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Cold Case Center

Cold Cases in the News

Newly reopened investigations, arrests, identifications, and significant developments in cold cases across the United States — updated continuously.

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FeaturedResolved — ConvictedVictim Identification

Two Additional Victims of the Golden State Killer Officially Identified Through DNA

Golden State Killer — Joseph James DeAngelo

Sacramento County, CaliforniaOriginal: 1976-1986Development: August 14, 2026

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office announced the official identification of two additional victims linked to Joseph James DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, following advanced DNA comparison work conducted in partnership with the California Department of Justice. DeAngelo pleaded guilty in 2020 to 13 counts of first-degree murder and numerous other charges. The identifications were made possible through continued forensic review of evidence collected during the original investigation and subsequent cold case reinvestigation. Officials stated the identifications bring closure to families who had waited decades for answers.

Investigating Agency: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
Investigative Genetic GenealogyDNACaliforniaHomicide
Agency Contact: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office — (916) 874-5115
Sacramento County Sheriff's OfficeCalifornia DOJ — DNA Laboratory
Published:
FeaturedOngoing — Multiple CasesDatabase / Identification

NamUs Reports Record Identifications of Unidentified Remains in Fiscal Year 2026

NamUs Annual Identification Report — FY2026

NationwideOriginal: VariousDevelopment: September 1, 2026

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) reported a record number of unidentified remains identifications in fiscal year 2026, attributing the increase to expanded use of investigative genetic genealogy, improved interagency data sharing, and increased medical examiner participation. NamUs is a national repository and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases. The report highlighted that cases involving remains discovered more than 20 years ago accounted for a significant portion of new identifications, underscoring the continued value of forensic reinvestigation.

Investigating Agency: National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
NamUsUnidentified RemainsInvestigative Genetic GenealogyNationwide
Agency Contact: NamUs — 1-833-526-2887
NamUs — National Missing and Unidentified Persons SystemNational Institute of Justice
Published:
Arrest — Pending ProsecutionArrest

Illinois Cold Case Task Force Announces Arrest in 1998 Homicide

State v. [Defendant] — 1998 Homicide Investigation

Cook County, IllinoisOriginal: 1998Development: July 22, 2026

The Illinois State Police Cold Case Task Force announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a 1998 homicide in Cook County following a multi-year reinvestigation. Investigators utilized advanced DNA testing on evidence that had been preserved in the original case file, combined with investigative genetic genealogy analysis to identify a suspect. The case had remained unsolved for 28 years. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and is pending formal charges. The task force noted that the case exemplifies the value of evidence preservation and modern forensic reinvestigation techniques.

Investigating Agency: Illinois State Police Cold Case Task Force
IllinoisHomicideCold Case Task ForceDNAArrest
Agency Contact: Illinois State Police — (217) 782-7263
Illinois State Police
Published:
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