilsonMickey Wright SrKevin SimmonsRegina FisherRodney FrazierSylvester AbstonShannon Ray Jr.Kirsten KryszakMarquivius PreyerLp BakerDeborah LuskWalter StevensonLisa HooverAmos HoodTaquila HayesDonald YoungTeresa ButlerFrancisco RamosKenneth WilliamsAlma LewisBobby Bell JrTerrence BledsoeNicholas HudsonDarbin LopezElvin McGeeCeliscia NeelyDelsy Pablo-lopezMabel RogersUte Wood-simonsJeffery CookReginald RiceJordan KuykendallRick BreadyKentral VinsonJames BarnesCharles SneedMarvin Wallace Sr.Christian Yoc MejiaJohn CheekFelicia ClarkBeatrice ColemanKeith PigramMilton GermanJames ThompsonJustin RogersDaniel WagonerKenia CardonaJerrica CarterLaTyra CarterGabriela Cervantes-JascaJenyfer ChavezDestynee DavisElvira GabrielYossyln GarciaSarai GarciaBarry McKnightWatson MontaviousJermaine ParkerAmanda PooleCrystal TuckSoon HwangLittle SuttonLionel ScottTed Aya-AyBernardino GuillenMorterrius SettlesJoe Brooks Jr.Terrance StevensonAlex HarveyJacob SletvoldShenna StokesJohn HudakPerry JohnsonRosa WarrenMarlaquinta McGheeCarie ZapletalMichael BlackwellAlexis RodriquezDelores RossWilmer GomezBillie WatsonHoward BarnettDamiean JohnsonYuguiny MatiasAnette CarterGloria BrooksSamaria GreerKenneth Crawford Sr