Cold cases involving missing or murdered people exist in Lincoln, Nebraska, as they do in many other cities across the United States. To be considered a "cold case," an inquiry must have lingered unresolved for at least a year. Lack of tangible evidence, the passage of time, and the absence of witnesses make these cases notoriously challenging to solve. Lincoln and Nebraska police, despite these obstacles, are determined to solve these cases and bring closure to the victims' families.
More than a hundred cold cases in Lincoln and the rest of Nebraska have not been solved, according to data provided by the Nebraska State Patrol. While some of these cases may include homicide or other serious crime, the vast majority concern missing persons.
The lack of evidence is a major obstacle to solving cold cases. Physical evidence may have been lost, destroyed, or degraded because many of these instances extend back decades. It could be hard to gather evidence and identify suspects if witnesses have passed away or relocated.
Nebraska's law enforcement agencies, despite facing these obstacles, are employing creative strategies to close cold cases. Using cutting-edge forensics equipment is one strategy for re-examining evidence and establishing guilt or innocence. Because to advancements in DNA testing, authorities may now retrieve DNA evidence from cold cases and check it against DNA profiles stored in national databases. Even if the crimes were committed years apart, this can help identify suspects or establish links between cases.
Public outreach is another method that can be used to find clues and information. Cold case investigations can be made public and tips solicited by law enforcement through news conferences, social media campaigns, and partnerships with the media. Finding new clues or locating prospective witnesses can be aided by this method.
In addition to these methods, police enforcement can also work with other organizations or outside specialists who may have information that could help solve a cold case. Forensics labs, criminal profilers, and other specialists may be consulted for this purpose.