Show Notes
When a case goes unsolved for years, law enforcement agencies often reduce the investigative resources dedicated to it. Even as evidence-testing technology has improved dramatically, the rate of unsolved murders continues to climb to crisis levels. With estimates of 280,000 unsolved homicides across the country, something must change systematically to force renewed investigative attention and resources towards these unsolved cases. However, what it often takes is persistent and relentless family members. In this special episode, Jen and George talk to victim-advocate and popular podcast host, Bill Thomas. His sister, Cathy, was one of the victims in the series of Colonial Parkway murders in Virginia. Her case has gone unsolved for over 36 years. Bill is the co-host of Mind Over Murder, a popular true-crime podcast. During his discussion with Jen and George he shares his first-hand experiences of having to fight for more law enforcement attention and resources. If family members don’t continuously hound investigators and work to draw media and public attention, little progress is often made in the case. Like Bill, Linda Malcom’s family was changed forever by her murder. Hear how he’s worked to find balance and light in the midst of such darkness, remain vigilant that police work her case, and maintain never-ending hope that his sister’s case will be solved.
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More from Break the Case
Genetic genealogy allows officers to compare DNA evidence with public genealogy databases, helping investigators build out family trees and identify relatives of potential suspects. When AMU investigator Jennifer Bucholtz learned that the Port Orchard Police Department was potentially using genetic genealogy to help identify Linda Malcom’s killer, she wanted to learn more about this investigative technique. In this episode, Jen and George talk to Jen’s genetic genealogy instructor, Christine Burke. Learn why Christine, a former law enforcement officer, founded a training company to teach both law enforcement and civilians how to conduct advanced genetic genealogy investigations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Port Orchard Detective Andee Walton updates AMU’s team on how evidence testing and investigative genetic genealogy may help identify Linda Malcom's killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jen Bucholtz recently returned to Port Orchard, Washington to conduct additional on-the-ground investigation and meet with law enforcement officials.
Renowned cold case investigator Paul Holes, who is credited with identifying the Golden State Killer, met in-person with Jen to discuss Linda Malcom’s case. During his 30 years of investigative experience, Paul said he has never seen a case where the victim’s body wasn’t the point of origin in a case where a fire was set after the murder.
In this episode, hear clips of William Miller’s interview with police in November 2020, 16 years after Rebekah Gould’s murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.