Stage Talks with Bellingcat "Investigating Cold Cases" with Peter Barth
Jul 4, 2025
Peter Barth, a researcher at Bellingcat, dives into an intriguing cold case murder from 1971 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He shares captivating insights on how he uncovered ties to organized crime while revealing the staggering number of unsolved homicides in the U.S. Barth emphasizes the crucial role of open-source investigation techniques and community engagement in solving these cases. Listeners learn about valuable resources and strategies for participating in cold case investigations, ultimately fostering a spirit of justice and resolution.
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Massive Cold Case Volume
- The sheer volume of cold cases in the US is staggering, with hundreds of thousands unsolved.
- Many cold cases lack complete data due to underreporting by local agencies.
Start With Online Records Check
- First, check if the case has any online mentions or records.
- Collect and upload available data to help both investigators and the public.
Use FOIAs and Death Certificates
- Request files through FOIAs especially if suspects are deceased for greater access.
- Use death certificates to facilitate requesting criminal or investigative records.