17 Chilling Cold Cases That Internet Sleuths Might Finally Solve
Some crimes haunt communities for decades—unanswered questions, grieving families, and justice that remains just out of reach. But in the digital age, a new wave of detectives has emerged: citizen sleuths. With just a laptop, an internet connection, and a relentless curiosity, these amateur investigators have cracked cases that once seemed unsolvable. Could you be the one to finally bring closure to these long-standing mysteries?
From tracking down key video evidence in the Gabby Petito case to exposing inconsistencies in official reports, online detectives have played a crucial role in uncovering the truth. Law enforcement, too, is beginning to recognize the power of public engagement in solving crimes.
However, experts warn that independent investigations should be handled responsibly. “There are victims and families trying to rebuild their lives,” says Dr. Khadija Monk, a criminal justice professor at California State University, Los Angeles. She urges amateur sleuths to respect boundaries and avoid interfering with active cases. Brittney Knapp, a senior investigator in Wisconsin, agrees, adding that unauthorized interviews or evidence collection can severely damage an investigation.
With that in mind, here are 17 unsolved murder cases that could use fresh eyes—and maybe even a breakthrough.
1. The Double Murder That Led to Another Tragedy
Victims: Jocelyn Watt and Rudy Perez
Location: Wind River Reservation, Wyoming
Year: 2019
Watt and her boyfriend, Perez, were shot and killed in their home. Her younger sister, Jade Wagon, was vocal about seeking justice—until she vanished in 2020. When her body was discovered weeks later, authorities ruled her death accidental, but her family suspects foul play.
2. The Mystery of the Only Cold Case in Webster History
Victim: Kelley Gaffield
Location: Webster, New York
Year: 1995
The 16-year-old disappeared after spending time with friends. Months later, her body was found with broken ribs in a wooded area. Despite 600 leads, no arrests have been made.
3. The Eerie Cellphone Recording That Could Solve a Murder
Victims: Liberty German and Abigail Williams
Location: Delphi, Indiana
Year: 2017
Before being murdered, 14-year-old Libby captured a man’s voice saying, “Down the hill,” along with a blurry photo of him. Despite 30,000 leads, the suspect remains unidentified.
4. A Party, a Suspicious Death, and a $100,000 Reward
Victim: Alonzo Brooks
Location: La Cygne, Kansas
Year: 2004
Brooks attended a party where he was one of only three Black men. A month later, his body was found in a creek. The FBI is investigating the case as a possible hate crime.
5. The Eight Women Who Knew Too Much
Victims: ‘The Jennings 8’
Location: Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
Years: 2005-2009
All eight women served as informants about the local drug trade. Their bodies were dumped in swamps and canals. Their deaths remain a chilling unsolved mystery.
6. The Last Man Murdered on 9/11
Victim: Henryk Siwiak
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Year: 2001
The Polish immigrant was shot to death on the night of September 11. His killer likely slipped away unnoticed amid the chaos of that historic day.
7. The Lifeguard Who Vanished from Her Post
Victim: Molly Bish
Location: Worcester County, Massachusetts
Year: 2000
Molly was dropped off at her lifeguarding job but disappeared without a trace. Three years later, her remains were discovered, yet her murderer remains unknown.
8. The Fugitive Suspect Still on the Run
Victim: Krystal Mitchell
Location: San Diego, California
Year: 2016
Strangled in her bedroom, Krystal’s suspected killer, Raymond McLeod, fled the country. He remains on the U.S. Marshals’ Most Wanted list.
Could You Crack the Case?
Each of these cases holds unanswered questions, and in today’s digital world, new evidence can emerge in the unlikeliest of places. If you have information about any of these crimes, contact the appropriate authorities. Just remember: the pursuit of justice is a powerful responsibility—one that must be handled with care.
Do you think internet sleuths can make a difference, or should cold cases be left solely to law enforcement? Let us know in the comments!
