Facebook Pixel

Seattle Cold Cases

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

Seattle, Washington Cold Cases

Over the years, Seattle, Washington has had its share of mysteries that have never been solved. Around 200 people have been reported missing or murdered in Seattle since 1980, with many of the cases still unsolved. This data comes from the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs). The families of the victims will never get the answers they need or the justice they deserve as long as these cases remain unsolved.

Investigators often struggle due to a lack of physical evidence or eyewitnesses in cold cases. It becomes more challenging to collect the required information to solve a case as time passes since memories fade and evidence deteriorates. Sometimes, modern tools can be used to sift through archival materials in search of fresh leads. Nevertheless, these items are scarce and generally costly.

Investigators may also have trouble locating suspects in cold cases since they may have moved away or passed away since the crime was committed. It is not uncommon for there to be multiple suspects in a case, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Law enforcement in Seattle and around Washington state is committed to solving these cases and bringing justice to the victims and their loved ones, despite the obstacles they face. Cold case investigators or units are specialized sections within some police departments. In their efforts to solve these cases, these detectives work relentlessly to reexamine old evidence, reinterview witnesses, and pursue fresh leads.

The loved ones of the victims play an important part in the search for justice, alongside the efforts of law enforcement. They may hire private detectives, look into the cases themselves, or try to get the word out in order to get more information. Families may even offer rewards for information that helps solve the crime.

The Missing and Unidentified People Unit of the Washington State Patrol is one such organization. Around the state, this team looks into cases of missing people, unidentified bodies, and unsolved murders. They collaborate closely with victims' families, law enforcement, and other groups to find fresh leads and collect relevant data.

Famous cold cases in Seattle

In recent years, technology has also played a crucial role in the resolution of cold cases. DNA testing and genealogy studies have allowed for the solution of many cold cases. Genetic evidence found at a crime scene could be retested with updated lab equipment, or new leads could be uncovered through genetic genealogy studies.

Unfortunately, many cold cases in Seattle and across the country remain unsolved despite these developments. Families of those who have gone missing or been killed keep looking for answers in the hopes that someday their loved ones may be recognized and justice served.

In conclusion, there are still outstanding and unsolved cases of people going missing or being murdered in Seattle, Washington that date back to the 1980s. Every possible effort is being made to find new clues and information in these instances by law enforcement, families, and loved ones. While technological advancements have been important in solving certain instances, many more continue to go unsolved, depriving victims' families of the closure they need and the justice they deserve.

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 Seattle Police Department (SPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?

With the intention of bringing justice to victims and their families, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has created a thorough plan to investigate cold cases. Unsolved cases, usually more than a year after the original inquiry, are the primary focus of the SPD's "cold case section."

When it comes to solving cold cases, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) shares information and resources with the FBI and the Washington State Patrol. Along with the King County Prosecutor's Office, they assess cases for potential prosecution depending on the information at hand.

The SPD's cold case team uses cutting-edge DNA analysis, forensic photography, and social media campaigns to shed light on cold cases. In addition, they consult with victims' loved ones and actively seek out their help in solving crimes.

The SPD's cold case unit maintains a webpage where the public may learn about unresolved crimes and how they can offer information or tips to the police. Information on how to reach the SPD's cold case unit and other services for victims' relatives are posted on the site, along with facts on specific cases.

The SPD relies heavily on tips and information from the public. At these community gatherings, they talk about unsolved crimes and ask for tips from the public.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) takes a multipronged approach to solving cold cases, prioritizing the use of cutting-edge tools and methods, coordinating with other agencies, and reaching out to the public for tips and information. The final objective is to provide victims and their loved ones with a sense of closure and justice.

What resources are available to help solve cold cases?

In Seattle, Washington, there are a number of resources available to investigate and potentially solve cold cases. Some examples:

The Seattle Police Department has an entire division devoted to investigating cold cases. Expert detectives who focus on cold cases spend their days in this facility trying to crack the case that has baffled the police for years.

The King County Prosecutor's Office maintains a Cold Case Unit that collaborates with local law enforcement to investigate cold cases.

The Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory offers forensic scientific services to Seattle and other law enforcement organizations in Washington. Their help can be invaluable in resolving long-standing mysteries.

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is a non-profit organization that gives rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes that have yet to be solved, including cold cases.

The city of Seattle is home to a number of private investigative organizations, many of which focus on solving cold cases. Victims' loved ones or the police can hire these businesses to help with their inquiries.

Improved methods for analyzing DNA have led to the resolution of several cold cases that had previously seemed hopeless. DNA testing is available from the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, and there are also a number of private companies that provide this service.

There are a number of online resources that feature details about cold cases and other crimes that have yet to be solved. One such database is the Doe Network, while another is NamUs, both of which can be used to find missing persons and close cold cases.

Major cities surrounding Seattle, Washington

Tacoma, Washington
Bellevue, Washington
Everett, Washington
Renton, Washington
Federal Way, Washington

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide

Get Your Free Step-By-Step Citizen Detective Guide

Top Seattle Cold Cases

Geoffrey RamsethStanley ChandlerJeremiah FocoCora McguirkLinda MooreJulia Kanol2001 King County John Doe1990 King County John Doe1994 King County John Doe1984 King County John Doe1996 King County Jane DoeRita BartschotCherene AlizioJohn AlleyLee AronerCorey BeesonMerrian CarverQundan ChenWallace CoffinNicholas CummingAnthony DavisWilliam DowneyMichael FullertonJon GilliamPeter GrayMichael HargisKelly HuffEdward HughesRobert KeenanMaria KurodaDonald LarsonGregory LarsonBrenda MastersDion NapierRalph NewcombeJulia PotterDennis SegerLisa ShawMarty SmallKyeimah SpannBeza TadesseSieu TrangDarci WardeBennie Washington JrJerry MiddletonLorelee LhotkaDavid SampsonDeborah WimsGladys WilliamsLouise SandersJames MeyersPorsha PriceRebecca JohnsonDustin JohnsonOdessa WhiteVirginia RambusKathleen MongrainKasee LeeFernando CardenasAdam PosadasMike HeidenreichLesa GriffinAshley RodiaTonya ClemmonsMaereg TafesseJoyce KennedyShannaz ZakiaBenito ChamorroElaine AllenbachNguyet NguyenChristopher WellsRobert MacRaeBenjamin BullittPaul McWherterJames SchmidtRobert SoderbergMark JenningsRonald KimblePatricia RussellSue WalkerValerie DulaneyNathan HayesBarbara JollyWanda KoresGyula LenartPaul MitchellRonald PoyskyJose VillegasKaitlynn MunsonJesus ValdovinosBarbara McClureJesse BartonTeresa MetcalfMarizela PerezJimmie CainePamela BurrowsJesse GallowayWaltraud PorterfieldCarol EdwardsGeorgann HawkinsLynn MackeyPatricia OsbornPatricia LeblancSarah SkunkSusan CaldwellJian ChanLinda JacksonSergey KoltsovTasha LoganTiffany WinstonPhil ErbAlfred McFarlandMargaret PetersElizabeth EiselRobert Wykel