Lecture Notes on Cold Case Investigations and the Vidocq Society

Introduction

• The world often holds misconceptions.
• The significance of cold case investigations.
• Introduction to the Vidocq Society—an elite group of forensic experts that help solve cold cases.

Case Study 1: Terry Brooks Murder

Background

• Date: February 4, 1984
• Location: Falls Township, Pennsylvania
• Victim: Terry Brooks, 25, a fast food restaurant manager.
• Discovery: Found murdered in the restaurant; signs of a struggle were evident.

Crime Scene Details

• Terry was brutally beaten, strangled, and stabbed.
• Evidence:
  • Large knife found lodged in her throat
  • Plastic trash bag covering her face
  • Cash drawers were emptied, indicating a robbery motive.

Investigation Challenges

• No forced entry.
• The case went cold after initial investigations yielded no suspects.
• Interviews with family revealed Terry was cheerful, hardworking, and engaged to Scott Keith, whom her family didn't know well.

Breakthroughs

• Fingerprint Evidence: Found on the trash bag, matched a co-worker.
• Witness Accounts: Two drunk men causing trouble before her murder.

Cold Case Resolution

• In 1998, the case was reopened by Detective Sergeant Wynn Cloud.
• Investigators hypothesized that Terry knew her killer, contrary to initial beliefs.
• Involvement of the Vidocq Society to reassess the case.
  • Experts believed the robbery was staged.
  • Profile suggested the killer had a working-class background.

Suspect Identification

• Scott Keith emerged as a prime suspect due to behavioral inconsistencies and his history with Terry.
• DNA evidence from the crime scene matched Scott.
• Confession: Scott admitted to killing Terry after she tried to end their engagement, staged the scene to look like a robbery.

Case Study 2: Scott Dunn Disappearance

Background

• Date: May 19, 1991
• Location: Lubbock, Texas
• Victim: Scott Dunn, 24, last seen by girlfriend Alicia Hamilton.

Investigation Details

• Missing person report filed after Scott didn't show up for work.
• Blood evidence discovered at Scott's apartment; suggested foul play.

Suspect Development

• Alicia Hamilton's behavior raised suspicions.
• Neighborhood harassment by Tim Smith, a man Alicia had been seeing.

Breakthrough Evidence

• Discovery of blood patterns; evidence of a violent struggle.
• Duct tape links found between Scott's apartment and Tim Smith's.
• Hair samples from duct tape matched Scott's.

Case Resolution

• With Vidocq Society's involvement, authorities transformed the case into a homicide investigation.
• Both Alicia and Tim arrested and charged with murder; Scott's body was never found.

Conclusion

• The Vidocq Society plays a vital role in solving cold cases through collaboration and expertise.
• New evidence and scientific advancements can turn cold cases into solvable mysteries.
• Importance of family persistence in seeking justice.