Only a little more than 60 percent of homicides are cleared according to FBI statistics for 2007 (http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2007/offenses/clearances/index.html). That would mean for the 17-thousand murders in the U.S. in 2007, 68-hundred are unsolved, or, at least, there is no arrest. That means that a lot of people are getting away with murder. We propose an on-line memorial for victims of murder. To do this we solicit brief histories of the victims, the crime, a photograph of the victim, and a case contact for the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the case.
Murder is death unlike any other, the intentional deprivation of life. In telling the story of unsolved and often seemingly cold cases (these cases are NEVER cold to the victims’ families) we are not trying to do the work of law enforcement. That’s not our job. Our job, however, is to tell the story of each victim, of that victim’s life and family, of the investigation into the crime, and the aftermath that’s left when any violent crime remains unsolved. We’re not here to criticize efforts; we’re here to let those closest to the crime tell the story.
Right now these murders have to be local; my other film work has to fund the inquiries. Aside from that, really there are only two criteria that must be met:
• First, the jurisdictional police agency must be willing to share case details with us. This does not mean that we demand that they open the case files to us, but that they’d take the time to review the files, share selected details and materials.
• Second, someone in the victim’s family must be willing for us to tell the story of the murder. Not all families will welcome refreshing the pain that inevitably accompanies a murder. Often, families are not of a single mind about whether they want us to get involved or not. There is no hard-and-fast rule about how we’ll proceed…with the exception that it will be prayerful.
At this time, we are working on murders in West Michigan. If our enterprise is successful, we may be willing to go further afield and take on cases where we’d have to do more than drive. (Deo volente labor proficit.)
Beyond that, there is no charge to families or law agencies for our services.
yes This definitely scarey. More than hard for most of us to fathom or believe in todays world with all this technology around us. BUT REAL. The families have to understand what Thi site is about, to see the ide of support not intrusion, not to stir up old or new grief but to assist with it, to relay kindness, care and support. That Unsolved is just UNACCEPTABLE!
We have lost someone, a part of us, we have lostt a part of ourselves, our trust, our faith and our beliefs are challenged, assaulted and turned around and around all because of senseless acts..... It will be a tricky but worthwhile path!
yes people get by with murder, some familys will never know the true storys, of what happen to the people they love, to me that is sad, we have to have a end to find peace,
Hi all;
Your prayers are overwhelming. Thank you all for the advice on the SSD. Jim has worked since he was 14 until injuries in Dec 2006. Jim got out some today. He is slow, headachy, a little slurred, and just seems to take his time.
He knows tha…
I remember when Lacey came to visit us with her parents and brothers. She was young maybe 10 yrs. and she wanted to go fishing. So we all booked passage on "The Fishing Fool". Lacey was so happy she walked gracefully across gangway to the boat, sing…
Yes. I'm very excited over this new cold case unit too. I hope justice is served and her mom, sister and family can have peace with justice. I cannot imagine the pain of not knowing. My prayers to them, always.
We are all praying for Jim! He and his family have worked hard to help many families and victims, including those abused by law enforcement officers who have had nowhere to turn for help. His comfort and joy brings hope to many who are dealing with…
I just count my own lucky stars- I had a terrible car accident in 1988 but recovered and then in 1999 was hit by a car and other than some neck and back aches, am fine. It wasn't until I saw a Physiatrist (dr of rehabilitative medicine) that I was f…
Hi Margaret :) It's ok..I started working when I was 11 !! I've had back and leg problems since I was 23 and ignored all the pain I was having most of my life.It just caught up with me in Aug 2002.I hadn't been to a drs in years and then they starte…
Thanks for providing that information John. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from a disability as well but am glad that you finally got the assistance that you need. With love, Maggie
Margaret and Carolyn..SSD lawyers only get paid if they win for you.Usually they get about 20% of the total owed you or 5,300,which ever is less.If a lawyer takes your case you can be pretty sure you will win.First you have to go to one of their Drs…
Carolyn,
I am sor very sorry to hear what your husband and family are going through. I don't know if this will help but there are attorneys whose job it is to facilitate between individuals who are seeking either indigent or disability benefits. I…
Had our old Christmas videos and others with the boys, put on dvd. I am going to get software to copy on my computer to save money. Don't let those old memories fall apart.