How Private Investigators Locate Witnesses for Cold Cases

A cold case is a crime that has gone unsolved for a long period of time. In some cases, the statute of limitations has run out and the police have given up on finding the perpetrator. But that doesn't mean that you have to give up hope. If you're looking for answers, a private investigator can help.

But how do private investigators locate witnesses for cold cases? It's not as easy as it sounds. Here are some of the methods they use:

Public Records Searches

One of the first places a private investigator will look for witnesses is in public records. This can include birth certificates, marriage licenses, property records, and more. By searching through public records, the investigator can find people who were connected to the case in some way. For example, if the victim was married at the time of the crime, the investigator will try to track down the spouse. Or if the crime took place at a specific location, the investigator will try to find people who lived or worked nearby who might have seen something.

Social Media Searches

In today's world, social media is one of the best ways to connect with people. So it's no surprise that private investigators are using social media to locate witnesses for cold cases. By searching Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, investigators can find people who were connected to the case in some way. They can also reach out to these people directly and ask if they know anything about what happened.

Media Searches

Another method private investigators use to locate witnesses for cold cases is media searches. This involves searching through old newspaper articles, TV news reports, and other forms of media from around the time when the crime took place. By doing this, investigators can find people who were interviewed by the media at the time and reach out to them directly. They can also find new leads that might have been overlooked during the original investigation.

Canvassing

Canvassing is when an investigator goes door to door and talks to people in the neighborhood where the crime took place. The investigator will ask if anyone remembers anything about the crime or if they know anyone who might be able to help with the case. Often times, people will be hesitant to talk to a stranger about a crime that happened years ago. In these cases, it is important for the investigator to be friendly and professional.

If the investigator does not get any helpful information from canvassing, they will try other methods such as public records searches and social media. However, these methods can be time-consuming and may not always lead to results. It is important to remember that finding witnesses for cold cases can be difficult and sometimes investigators have to try several different methods before they find someone who is willing to talk.

If you're looking for answers in a cold case, hiring a private investigator to do criminal defense services can be a great way to get them. But how do private investigators locate witnesses for cold cases? By conducting public records searches, social media searches, and media searches. These methods can help investigators find new leads and bring closure to long-unsolved crimes.

Are you ready to hire a private investigator?

If you’re motivated to hire an expert to start working on your behalf to get the results you deserve, hire Edward Detective Agency today! W'e’re a team of qualified private investigators in San Diego, CA.