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Montpelier Cold Cases

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Montpelier, Vermont Cold Cases

Crime, including disappearances and homicides, is unfortunately not uncommon in Montpelier, Vermont. The Montpelier Police Department has, over the years, looked into various cases of missing persons and homicide. Nonetheless, many of these instances are still unsolved.

From 1980 to 2020, the Vermont Crime Information Center received reports of 49 missing persons in Montpelier. Forty-one were located, while eight were still missing. Seven homicides were also reported during this time in Montpelier. As of the year 2020, five of these have been resolved while two remained unsolved.

The impact on families and the community is no less severe despite the lower numbers as compared to larger cities. In each instance, we honor a person who was dearly loved and will be sorely lost. The fact that these cases have not been solved despite the passage of time should be kept in mind.

The Cold Case Unit of the Montpelier Police Department is responsible for looking into cold cases. The unit is manned by seasoned detectives who dedicate themselves fully to bringing closure to victims' loved ones. Cases involving murder, disappearance, or identification of remains that have not been resolved after at least a year are prioritized by this team.

DNA analysis, fingerprint and ballistics testing, and re-interviews with witnesses are only some of the methods used by the Cold Case Unit to uncover the truth in these situations. The detectives in the team are frequently tasked with reopening cases in order to reexamine evidence and re-examine witness testimony that were initially disregarded. They also employ public outreach strategies like social media to find new leads and tips from the general public.

There have been numerous significant cold case developments in Montpelier in recent years. A murder case from 1993 was finally solved in 2019 when the culprit, who had been living in Florida, was apprehended by the Cold Case Unit. Because to recent developments in DNA technology, police were able to identify the culprit through a DNA match with evidence gathered at the murder site.

Famous cold cases in Montpelier

There are still many unsolved cold cases in Montpelier, but the Cold Case Unit has made significant progress. There is always the chance that fresh evidence will be discovered in an old case thanks to technological and investigative developments.

Cold cases have a devastating effect on communities and families. The burden of not knowing what happened and why is heavy on the loved ones left behind. The Cold Case Unit of the Montpelier Police Department is dedicated to solving cold cases and providing victims' families with answers and justice. Their commitment to the community is unwavering, and their relentless work is evidence of that.

The number of unsolved incidents of homicide or disappearance in Montpelier since 1980 may seem small, but it has had a profound effect on the city's families and residents. The Cold Case Unit of the Montpelier Police Department gives people faith that these crimes will be solved and that justice will be done. Their perseverance serves as a sobering reminder that these cases should be pursued no matter how much time has gone.

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

When looking into cold cases, MPD frequently use a wide range of tools and strategies, such as:

In order to find any new leads or information that may have been missed during the initial investigation, investigators may reexamine the case files and evidence that were gathered at that time.

Crime scene physical evidence, such as DNA samples, may be reexamined by investigators in search of fresh leads or suspects.

Interviewing potential witnesses and other persons who might know something about the case might help investigators learn more.

Employing cutting-edge technology: Forensic testing and digital forensics are only two examples of how the police might make use of cutting-edge technology to find fresh leads and suspects.

Cooperation amongst authorities: cops from different cities, states, and even the federal government can pool their knowledge and assets to crack cold cases.

In some cases, fresh leads or information about a case can be uncovered after police make public calls for information from the public via social media or the mainstream media.

Keep in mind that the resources at hand and the nature of the cold case will determine the approach taken to solving the case. Law enforcement agencies may collaborate with other agencies or groups to gain specialized skills or resources that are not available locally in order to solve complex cases.

In addition to these methods, some law enforcement agencies may give cold case investigations higher priority or dedicate more resources to them. Dedicating detectives or investigators to cold cases or forming partnerships with community groups and advocates are two possible approaches to reviving dormant investigations.

The overall approach taken by the police department throughout a cold case investigation may change based on the facts of the case and the resources at their disposal. But generally speaking, law enforcement will utilize whatever tools at its disposal to investigate these crimes and deliver justice to victims and their families.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

The following are some potential tools for investigating cold cases in Montpelier, Vermont:

The Police Department in Montpelier, Vermont, may be able to help with cold case resources and information. You can get in touch with them if you have questions about open investigations or cold cases that they are ready to discuss.

When it comes to solving cold cases in Montpelier, the Vermont State Police may be able to help as well. They might have authority over certain instances or be able to lend a hand to local authorities.

Center for Missing & Exploited Children of the United States of America: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a nonprofit group that works with authorities and families of missing children to help find them. If children go missing, they may be able to help solve old cases.

Several databases available online collect information about unsolved crimes from all throughout the United States. If you explore these databases, you can uncover details about cold cases in Montpelier, Vermont. The Doe Network and the National System for the Identification of Missing and Unidentified People are two such examples (NamUs).

Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that allows people to report crime tips anonymously over the phone. In Montpelier, you can contact Crime Stoppers with information that may help solve cold cases.

Keep in mind that every cold case is different and may call for a specialized approach. Talking to a private investigator or an attorney who has experience with cold cases can help you figure out what steps to take next.

Major cities surrounding Montpelier, Vermont

Barre, Vermont
Northfield, Vermont
Waterbury, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont

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