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Killeen Cold Cases

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Killeen, Texas Cold Cases

Cold cases involving murder and disappearance in Killeen, Texas date back to at least 1980. The Killeen Police Department reports that the city has over 60 open cases, many of which are considered cold. Those who have vanished without a trace and those whose murders have gone unsolved also fall into this category.

There is a particular section of the Killeen Police Department that looks into cold cases. Detectives with extensive expertise and specialized training in this area staff the team. The major objective of the team is to investigate all of the collected evidence and come up with fresh leads.

The lack of new evidence is a major obstacle to solving cold cases. In many of these situations, no new information has surfaced in years, if not decades. But, cutting-edge forensic equipment is put to use by the Cold Case Squad in order to reexamine previously collected material and identify any new leads in these cases. The unit has been able to make headway on some of these cases thanks to developments in DNA analysis and other forensic procedures.

In addition to cooperating with the Texas Rangers and the FBI, the department also shares information and resources with other law enforcement organizations. By working together, we can be confident that every available tool is being used to deliver justice for the victims.

The Killeen Police Department understands the value of community connections in solving cold cases. The agency routinely holds events and collaborates with the media to raise awareness about cold cases and solicit leads from locals. There are prizes available from the department if a tip leads to an arrest and conviction in one of these cases.

Famous cold cases in Killeen

There is a rising backlog of cases that have not yet been assigned to the Cold Case Squad, which adds to the difficulties of solving cold cases. The Killeen Daily Herald reports that the Killeen Police Department's Cold Case Team has not yet investigated more than 20 cold cases. In order to ensure that all cases are being adequately investigated, this backlog highlights the need for extra resources to be assigned to the unit.

There is often no resolution for the victims' families in these cases. In addition to serving justice, the Killeen Police Department hopes that solving these crimes would allow the victims' loved ones to finally rest in peace. Some of these cases have seen advancement, but the department still has a long way to go.

In conclusion, the Killeen Police Department has a special unit called the Cold Case Unit that looks into missing and homicide cases that have gone cold. In order to identify suspects and solve cold cases, the team employs cutting-edge forensic technology, collaborates closely with other law enforcement organizations, and forges ties within the community. Although there are many obstacles to resolving cold cases, the agency is dedicated to doing so in order to bring justice to the victims and peace of mind to their loved ones.

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 Killeen Police Department (KPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

The Killeen Police Department's (KPD) Criminal Investigative Division specializes in reopening cold cases (CID). The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) employs seasoned investigators who have received specialized training in solving difficult and protracted crimes.

KPD's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has a multi-pronged approach to solving cold cases, which includes:

The team conducts a thorough assessment of the case and analyzes all of the information and evidence at their disposal, including forensic evidence, witness statements, and earlier investigation reports.

In order to acquire more information and look for contradictions in their testimonies, detectives will reinterview witnesses and prospective suspects.

In order to see if forensic evidence, such as a DNA sample, matches any current databases or can be re-analyzed with updated techniques, investigators will frequently re-examine it.

Working with the FBI or the Texas Rangers, for example, might provide the CID with access to even more resources and expertise in criminal investigation.

The CID may go out to the public via the news media or social media in an effort to find fresh leads or information about the case.

Create fresh leads: Investigators will try to generate new leads by reevaluating existing evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and following up on tips and leads that may have been missed during the first investigation.

The KPD's strategy for solving cold cases is all-encompassing and methodical, use every tool at their disposal to find fresh leads and finally solve the case.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In Killeen, Texas, there are a number of tools at your disposal to investigate cold cases:

The Killeen, Texas, police force has a special section devoted to solving cold cases. In order to solve these cases, they collaborate closely with various law enforcement organizations and forensic professionals.

Cold case investigations are aided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which works with local police departments. You can get assistance from their Missing People Clearinghouse and their Criminal Investigations Branch.

The Texas Rangers are a statewide law enforcement agency that assists other jurisdictions' police departments with investigations. Unsolved murders and disappearances that have persisted for a long time are the focus of their Cold Case Investigation Unit.

Private Investigators - Killeen is home to a number of excellent private investigators who focus on solving cold cases. Families or authorities can employ them to help with an inquiry.

Texas is home to a number of charitable organizations that aid crime victims and families searching for loved ones who have gone missing. Emotional support and assistance with the investigation are both available from these groups.

Cold cases can be solved with the use of DNA databases like NamUs and CODIS by comparing DNA evidence with records of missing people and unidentified bodies.

Major cities surrounding Killeen, Texas

Waco, Texas
Austin, Texas
Round Rock, Texas
Temple, Texas
Georgetown, Texas

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