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Cheyenne, Wyoming Cold Cases
Cold cases of disappearances and murders in Cheyenne, Wyoming date back to the 1980s, as they do in many other American cities. There are more than a dozen active cases in Cheyenne listed in 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.
Like police departments across the country, the Cheyenne PD has a tough time tracking down suspects in cold cases. Gathering evidence and locating witnesses who may have relocated or passed away can be challenging as time passes. However, certain cases may be more difficult to solve due to a lack of physical evidence or evidence that has been lost or mistreated over time.
Cheyenne's law enforcement agencies press on with their investigations despite these obstacles, hoping to provide closure to the victims and closure to their families. 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.
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.
Several cold cases in Cheyenne and across the country have not been solved 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.
The toll that unsolved crimes take on loved ones and families is immeasurable. Several families have gone years without answers, and the uncertainty and lack of closure has been painful for them. In order to find answers about their loved ones' cases, some families hire private detectives or join advocacy groups.
Even while solving cold cases isn't always possible, it's nevertheless vital that the families of the victims get the justice and peace of mind they deserve. It's never too late to keep digging into a case; many have been solved years or even decades after the initial incident.
Famous cold cases in Cheyenne
The case of Amy Wroe Bechtel is an example of a cold case that was solved in Wyoming. In 1997, while Bechtel was 24 years old, she disappeared while running in the Shoshone National Forest close to Lander, Wyoming. Her case was unresolved for nearly 20 years despite a thorough investigation.
Human remains were located in a distant part of the national forest according to the testimony of a new witness in 2018. Bechtel's body was found, and her husband was arrested for her alleged murder. Bechtel's family was able to finally rest easy when this case was resolved, and it highlighted the significance of persistent efforts to crack cold cases.
Finally, missing and homicide cases in Cheyenne, Wyoming, dating back to 1980, are still open and unsolved. 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. Closure for families isn't the only benefit of solving cold cases; it also aids in victim accountability and justice delivery.
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 Cheyenne Police Department (CPD)'s strategy for investigating unsolved cases?
The Cheyenne Police Department's strategy to investigate cold cases involves utilizing a variety of resources and techniques to gather new information and develop leads in these unsolved cases.
One of the primary tactics used by the department is to assign a dedicated team of detectives to investigate cold cases. These detectives have specialized training and experience in investigating cases that may have gone cold for many years. They work closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI, to gather information and develop leads.
Another important aspect of the Cheyenne Police Department's strategy is the use of new technologies and forensic techniques. Advances in DNA analysis, for example, have allowed investigators to link suspects to crimes decades after they were committed. The department also uses social media and other online tools to reach out to the public and gather information from anyone who may have relevant information about a cold case.
The department also recognizes the importance of engaging with the families of victims in cold cases. Detectives work to build relationships with the families of victims, keeping them informed of any developments in the case and offering support and resources to help them cope with the trauma of losing a loved one.
Another important component of the department's strategy is the use of community outreach programs. These programs aim to build trust and relationships between law enforcement and the community, making it more likely that people will come forward with information about cold cases. The department has also implemented a tip line specifically for cold cases, allowing members of the public to anonymously report any information they may have.
Overall, the Cheyenne Police Department's strategy to investigate cold cases is focused on utilizing a wide range of resources and techniques to gather new information and develop leads in these unsolved cases. By engaging with the community, using new technologies and forensic techniques, and working closely with other law enforcement agencies, the department is committed to bringing closure to families and holding those responsible for crimes accountable.
What resources are available to help solve cold cases?
Unsolved murder and disappearance cases are investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department's Cold Case Unit in Wyoming. All of the investigators in this team have extensive expertise and education in solving cold cases.
The Cold Case Unit of the Cheyenne Police Department uses a wide range of tools to probe cold cases. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is a valuable asset to the state's law enforcement community, serving as a source of expert advice, forensic services, and investigational support.
The Cold Case Unit collaborates extensively with the FBI and the NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) to pool their resources and share information in order to solve cold cases.
The Cold Case Unit of the Cheyenne Police Department regularly interacts with the public to find fresh leads and information on cold cases. The public is encouraged to contact the unit via a special tip line in order to provide leads in cold cases. The team also makes use of digital channels like social media and online forums to raise awareness about cold cases and solicit tips from the public.
The Cheyenne Police Department's Cold Case Unit uses cutting-edge forensic technology in addition to more conventional techniques of investigation. The team may conduct forensic testing, such as DNA analysis, to help identify suspects or establish a connection between a piece of physical evidence and a specific person.
The Cold Case Unit of the Cheyenne Police Department approaches cold cases from many angles. The team is able to develop fresh leads and make headway on cases that have been unsolved for years by combining traditional investigative tactics with modern forensic technologies and community involvement strategies. The Cheyenne Police Department is still dedicated to closing cold cases so that the victims' loved ones can finally rest in peace.
Major cities surrounding Cheyenne, Wyoming
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