Unsolved Mysteries & Cold Cases Still Haunt Victims Families

The chilling reality of unresolved crimes casts a long, dark shadow, not just over the communities where they occurred, but particularly over the families left behind. Each cold case represents a life cut short, a future stolen, and a profound emptiness where answers should be. These aren't just sensational headlines; they are deeply personal tragedies that ripple through generations, fueling an unyielding quest for justice and closure.

At a Glance: Understanding the Enduring Mysteries

What defines a "cold case"? Generally, a criminal investigation that has gone inactive due to a lack of new leads, but can be reopened with fresh evidence or new investigative techniques.
Why do they matter? They represent justice denied for victims and their families, preserve public safety by identifying dangerous individuals, and highlight the evolving nature of crime-solving.
Who are the victims? People from all walks of life, though vulnerable populations are often disproportionately affected.
What makes them so difficult to solve? Time erodes evidence, memories fade, witnesses disappear, and initial investigative missteps can hinder progress for decades.
How are they reopened? Advances in DNA technology, digital forensics, renewed media attention, and persistent advocacy from families.
Can the public help? Absolutely. Tips, community awareness, and support for cold case initiatives are crucial.

The Enduring Echo: Why These Cases Captivate and Torment Us

There's something uniquely unsettling about an unsolved mystery. The human mind craves resolution, a neat package with a clear beginning, middle, and end. But cold cases refuse to conform, leaving gaping wounds in the fabric of justice. They poke at our sense of security, reminding us that evil can lurk unseen, and that sometimes, the answers remain tantalizingly out of reach.
For the families of victims, this lack of resolution isn't just unsettling – it's a relentless torment. It prevents true grieving, holds them captive in a permanent state of limbo, and often forces them into the role of relentless advocates, pushing against the passage of time and the weight of forgotten files. Their stories are a testament to human resilience, but also a stark reminder of the profound cost of the unknown.

The Anatomy of a Cold Case: When the Trail Goes Faint

What exactly turns an active investigation into a "cold case"? It's not a single moment, but a slow, often agonizing process where leads dry up, forensic evidence runs thin, or the initial frenzy of police work yields no arrests. A case might go cold because key witnesses refuse to speak, or because the technology wasn't available at the time to analyze crucial evidence. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of resource allocation, with newer, active cases demanding immediate attention.
However, "cold" doesn't mean "forgotten." The vast majority of law enforcement agencies maintain cold case units or review protocols, hoping that a new perspective, an advance in forensic science, or a changing social dynamic might finally crack open a decades-old enigma. The shift often comes with new leadership, fresh eyes, or a dedicated family member who simply refuses to let the case fade.

Recent Shadows: Unsolved Crimes Still Plaguing the 2020s

Even in an age of advanced forensics and widespread digital surveillance, the tide of unsolved mysteries continues to rise. Here's a look at some of the cases from the past few years that continue to baffle investigators and haunt communities:

2025: Fresh Wounds and Urgent Questions

Tee'Andrick Lawson (Glennville, Georgia): In April 2025, the body of 20-year-old Tee'Andrick Lawson was discovered. Tragically, his mother, Tasha Lawson, passed away just 11 days later. Family members, consumed by grief, suspect Tee'Andrick was the victim of a hate crime, a devastating possibility that intensifies the urgency for answers from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Hazlehurst Police.
Okesa Ray (Chicago, Illinois): The disappearance of 73-year-old Okesa Ray in March 2025 from Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood has left her daughter, Tameka, distraught. After leaving a grocery store, Okesa's phone was found smashed near Lake Michigan, and police dogs traced a path to the water. Divers, however, found nothing. Foul play is suspected, and Tameka's heartbroken plea, "My mama doesn’t wander off. Something happened to her," echoes the fears of a community searching for an elderly woman.
Dayton's Dark Pattern (Dayton, Ohio): From late 2023 through 2025, Dayton has been gripped by fear as at least five women, mostly from vulnerable populations experiencing housing instability or substance use, have been found strangled in abandoned buildings and alleys. Detectives openly suspect a serial killer, prompting community groups to demand increased police resources and immediate action to protect those most at risk.
The Masked Shooter (Los Angeles, California): Within a two-month span, Los Angeles clubs and music venues have been targeted by a killer wearing a horror-movie-style mask and wielding high-powered handguns. At least three fatal shootings, claiming the lives of two aspiring rappers and a college student, have left the LAPD struggling to identify the elusive perpetrator. Theories range from a lone wolf with a vendetta to a professional hit-for-hire, intensifying the fear for concert-goers.
Paria Veisi (Cardiff, Wales): South Wales Police launched a murder investigation after Paria Veisi was last seen leaving her Cardiff workplace on April 12. Her black Mercedes GLC 200 was later found abandoned. Two individuals known to Veisi have been arrested on suspicion of murder, but authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that might bring justice.

2024 & 2023: Breakthroughs, Dead Ends, and Persistent Shadows

Raymond McCourt (Dundee, Scotland): The escape of 59-year-old convicted murderer Raymond McCourt in 2024 from HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison, has sparked a manhunt across Scotland. McCourt was sentenced to life in 1993 for murder and shooting two individuals, and police have issued urgent warnings to the public not to approach him, reminding everyone that past crimes can echo into the present.
Gilgo Beach Killings (Long Island, New York): The decade-long Gilgo Beach investigation, which began in 2010 with the discovery of 10 sets of human remains, saw a major breakthrough in July 2023. Manhattan architect Rex Heuermann was arrested and charged based on phone data and DNA evidence. However, police continue to investigate, cautiously exploring whether all the deaths are connected, leaving elements of this horrifying saga still unsolved.
The Zizians (Across the U.S.): Authorities are grappling with "The Zizians," a cult-like group led by Jack "Ziz" LaSota, believed to be involved in at least six deaths from violent crimes across the U.S. This disturbing group blends anarchism, veganism, transgender rights, and AI fears. The FBI is investigating other related incidents, including a deadly shootout involving members Teresa Youngblut and Ophelia Bauckholt that resulted in the deaths of a U.S. Border Patrol agent and Bauckholt. Several Zizians currently await trial, but the full scope of their activities remains a terrifying mystery.
Naomi Irion (Fernley, Nevada): The disappearance and subsequent murder of 18-year-old Naomi Irion in March 2022 was a heartbreaking case. Security footage showed a man entering her car in a Walmart parking lot and driving off. Her body was found weeks later, and suspect Troy Driver was arrested. However, Driver died in jail in 2023 under mysterious circumstances, leaving critical questions about accomplices or motives tragically unanswered. Naomi’s family continues to advocate fiercely for justice.
Dylan Rounds (Lucin, Utah): In May 2022, 19-year-old farmer Dylan Rounds vanished from his remote property. His boots, stained with blood matched to his DNA, were found. James Brenner was charged with murder in 2023 based on forensic evidence and phone data, yet Dylan's body has still not been found, a grim detail that adds a layer of agony for his family. Investigators continue to seek tips from anyone with knowledge.

Still Lingering: Cases from the Late 2010s & Early 2020s

Annecy Shootings (Annecy, France): The shocking 2012 Annecy shootings, which saw four people murdered, was transferred to France's national cold case unit in Nanterre in September 2022. The murder weapon was confirmed as a Swiss-made Luger P06/29 7.65mm Parabellum pistol, and the likely perpetrator is described as a Swiss national in his fifties with advanced military or paramilitary training. Despite these details, the case remains unsolved, an international tragedy without an identified killer.
Maggie Long (Bailey, Colorado): On December 1, 2017, 17-year-old Maggie Long was brutally murdered in her home, which was then set on fire. Reclassified as a hate crime due to her Asian American background, investigations revealed she struggled with assailants who stole firearms, ammunition, a safe, and jade figurines. Composite sketches and vehicle descriptions were released, and state and federal authorities offer a $75,000 reward, a testament to the continued desperation for answers.
Crystal Rogers & Bardstown's Shadow (Bardstown, Kentucky): Crystal Rogers vanished on July 3, 2015. In 2023, her longtime boyfriend Brooks Houck was arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. However, her body has never been found, posing a significant challenge for the prosecution. Crystal's disappearance is tragically intertwined with a string of violent crimes in Bardstown, including the ambush murder of a police officer and the killing of Crystal’s father, Tommy Ballard. Locals suspect a deeper conspiracy at play, painting a grim picture of a town under a dark cloud.
Janette Roberson (Reed City, Michigan): On January 19, 1983, 27-year-old Janette Roberson was murdered in the basement of Reed City Gambles department store. Her case remains stubbornly unresolved, a constant ache for her family. Her sister, Lana Jarvie, organizes annual walks, a poignant tradition aimed at pressuring investigators and keeping Janette's memory alive, urging the public to provide any information, no matter how small.
Adre-Anna Anita Jackson (Lakewood, Washington): Ten-year-old Native American Adre-Anna Anita Jackson disappeared in December 2005 while walking to school. Her skeletonized body was found in April 2006. As of April 2025, her case remains unsolved, but the Washington State Attorney General's cold case unit is actively reviewing it, offering a glimmer of hope after nearly two decades.
Henry McCabe (Mounds View, Minnesota): Henry McCabe went missing on September 6, 2015, and was found deceased in November 2015, leaving behind horrifying voicemails to his family that suggested he was being hunted. Foul play is suspected, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death continue to perplex investigators and torment his loved ones.
Terri "Missy" Bevers (Midlothian, Texas): Missy Bevers, a mother of three, was found murdered in a Midlothian church in April 2016. Surveillance video captured the perpetrator, dressed in police-style tactical gear, but despite clear footage, the individual's identity remains unknown, leaving her killer elusive.
Stephen Smith (Hampton County, South Carolina): In July 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found dead along a rural road. Initially suggested as a hit-and-run, foul play is now strongly suspected by others, notably his family, highlighting how initial conclusions can be revisited in cold cases.
Elizabeth "Liz" Barraza (Tomball, Texas): Liz Barraza was shot to death in her own driveway in January 2019, an act chillingly captured on a Ring doorbell camera. Despite the clear recording of the incident, the case remains unsolved, illustrating the challenges of identification even with modern surveillance.
Terrence Woods Jr. (Orogrande, Idaho): An experienced film worker, Terrence Woods Jr. ran off into a dense forest from a film set in October 2018. His family suspects foul play, adding another layer of suspicion and unresolved questions to his disappearance.
Karlie Guse (Chalfant, California): Sixteen-year-old Karlie Guse vanished from her family’s house in October 2018 after attending a party, leaving her family desperate for answers about her whereabouts.
Jamie Kaiwai (Tolaga Bay, New Zealand): Jamie Kaiwai, 27, went missing in October 2019. Her car was later found with bloodied clothes, but authorities treated it as a suicide. Her family, however, vehemently suspects foul play, challenging official narratives.
Amani Kildea (Morristown, New Jersey): In June 2020, 20-year-old Amani Kildea was found hanging in a public park. Authorities ruled it a suicide, but her friends and family strongly disagree, demanding a deeper investigation into her death.
Kaitlyn Ledbetter (Hilham, Tennessee): Kaitlyn Ledbetter, 25, jumped out of her bedroom window and ran into the woods in May 2021, never to be seen again, leaving behind a baffled and heartbroken family.
Summer Wells (Rogersville, Tennessee): Five-year-old Summer Wells vanished from her home in June 2021, sparking a massive search and nationwide attention, yet her disappearance remains a haunting mystery.
Daniel Robinson (Buckeye, Arizona): Daniel Robinson, 24, left a jobsite in June 2021 and has not been seen since. His car and possessions were found, and his family suspects foul play, refusing to accept a simple disappearance.
Denisha Montgomery Smith (Wiesbaden, Germany): Denisha Montgomery Smith, 27, died while on deployment in August 2022. The Army ruled her death a suicide, but her family fiercely disagrees, raising questions about the circumstances abroad.
Quaaneiruh Goodwyn (Dorchester, Massachusetts): Despite witnesses and surveillance footage identifying a red SUV, 24-year-old Quaaneiruh Goodwyn was murdered in October 2022, and her case remains unsolved, a frustrating lack of justice for her community.

Decades in the Dark: Iconic Cold Cases that Haunt History

Some cases transcend their immediate context, becoming etched into the public consciousness as enduring symbols of the unknown. These are the mysteries that spawn documentaries, podcasts, and countless theories, keeping the hope for resolution alive across generations.

From the Mid-2000s Backwards: When Technology Was Scarcer

West Mesa Bone Collector (New Mexico): The haunting case of the West Mesa Bone Collector is linked to at least 11 women who went missing from May 2003, with their bodies uncovered in February 2009. Despite strong suspects, no arrests have ever been made, leaving a community grappling with a serial killer still at large.
Marsha Brantley (Cleveland, Tennessee): Marsha Brantley vanished around May 2009. Her husband was charged twice with her murder, but the case remains unsolved, highlighting the difficulties of prosecution without definitive evidence.
The Jamison Family (Red Oak, Oklahoma): In October 2009, the Jamison Family disappeared while viewing property. Their truck was found, and remains years later, but questions about foul play, accident, or other causes continue to swirl around this perplexing case.
Kyron Horman (Portland, Oregon): Seven-year-old Kyron Horman disappeared from Skyline Elementary in June 2010, sparking a massive search and one of the most high-profile missing child cases in the Pacific Northwest.
Timmothy Pitzen (Sterling/Dixon/Rockfall, Illinois): Six-year-old Timmothy Pitzen went missing in May 2011 after his mother took him from school and later committed suicide, leaving behind a note suggesting Timmothy was safe but would never be found.
Michelle Parker (Orlando, Florida): Michelle Parker, 33, vanished in November 2011 after dropping off her twins. Her car and phone were found, but she was never seen again, fueling suspicions of foul play.
Daylenn "Moke" Pua (Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii): Daylenn "Moke" Pua went for a hike in February 2015 and never returned, his disappearance in the rugged Hawaiian terrain remaining a deep mystery.
Unidentified Severed Head (Economy, Pennsylvania): In December 2014, a boy discovered an unidentified severed head in a wooded area, a gruesome finding that remains without an identity or explanation.
Portlock, Alaska: The entire town of Portlock was abandoned in the late 1940s after a string of strange deaths and disappearances, some attributed to the paranormal, leaving behind a truly eerie historical mystery.
Michael Rockefeller (Papua New Guinea): In 1961, Michael Rockefeller, son of New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, disappeared from a capsized canoe. His fate is still debated, with theories ranging from drowning to being cannibalized by local tribes.
Dawn Bustamante (Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii): Dawn Bustamante was one of two teenage girls abducted, assaulted, and murdered in 1974. Her case, along with the other victim's, remains tragically unsolved.
The Oakland County Child Killer (Michigan): Responsible for several children missing or murdered in the late 1970s, this serial killer terrorized communities, leaving a dark legacy that still haunts Michigan.
Trenny Lynn Gibson (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): Sixteen-year-old Trenny Lynn Gibson vanished from a field trip in 1976, seemingly swallowed by the vast wilderness, leaving no trace.
Charles "Chuck" Morgan (Tucson, Arizona): In 1977, businessman Charles "Chuck" Morgan was found dead. Ruled a suicide by authorities, his family vehemently disagrees, convinced of foul play and a deeper conspiracy.
Scott and Amy Fandel (Alaskan Wilderness): In 1978, children Scott and Amy Fandel disappeared from their cabin, another chilling case of children vanishing in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.
The Sarah Joe (Hana, Hawaii): In 1979, five men aboard the fishing boat "Sarah Joe" vanished, only for the boat to be found years later in a remote island, with no sign of the crew.
The Keddie Cabin Murders (California): The horrific 1981 Keddie Cabin Murders involved three violent murders and the kidnapping and murder of a 12-year-old girl, a brutal crime that continues to defy resolution.
Cynthia Anderson (Toledo, Ohio): Cynthia Anderson disappeared from Toledo in 1981, having had chilling nightmares of abduction and murder that eerily foreshadowed her fate.
Kurt Sova (Newburgh Heights, Ohio): Seventeen-year-old Kurt Sova was found dead in 1981 after attending a Halloween party, another young life cut short under mysterious circumstances.
Michelle "Shelly" Colliflower and Vincent Tijerina Jr. (Weatherford, Texas): This teenage couple was found shot to death in 1983, a double murder that remains a grim cold case.
Juan Pedro Martínez (Somosierra, Spain): Juan Pedro Martínez vanished from a tanker truck crash site in 1986 that killed his parents, adding a bizarre twist to a tragic accident.
Jane Prichard (Blackbird State Forest, Delaware): A botany student, Jane Prichard, was found murdered in 1986, her promising future tragically ended in a state forest.
Theresa Bier (Fresno, California): Theresa Bier went missing in 1987 after a man claimed Bigfoot took her while camping, a truly unique and unsettling disappearance.
Randy Leach (Rural Kansas): Seventeen-year-old Randy Leach disappeared from a bonfire party in 1988, a seemingly ordinary night turning into a lifelong mystery for his family.
Arlene and Seymour Tankleff (Belle Terre, New York): The 1988 murders of Arlene and Seymour Tankleff led to a wrongful conviction, and though justice was partially served with an exoneration, the real culprit remains at large.
Casey Rose Bohun (North Delta, British Columbia): Three-year-old Casey Rose Bohun vanished from her home in 1989, a heartbreaking case of a child disappearing without a trace.
Rhianna Barreau (Morphett Vale, South Australia): Twelve-year-old Rhianna Barreau disappeared in 1992 after going to buy a Christmas card, a simple errand turning into an enduring mystery.
Adam Emery (Newport, Rhode Island): A convicted murderer, Adam Emery, vanished on the day of his conviction in 1993, becoming a fugitive whose disappearance is an unsolved case itself.
Michelle Von Emster (La Jolla, California): Michelle Von Emster’s shark-bitten body was found off La Jolla in 1994, but shark experts dispute the shark attack as the cause of death, adding a layer of mystery.
Amber Hagerman (Arlington, Texas): The abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in 1996 was a tragedy that led to the creation of the Amber Alert system, a lasting legacy born from pain.
Ricky McCormick (West Alton, Missouri): Ricky McCormick was found dead in 1999 with cryptic, still-uncracked coded notes in his pockets, a truly baffling and unique cold case.
Asha Degree (Shelby, North Carolina): A young girl, Asha Degree, left her home in the middle of the night on February 14, 2000, and has not been seen since, her unexplained departure baffling investigators.
Molly Bish (Warren, Massachusetts): Sixteen-year-old Molly Bish vanished from her job in June 2000. Her body was found years later, but her killer remains elusive, leaving her family without full closure.
Matthew Pendergrast (Memphis, Tennessee): College student Matthew Pendergrast disappeared in December 2000; his car and clothes were found in another state, adding perplexing details to his vanishing.
Robert William Fisher (Scottsdale, Arizona): Robert William Fisher, a triple-murder suspect, has been on the run since April 2001 after his wife and children were found dead in their burning home, remaining on the FBI's Most Wanted list.
Branson Perry (Skidmore, Missouri): Twenty-year-old Branson Perry disappeared in April 2001 after going to his family’s shed, joining a long list of unsolved disappearances in rural areas.
Thomas C. Wales (Seattle, Washington): Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Wales was murdered in his Seattle home in October 2001, a high-profile assassination for which no one has ever been charged.
Paula and Brandon Wade (Valdosta, Georgia): A mother and son, Paula and Brandon Wade, went missing from their apartment complex in October 2002, a double disappearance that has left many questions unanswered.
Joshua Guimond (Collegeville, Minnesota): College student Joshua Guimond vanished from a poker party in November 2002, a baffling case from a seemingly safe campus environment.
Daniel Entwistle (Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom): Seven-year-old Daniel Entwistle disappeared in May 2003; his bike was found, but he was not, leaving a void for his family across the pond.
Brian Shaffer (Columbus, Ohio): Brian Shaffer, an OSU medical student, walked into a bar on April Fool’s Day 2006 and was never seen again, a mystery deepened by surveillance footage showing him enter but not exit.
The Severed Feet (Pacific Northwest): Since 2007, 21 severed feet have been found washed ashore, a macabre and unexplained phenomenon with theories ranging from lost immigrants to a serial killer.
Brandon Swanson (Canby, Minnesota): Brandon Swanson went missing in May 2008; his car was found in a ditch, but he was not, his voice last heard on a distressed phone call to his parents.
Margaret Sweet (Colorado Springs, Colorado): Margaret Sweet was shot to death on Christmas Eve 2008. Her ex-boyfriend is suspected but has never been arrested, allowing a killer to walk free.

Behind the Tape: The Evolving Hunt for Answers

Solving cold cases isn't just about reviewing old files; it's about leveraging every new tool available. Forensic science has advanced dramatically, with DNA analysis becoming a game-changer. What was once a microscopic hair or a faint blood trace can now yield a full genetic profile, linking perpetrators to crime scenes decades later. Similarly, digital forensics can unearth buried data from old devices, and the proliferation of surveillance cameras and social media offers new avenues for investigation.
However, the human element remains vital. Public tips, witness accounts re-examined through a new lens, and persistent advocacy from families often provide the spark that reignites a cold case. Media attention also plays a crucial role in disseminating information and keeping these cases in the public eye. For a deeper dive into how investigators and journalists revisit these stories, you might want to Explore all 20/20 episodes to see how real-life mysteries are brought to light. These platforms often serve as powerful catalysts for new leads and community engagement.

The Unbearable Weight of Not Knowing: A Family's Fight

For families, the phrase "unsolved" means "unfinished." They live with an open wound, perpetually wondering what happened to their loved one, agonizing over whether they suffered, and haunted by the thought that a perpetrator walks free. This emotional toll is immense, often leading to secondary trauma, strained relationships, and a life dedicated to activism.
Families like Lana Jarvie, sister of Janette Roberson, or Tameka, daughter of Okesa Ray, become the keepers of the flame, tirelessly organizing walks, lobbying authorities, and participating in every media opportunity to ensure their loved one is not forgotten. Their courage and determination are a testament to the enduring power of love and the unyielding pursuit of truth.

When Justice Waits: Common Roadblocks

Why do so many cases defy resolution, even with modern technology?

Degraded or Absent Evidence: Time is the enemy of evidence. DNA can degrade, fingerprints can be smudged, and crime scenes may have been compromised decades ago.
Fading Memories and Missing Witnesses: Over the years, memories blur, key witnesses move away, or simply pass on. Recalling details from decades past is incredibly challenging.
Lack of Initial Resources: Early investigations might have lacked the technology, manpower, or funding to pursue every lead effectively.
Jurisdictional Hurdles: Cases spanning multiple counties, states, or even countries can create complex jurisdictional challenges, slowing down information sharing and coordinated efforts.
New Leads Fading: Even with a promising new lead, it can often lead to another dead end, pushing the case back into dormancy.
Concealed Crimes: Some perpetrators are skilled at covering their tracks, leaving minimal evidence or creating elaborate diversions.

Beyond the Headlines: How You Can Make a Difference

You might feel helpless reading about these tragic cases, but the truth is, the public often holds crucial keys to unlocking these mysteries.

Share Information: If you have even the slightest piece of information, no matter how insignificant it seems, report it to law enforcement. A seemingly small detail could be the missing puzzle piece.
Stay Informed: Follow local news and cold case initiatives. Awareness keeps cases in the public eye and generates discussion.
Support Advocacy: Many families have created foundations or online groups dedicated to their loved ones' cases. Supporting these efforts, whether through donations or simply sharing their stories, provides invaluable moral and practical support.
Community Vigilance: Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity. Sometimes, the best way to solve past crimes is to prevent future ones.
Advocate for Resources: Encourage your local and state governments to allocate sufficient funding and personnel to cold case units.

The Hope for Dawn: A Persistent Pursuit

The pursuit of justice in unsolved mysteries and cold cases is a testament to our collective refusal to let cruelty triumph over truth. Each new piece of evidence, every fresh tip, every family's unwavering voice represents a glimmer of hope that the long night of uncertainty will eventually yield to the dawn of resolution.
While the emotional scars of these crimes may never fully heal for the victims' families, knowing who was responsible, and seeing them held accountable, offers a profound sense of peace. The journey is long and arduous, but for every investigator poring over old files and every family member lighting a candle for their lost loved one, the mission remains clear: to bring light into the darkest corners, and finally, to deliver justice. The cases may be cold, but the determination to solve them burns brighter than ever.