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Resurrecting Cold Case Serial Homicide Investigations

NCJ Number
211102
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 8 Issue: 74 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 1-7
Author(s)
Leonard G. Johns M.S.; Gerard F. Downes; Camille D. Bibles
Date Published
August 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the investigation of cold case homicides and the assistance available by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI's) National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC).
Abstract
The investigation of cold case homicides is frustrating as officers are forced to work with old or nonexistent evidence. The FBI's NCAVC can offer valuable consultation to local, State, Federal, and foreign law enforcement agencies that are investigating unusual or repetitive violent crimes. The NCAVC offers a comprehensive approach to cold case investigation, including investigative and operational support functions, research, training, and behavioral analysis. All services of the NCAVA are offered free of charge to law enforcement agencies. As illustration of the investigative capacity of the NCAVC, a case study of the investigation of a serial murderer is presented. The investigation included securing a confession from the suspect, which was crucial to the case given the lack of other evidence. The article concludes with contact information for the NCAVC, which is located near the FBI Academy. Exhibits, endnotes