There are now 9,082 unsolved murders in New York City going back to 1985. That figure is a moving target of course. They are adding to that number all the time. Roughly 150 – 200 or more murders go cold every year, and try as they might, they are not going back and solving that many each year (of the older, cold cases).
That picture was take at one of the Property Clerk warehouses. Those barrels contain homicide evidence.
Attention! If you have a friend or loved one whose murder is still unsolved and you want to know what to do, please read this:
People ask repeatedly in the comments section about what to do or who to call about an unsolved murder. The answer to those questions are on the left under the heading, Getting Help – Contacting a Cold Case Squad. First read the document titled Before You Contact a Cold Case Squad. Then look up the number in the document Cold Case Squad and Other Organizations.
If you can’t find a number for your city or town, call your local police department and ask them if they have a cold case squad or a person in their homicide squad who specializes in cold cases. If they don’t then ask to speak to someone in their homicide squad. If you don’t get what you believe is a decent response, then go to the document on the left titled, Escalating Your Case.
If you have specific questions after reading through these instructions please ask here, but come back to see the answer!
787 responses so far ↓
1 Carlene // Apr 7, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hello
Im Carlene, I am 17 years old. When I was two years old my mother was murdered in Brooklyn, New york and her case was never solved. I am trying to figure out who I can contact about my mother’s case. Im not trying to figure out who did it because there were rumors about what happened and it was brought to my attention he was killed. I would just like to know details about my mother’s case because I never really knew who she was and I feel as if I need some kind of closer. Can you please help me??
2 Stacy Horn // Apr 7, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Carlene, I’m going to email you.
3 Shavon // Apr 20, 2009 at 4:04 am
Hello,
SOmetimes in 1990 my aunt got murdered in New York City. She was shot i the face, possibly for her radio. No one has ever addressed her case with my family and my grandmother experienced deep sorrow for many years due to her lose and she also recently died. Now my cousing 25 still has no information on what really happened to his mother. I donot even no where to begin. If anybody knows can you please help me. We really need closure.
4 Stacy Horn // Apr 21, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Shavon, first, I’m very sorry about your aunt. Closure may not be possible, but your cousin can certainly find out what happened and where the case was left. The number for the NYPD’s Cold Case Squad is to the left under “Information.” You would click on Cold Case Squads and other organizations.
BUT, before you or your cousin calls, you should click on “Before You Contact a Cold Case Squad” which is under email. I give advice as to how to get what you need quickly. Trust me, it’s worth following the steps I outline.
I’m going to email this just in case you don’t get back here.
Stacy
5 Tasha Spivey // Jun 18, 2009 at 6:46 pm
i would like information about my dad that was murdered in i think harlem new york on or around september 1-5, 2009. He was taken Lincoln Memorial Hospital(i Think) His name is Kevin E Holmes SR. Social Security index just has it as K Holmes 8-23-50 to 9-1-1990. All efforts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks again and GOD BLESS!!!
Please help!!!!
All aff
6 Stacy Horn // Jun 22, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Tasha, I am going to email you.
7 MADISON // Jul 1, 2009 at 5:08 pm
HELLO
SEEKING INFO ON A MURDER OF A 7 YEAR OLD GIRL NAMED ADRIAN REYES.
THIS HAPPENED IN FAR ROCKAWAY QUEENS N.Y.
THIS HAPPENED MAY 1978
I WAS 8 AT THE TIME, THIS WAS MY FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR AND THIS HAS HAUNTED ME SINCE IT HAPPENED.
HER KILLER WAS NAMED BRUCE BOSTICK
HE ALSO LIVED IN OUR BUILDING WHERE THE MURDER TOOK PLACE.
I REMEMBER CLEARLY ALL THE NEWS CAMERAS AND REPORTS AT THE 101 ST PRECINCT TO COVER THE CASE, BUT WHEN I LOOK FOR INFO ON HER MURDER , ALL I CAN FIND IS ONE SMALL ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES.
THIS WAS ON THE TV NEWS ALSO AND I REMEMBER JOHN JOHNSON FROM EYE WITNESS NEW WAS THERE.
HOW CAN I GET INFO ON THIS CASE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
GREAT SITE
8 Matthew // Jul 2, 2009 at 11:23 am
I am a former NYC Police Officer and I was assigned to the 101 PCT. I patrolled the housing developments on a daily basis and I never heard about the murder of 7 year old Adrian Reyes. There are a lot of good people in Far Rockaway, however like everything else is life a few rotten apples always spoil it for them. I looked up the convicted murderer Bruce Bostick. Bostick is still in Attica (thankfully). Could you please forward me some information abou the Reyes Homicide. I cannot find anything on line. Thank you.
9 David Stroebel // Jul 29, 2009 at 8:26 pm
On October 19, 1944 my 15 year-old cousin, Frieda Winget who disappeared on her way home from school in the Bronx. She frequently stopped at a Chinease laundromat near her home and chatted with the two owners. A day after questioning the two men, one of the men fled. I have a newspaper clipping of the story. How do I get a copy of the police investigation and where do I send my request for the report?
Thank you
Dave
10 Stacy Horn // Jul 30, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’m going to email you, but for others who might need it, the number for the Missings Persons Squad in New York City is 646-610-6914, 6917. Although I heard it moved so the number may have changed. If that is the case and if no one picks up at the number to tell you their new number call the Detective Bureau and ask them for the new number: 646-610-5430.
11 Kristie Reyes // Aug 9, 2009 at 3:22 pm
my father was murdered in queens in February 1990 a few months before i was born, his case was never solved and as his only child i feel i need to know the truth if someone can please help me or direct to someone who can it can be a great help in this 19 year mystery
12 Stacy Horn // Aug 10, 2009 at 8:50 am
Hi. I’m going to email this to you as well in case you don’t come back to see the answer, but the answer to your questions were here all along. There are links to left that would give you the numbers to call and instructions about what information you should have ready before you call. I’m so sorry about your father.
13 tyleah hamitlon // Aug 19, 2009 at 3:53 pm
hi my name is tyleah hamitlon. iam looking for details on my grandmother gevena hamilton. from my father he said when he was 9 she was murder. i never new her and im looking fpr details about the case and about her. me and my dads part of the family does not talk so i dont no what happened back then or know anything bout what they may know. please some one help meh find what happened to her
14 Stacy Horn // Aug 19, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi Tyleah. I’m sorry about your grandmother. I’m going to email you.
15 latisha reid // Aug 21, 2009 at 11:44 pm
i just cant let go the death of my father go he was killed in new york back in 1989 all i know is he gave them a which i belive that there is dna left by the person he was fighting i dont know how to go about reopening his case this has been on my mine since i was 12 yearsold his was thomas green
16 Stacy Horn // Aug 22, 2009 at 8:50 am
I’m so sorry about your father, Latisha. I will email you as well, but instructions on what to do and who to contact are on the left, under “Before You Contact a Cold Case Squad.” I guess I have to figure out how to make the fact that this information is there clearer.
17 Traveena // Sep 8, 2009 at 12:41 am
OMG… This is so surreal, I visited this site to get information @ the Adrian Reyes case too. I was 5 maybe 6 at the time. I also lived in the building and played with her as well. If it helps any the address was 1450 Greenport rd, in Far Rockaway Queens. A lot of the details I have are vague but I remember the incident vividly. We moved shortly thereafter. Please, if you have found any links or direction I can move in contact me.
18 MADISON // Sep 27, 2009 at 2:45 pm
TO TRAVEENA
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU, WAS STARTING TO THINK I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERED THAT. I SAW HER BROTHER RECENTLY, BUT DIDN’T GET A CHANCE TO TALK TO HIM. BUT I KNOW THE AREA HE WORKS AND WILL TRY AGAIN.
THIS IS A SAD STORY. TO THINK THAT THIS ANIMAL WILL BE GETTING OUT SOON IS HORRIBLE.
I THINK OF THIS STORY OFTEN. I REALIZE HOW CLOSE WE ALL CAME TO BEING ADRIAN. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ANY ONE OF US KIDS.
WE ALL RAN AROUND THAT BIG ASS BUILDING.
I LIVED ON THE 6TH FLOOR RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM THIS PERV.
WILL KEEP LOOKING
R.I.P. ADRIAN
19 Stacy Horn // Sep 28, 2009 at 9:29 am
Cases don’t really get sent to the Cold Case Squad, or rather, I haven’t heard of this. That has a kind of palming it off feel to me. Have the precinct detectives done everything they can to locate Brown? What you’ve posted sounds contradictory: they can’t find him and they don’t have enough to arrest him. Arresting him is not an issue if they can’t find him and if they haven’t interrogated him yet, it’s too soon to assess the strength of the case, they’re just not there yet to make that kind of call.
But in any case you can call the Cold Case Squad yourself and discuss it with a detective there. I would suggest reading my instructions first though and be prepared.
I’m really sorry about your brother. I’m sorry that solving his case has been hampered in the ways that it has, not finding his remains, that horrible mother tampering with evidence.
20 Stacy Horn // Oct 2, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I’m going to email you.
21 vitulli // Oct 13, 2009 at 11:05 am
robin lyn Vitulli my sister .was named in Gotti trile just this week ..its had a bad afectt on me cant work sleep .trying to deal with ,am so alone
22 Stacy Horn // Oct 13, 2009 at 11:14 am
And I’m going to email you as well.
23 D king // Oct 19, 2009 at 11:37 am
hi my name is neicy my cousin george moore was shot fatally on may 29 2007 the same time the school kids were coming home from school their was a suspect and witnesses but the suspect was realesed and theres been no further action in the case he was just 18 years old he didnt even get a chance to live his life i miss him so much it was a cold blooded and senseless crime so many young men were killed in brownsville in 2007 the violence is crazy its unsafe for people to raise their children anything will be greatly appreciated
24 Stacy Horn // Oct 20, 2009 at 8:18 am
I’m so sorry about your cousin. It is terrible for someone so young to die. I would first contact your aunt and uncle to see what the last contact was with the detectives working the case. Also, go to the left and click on “Before you contact a cold case squad.”
If your aunt and uncle would like to proceed, the number for the cold case squad is also on the left under Cold Case Squads and Other Organizations.
25 Pedro // Oct 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm
My then 20 yr old brother, Efrain “Tino” Blanco was murdered in Jan 1993, I would like info on who to contact and possible take a look at his picture when he was found because they say he died sort of smiling. Thnx to all who help
26 Stacy Horn // Oct 21, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I’m sorry about your brother. This is a new question for me! I would try two places. First, contact the precinct who handled the case and explain what you want. They are going to be resistant because if the case is closed it’s filed away somewhere and they have to retrieve it. Be politely persistent. You could also call the Office of the Medical Examiner, that is where autopsies are performed and they take a picture of everyone they autopsy. Their number is 212.447.2030.
27 Laurean // Oct 22, 2009 at 2:32 pm
HELLO
IN JULY OF 1995 MY SISTER (LAKIESHA N. MILLS) AND TWO NIECES (SHADAI MILLS & PHILISE MILLS) WHERE MURDERED IN A HOUSE FIRE (THE FIRE DEPT SAID THE FIRE WAS SET) AT 104-35 134 ST RICHMOND HILLS NY, THE MURDER HAS NEVER BEEN SOLVED DETECTIVES STOPED CALLIN MY MOM A FEW MONTHS AFTER IT HAPPENED, AND THE THOUGHT OF MY SISTER AND NIECES MURDERER STILL WALKING THE STREETS IS REALLY WEARING ON MY SOUL. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP THIS MATTER TO REST SO THAT MY FAMILY CAN GO ON WITH OUR LIVES
28 Stacy Horn // Oct 22, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Oh that is so horrible. I’m so sorry. To get help you should start by clicking on the link in the left hand column of this site titled “Before You Contact a Cold Case Squad.” Read that through and let me know if you have any questions.
Then, the contact information for all the Cold Case Squad is also on the left hand column of this site in a link titled “Cold Case Squads and Other Organizations”.
29 Beth // Nov 3, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I’d like to find out how I can get inforamtion regarding the stabbing death of my husband’s cousin. His name was Robert (Bobby) Dain and he was owner/proprietor of an art gallery on Madison Ave. NYC. He was found stabbed 12 times in his apartment, April 24, 1973. I found three articles archived in the NY Post but no other information. Family believes it was someone close to Bobby who commited the crime, but they were never told of any suspects and we believe the murder is still an open investigation. Can you give me advice on other contacts to gather more information?
Thanks.
30 Stacy Horn // Nov 4, 2009 at 9:35 am
To begin, the family can call the detective squad at the precinct with these questions. The detectives can look up the case and let them know if it’s still an open investigation, and if there were never any arrests it would be. There is no statute of limitations for homicide. The family can also ask to discuss what was done and where the case was left.
By the way, I looked and the New York Times also had a few articles about this in April. If you go to the main branch of the New York Public Library you can access these articles via Proquest. You can probably get access at other branches, this is the only one I know about and use. If you don’t know how to use Proquest a librarian can show you.
31 Fraz // Nov 9, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I heard some years ago a woman was killed in the building I live in. She used to live with her husband/boyfriend on the 6th floor of the building. She was never happy with this guy and was killed.
Till today if a male & female live in that apt. they get hard time in their relationship even though if things were fine between them before they moved in that apt.
I heard that woman’s spirit doesn’t like a man in that apartment nothing happens to a woman.
I’d like to find out if there was in fact a homicide in my building on the 6th floor apartment, when it happened, why and how it happened, and what happened with the case?
I don’t know where to find out all this info?
32 Stacy Horn // Nov 10, 2009 at 8:22 am
Without even a date that’s going to be tricky. I’d try to get more information from the oldest neighbors who live in the building.
Then you could try asking at the closest precinct with the date and hopefully, also the name of the woman who was killed. They may not tell you anything though since you are not a member of her family.
You could also try researching this story at the library. Whenever I suggest going to the library people tend to balk, but you can get a lot of information through databases like Proquest, and it’s fun. Proquest is a database of newspapers. So, for instance, you could type in the address of your building and see if any articles come back about a murder there. The fun part, for me anyway, is the other things that come back that you weren’t expecting. I was researching my own building and learned about all sorts of things that happened here over the past 100 years, and interesting people who have lived here, etc.
33 sandra canto // Dec 20, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hi
In 1996 my uncle jose manuel canto was murdered on 7-26-96 in bronx new york, he was going to testify against a murder that took place in his apartment by friends of a young man in manhattan. a few days before he was to testify he was brutally hammered to death in his own apartment. My grandmother was so lost in her pain that she never really looked into his murder nor did she ever enquire any details. Now that I am older and have my own family I have been asking my dad questions and he has no answers. Before my grandmother dies I would love to find who murdered my uncle, but most of all were any of his friends part of his murder. We don’t know if the case is a cold case or if the people who murdered him were ever caught. Can you help me get on track I live in RI so how can I do my research from here.
34 Stacy Horn // Dec 22, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I’m sorry about your uncle. I’m going to email you. (But instructions on how to proceed are on the left under Contacting a Cold Case Squad.)
35 Chris lopez // Jan 2, 2010 at 12:46 pm
My uncle Angel Ortega was brutally murdered in 2007 in the Bronx, from what I know by 3 men. My grandparents have been desparetly been trying to find the people who killed their son, but they are too old to be going through something like this, is there anyone in specific I could contact to help because the cops been gave up on the case, and I’m sorry for all those who posted on this site, this is a pain that time doesn’t heal it just makes it worse
36 Stacy Horn // Jan 2, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Yes, look to the left under “Contacting a Cold Case Squad.” You will find instructions and the telephone number for the Cold Case Squad in New York.
37 John J. Reyes // Mar 27, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Dear Madison and Traveena, My name is John, I am Adrian oldest brother. Yes the incident occurred in May 1978. Bruce Bostick is still incarcerated in the Green Haven correctional facility. He has a parole hearing in January 2012. Hopefully he will not be paroled. I plan on contacting the Warden and asking him to present letters written to the parole board asking that he will not be released. Please write letter’s also. I have left my E-Mail address please feel free to E-Mail me. You probably remember my brothers. Darryl, Brian, Terry, and my mom Eunice Reyes.
38 Stacy Horn // Mar 28, 2010 at 11:47 am
Hello John. I’m so sorry about your sister. I hope the parole hearing goes as you wish.
39 Justina Hicks // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Hi my name is Justina and my brother was murderd on Sept 30,1995 in the pink houses projects in Brooklyn. His name was Michael Esquilin.After his murder know one was arrested and I feel his case is cold. Please help me.
40 Stacy Horn // Apr 18, 2010 at 9:31 am
I’m so sorry about your brother. How can I help you? Did you read through the instructions here? Why don’t you take a look and let me know if you have any questions?
I have instructions about what to do and what to get ready before you contact a cold case squad here.
And then all the numbers for the various cold case squads and other organizations here.
41 JOSELINE // May 16, 2010 at 2:06 am
MY COUSIN ARELIS MANON WAS MURDERED IN A MIDTOWN APARTMENT IN 148TH STREET AND AMSTERDAM . FOR WHAT I HEARD SHE WAS STABBED IN THE NECK AND CHEST AND HAD RECENTLY CAME OUT THE SHOWERS BUT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF RAPE IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING PLEASE EMAIL ME AT JAVIAN26@YAHOO.COM SHE HAD 8 KIDS !!!
42 Stacy Horn // May 16, 2010 at 6:41 am
I’m so sorry about your cousin. All the instructions for what do are here. If look to the left under “Contacting a Cold Case Squad.” You will find instructions and the telephone number for the Cold Case Squad in New York. Did you have any questions?
43 [Name removed at user's request] // May 19, 2010 at 12:18 am
I had a old highschool friend, Elizabeth McNamara, who was brutely raped and stabbed to death on the roof of the building that she lived in with her family in 1985, 225th street and exterior street, The marble hill projects. I have had no contact with her family since her tragic murder. It was such a tragedy that I think her mother had to let go of me because i reminded her of her daughter Lizzy (that is what we would call her.) I have never found out if her killer was ever found. How can i locate and find out more about my buddy? Lizzy who’s life was cut so short- she was only 19 years old when the tragedy occured. Please tell me how i can find out so that I can move on and know that whoever it is who took her life away is/was brought to justice- it has been eating me up inside for years………. [Name removed at user’s request]
44 [Name removed at user's request] // May 19, 2010 at 12:20 am
My friend Elizabeth Mcnamara’s murder occurred in the Bronx, NY- I am sorry I left that out. [Name removed at user’s request]
45 Stacy Horn // May 22, 2010 at 7:55 pm
I’m so sorry about your friend. All the answers to your questions were explained in this post. I also made a new post restating everything. You can see that if you go back to the main page:
https://www.therestlesssleep.com/
But if you contact the NYPD they will be able to tell you if the case was cleared or not. They may not tell you much more since you are not a member of her immediate family.
I did a quick search on the New York Times website, and the year was 1986:
http://nyti.ms/cPHimZ
Her full name was Mary Elizabeth McNamara, so you should provide that when you call. You might want to write down the location too.
46 Sarah // Jun 8, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I’m trying to find out some information about a house in Acra, New York. The house has been vacant for a very long time and people say a family was murdered there. The red numbers (not up to date, fire numbers I’m assuming), are 201 and 7148. I’ve done a lot of research and can’t find anything. I was wondering if you had any record of the house.
47 Stacy Horn // Jun 15, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Although this was written for Manhattan you can probably figure out what the equivalents would be for your town or city:
http://www.nysoclib.org/articles/gray_1995.html
48 shaniqua wester // Jun 30, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Hi i am trying to find out some informantion and hopefully find out who killed my mom bernadette wester in1990 i was 7 years old at the time and she was straggled and stabbed to death numerous times in her apartment at 101 stagg walk williamsburg new york. there was a lot of blood and fiingerprints how can i get this case looked over again.
49 Stacy Horn // Jul 1, 2010 at 6:40 am
Hi. I am so sorry about your mother. That sounds particularly brutal. The answer to how to get this case looked at again is in this post that you are commenting on. I will email you in case you don’t come back to read this.
50 shaniqua wester // Jul 1, 2010 at 11:32 am
that you sooo much for your help! and starting this site.
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