How do cases get reviewed?
The cold case homicide unit will keep an accurate list of unsolved homicide investigations in Winston-Salem — going back as far as records are available. The review process is systematic. As time allows, cases will be reviewed in reverse order. This is a slow and tedious process that will evolve continually. This review process will encompass the availability of reports, photographs, autopsy reports, evidence, and the application of new (i.e., DNA) technology pertaining to the evidence. After review, solvability factors will guide which cases are selected for further investigation, and those new leads will be followed-up on. Newly-developed forensic evidence, information, or an inquiry by an outside law enforcement agency may pull any case out of turn for review.
