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 mark // Jul 22, 2010 at 12:52 am
my friend was murder in may 2009 in farrockaway the case was never solved i want to know why his name was derrick reeder
2 mark // Jul 22, 2010 at 12:56 am
i have another friend who has been murderd name soyica easley never heard what really happened to him all i know was he was shot
3 Stacy Horn // Jul 22, 2010 at 2:04 am
I’m very sorry about your friends. The answer to how to find out what happened is in this post that you are commenting on. I will email you in case you don’t come back to read this.
4 Melanie // Jul 27, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Hello, I have a friend who was murdered in Brooklyn, NY in December of 2005. I just found out about his murder now since I lost touch with him sometime before it happened. Is there any database for NYC cases that the public can access to see if the case is open or closed? Unfortunately, I feel that his case might still be open given the circumstances of a random act of violence with no witnesses. Thank you.
5 Zakia // Jul 28, 2010 at 1:22 am
I was 6 years that lived in the same building as Adrian Reyes when she was murdered by Bruce Bostick. I think about her and that incident often. I too lived on the 6th floor and my sister and cousin was 9 years old at the time and that could have been any one of us because this building was full of little girls. I remember this case so vividly. I heart goes out to her family. I looked up the murdered and found out that he is up for parole 1/2012. I will write to the parole board. He should never get out of prison.
6 Zakia // Jul 28, 2010 at 1:26 am
I was a 6 years girl that lived in the same building as Adrian Reyes when she was murdered by Bruce Bostick. I think about her and that incident often. I too lived on the 6th floor and my sister and cousin was 9 years old at the time and that could have been any one of us because this building was full of little girls. I remember this case so vividly. My heart goes out to her family. I looked up the murderer and found out that he is up for parole 1/2012. I will write to the parole board. He should never get out of
7 Dionne // Jul 28, 2010 at 1:29 am
@ John, I too remember this horrible day in my pass that is so vivid. I often wondered if that animal is still in prison. I will make it my business to write a letter to the parole board in the hopes they keep him behind bars where he belong for the rest of his natural born life. The things he put us thru growing up baring this scar I would never wish on anyone. I sometimes felt relief as well as guilt knowing the details of this unspeakable act. The news spared no detail and flashed my face as well as many other child’s faces on the news program that night. If I remember correctly that building had dozens of kids around her age that could have been victims. But I do want you to know our hearts (the young people that considered her a playmate) are heavy with this memory and we all wish for the same destiny for this ANIMAL. She was loved then and she is not forgotten now.
8 Dionne // Jul 28, 2010 at 1:30 am
This is for my friend Adrian Reyes, RIP
9 Anta // Aug 20, 2010 at 4:52 pm
When I was 8 years old my father was shot in his car. Somewhere during January 2-4. Noone saw or heard anything even though his car was there for three days. The poilice have not found anything and I would very much like too go ahead and restart the invesigation.
10 Justin // Sep 12, 2010 at 9:18 am
Im justin my friend Robinson lajuenesse (19) was shot at a bbq at 212 street and hollis queens by a shotgun in his thigh and bled to death in the hospital on 7-30-2010. i want to kno if the killer was caught and who it was please help me out
11 Stacy Horn // Sep 12, 2010 at 9:28 am
Hi Justin. You should start by calling the police precinct, which I believe is the 113th. (718) 712-7733.
12 Love // Sep 24, 2010 at 9:51 am
I would like to know why cases go unsolved-it’s as if no one cares once they are gone. Soyica Easley was killed and officers were not as helpful as expected. I would like more information to help get this case solved.
13 stacy swearingen // Sep 26, 2010 at 2:25 am
i am the daughter of robin vitulli/ swearingen i have pushed and pushed the feds to find answers but they are no help i did find out my uncle t knew more than he spoke all i can say is karma i will find a away to put alite behind bars for killing her! i promise you that i am not scared of these loser low life gotti crew blah blah blah they are cowards!!!
14 Troy D // Sep 28, 2010 at 5:04 am
On Or Around October 12, 1984 – My very very best friend Godfrey “al” Ferguson was found murdered in his studio apartment in the Bronx, what made this an especially vicious crime is “al” was only 21 years old and was stabbed 7 times and his body sat for 7 days, therefore decomposing, he had a closed casket funeral and I lost contact with the family, all these years later and I still not over this crime, I remember the detectives coming to pick me up and taking me to the p/precint to look over photo’s found in his apartment, it will be 26 years next month and now I’m remembering important events that should have been told to the detectives investigating the case all those years ago, what can I do today, regarding this info?
15 Stacy Horn // Sep 28, 2010 at 8:45 am
Well, that’s what I wrote my book about. I’d have to know more about this case to answer why this particular case went cold, but all my advice about how to get help is over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
16 victor // Oct 2, 2010 at 7:09 am
Hi my girlfrind was in murdered in my home on 3/9/07 her name is Shonda Brown and still anser why and what can be done?
17 Stacy Horn // Oct 3, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Oh God, that is terrible, I’m sorry. All my advice about how to get help is over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
18 Rodney Hall // Oct 4, 2010 at 3:41 am
Hi … interesting site.
I am currently building my family tree and I know that a cousin of mine (CHRISTOPHER WEEKS from England) was murdered in New York either in late 1970s or early 1980s. He would probably be in his late 20s then.
Wanted to know his date of birth, date of death, name of wife (I heard he had an American wife) and any family there.
Also, was the case ever solved ?
Would be most appreciated. His nearest relatives that I know off here have all passed on.
Cheers, Rodney
19 Stacy Horn // Oct 4, 2010 at 9:08 am
You need to do your best to narrow down where and when. There are 76 precincts in New York, and the murders from that time period are not in their database, they’d have to be found manually. You could contact the NYPD and try to get someone in Homicide Analysis to to start pulling out logbooks for each year and search through thousands and thousands of names, but you are more like to get help if you can narrow it down. Someone in your family might have a little more information.
20 K. Clayton // Oct 5, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Hello, My mother was killed July 7, 1989 in the building we resided in. I was eight yrs old at the time. I would like to know how can I get the re-opened or how can I find out some info on it! This event truely changed my life and I have alot of un-answered questions. She was robbed of her young life, and for what. I am now the same age she was when she died and I just want some answers. Thank you so much for your time!
21 Stacy Horn // Oct 6, 2010 at 8:50 am
Ugh. I’m so sorry. I never know what to say, I always wish I could find better words, but I’m sorry. Instructions for getting a cold case squad to take a look at your mother’s case are over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
I have to ask for help here. People repeatedly ask in this comments section about what to do, even though I say in the post that there are instructions on the left, and I continue to point that out here. Is there a reason why people don’t look at these instructions? I’ve written out advice about how to get help. There’s a list of cold case squads around the country and their telephone numbers (and their email) if I have that. It’s all right there. Why don’t people look?
22 dave // Oct 12, 2010 at 11:22 pm
hi im dave….i want to send my deepest sympathy to everyone that has lost someone dear to them……my sister ( damaris maisonet) was murdered in bushwick ,brooklyn new york sept 2000 on eldert st …the precint that handled the case was the 83rd… can you please find out what happened with her case …u can also call me [phone number removed].
23 Stacy Horn // Oct 13, 2010 at 8:36 am
I took out your telephone number. I don’t think you want that to posted publicly. You can contact the 83rd precinct to see find out the status of your sister’s case. The number is 718-574-1796. Instructions for getting a cold case squad to take a look at your her case are over on the upper left of this blog, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
24 Lauren // Oct 25, 2010 at 11:12 am
I remember when I was a child a boy’s body was found in the neighborhood where I lived in the swamp. I want to say the name “Christian
” but I’m not positive. it was the 80’s and in was in College Point, NY. I’ve been thinking about that boy lately now that I’m a mom. Are there any research sites that would actually help me find out more info? I’ve been Googling a lot and nothing is found.
25 Stacy Horn // Oct 25, 2010 at 4:43 pm
The best advice I can give you is all in an earlier post titled, Finding More Information about a Homicide. You can read it here:
https://www.therestlesssleep.com/?p=704
26 miss j singh // Nov 9, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Hi, my name is jasmine my brother was murdered in brooklyn ny back in 1993 in front of the marcy projects, he was shot 11 times which eliminated the entire left side of his face, he was only 17, how and what can I do its almost 2011, and still my parents have no clue, no answers. I have called the precinct years ago but they never returned any phone calls, what else can I do? Please help he was my only brother.
27 Stacy Horn // Nov 9, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I’m so sorry about your brother. And I’m sorry the precinct didn’t return your calls. A ll my advice about how to get help is over on the upper left hand of this blog, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.” Start with the one: Before You Contact a Cold Case Squad Read This.
28 Luchiana // Nov 9, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Hello troy D I hope and pray you receive this I am Godfrey al ferguson little sister. I have been searching for some one who knew my brother. My name is keira I don’t know if you know me they call me Keke. I also have a sister name stephanie do you know her.
29 Luchiana // Nov 9, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I am trying so hard to find out what really happen to my brother I was young he was my best friend. My mother can’t explain it to me because she doesn’t know either. I am in the criminal field but yet still in school. I would like to get in touch with Mr. Troy D. if you could help me some how. please I am desperate. I have been trying to find an article on my brother but yet still in all it doesn’t come close to home. I even name my son after him because he was my all. Please contact me as soon as you get this.This was an eye opener for me and my mother. I never forgot about him and never will. He still lives in side of me.
30 dna wilson // Nov 13, 2010 at 11:18 am
Hi” im Godfrey Al Ferguson cousin. My name is Edna and i live down the block on walton ave. Al came to my home with numerous friends if you remember me please contact my email love to hear from you.
31 troy d // Nov 13, 2010 at 11:34 am
Hi Troy D my name is Edna i am Godfrey Al Ferguson cousin. al use to frequent my home often. If you remember please write back hope to hear from you soon
32 Charisse // Nov 19, 2010 at 8:47 pm
@ Dave Hi David. This is your cousin Charisse. Not sure if you remember me but Tio Charlie and my Dad (Julio) are brothers. I would also live to find out what happened. Our Cousin Melissa has called the precinct and her case was filed under the cold cases. The original detective retired and it was assigned to another. He will be calling Melissa next week with more updates. I miss her alot! We all want and need closure. May she rest in peace always. Until I see you again cousin Damaris….
33 TroyD // Dec 2, 2010 at 6:13 am
Keira, And Edna – My Prayers Have Been Answered, To Be In Touch With Godfrey’s Family….This is Troy, And I Remember you both, as well as Mrs. McCullough and Stephanie, Keke you was a sweet little girl when Al bought me home, and I ran into Edna, at The Marriot Marquis In Times Square back in “85”..If you dare to remember back that long ago!!!….I’m in DISBELIEF right about now …… PLEASE e-mail me…..demdalites@yahoo.com, I’ve been thinking of “all of your family” constantly over the years, I was NEVER able to get over the MURDER of my best friend! ! ! !
34 MADISON // Dec 18, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@JOHN, HAVEN’T BEEN ON THIS SITE IN A WHILE..I SAW YOUR SISTER TWINKY A WHILE BACK. I WILL BE HAPPY TO WRITE LETTERS TO THE BOARD…NEVER SHOULD THIS ANIMAL BE RELEASED…I THINK ABOUT ADRIAN ALL THE TIME..I THINK WE ALL NEED SOME COUNSELING OF SOME SORT BACK THEN..I GREW UP WITH A FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AFTER THAT HAPPENED. I SEE ADRIANS FACE IN QUANESHA’S….I DO STILL REMEMBER YOUR MOTHER AND 1 BROTHER…I REMEMBER GOING TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING AND ONE OF YOU BROTHERS WAS IN THE LOBBY, LOOKED LIKE HE HAD BEEN THERE ALL NIGHT. AS WE WERE LEAVING THE BUILDING, HE SAID TO US “IF YALL SEE ADRIAN, TELL HER SHE GOTTA COME HOME”…I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY..BY THE TIME WE GOT HOME FROM SCHOOL ALL THE KAOS HAD TAKEN PLACE….I REMEMBER THE WHOLE BUILDING BEING AT THE PRECINCT TRYING TO GET HIS ASS….IT FEELS GOOD TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THIS FINALLY….DIDN’T SEE YOUR EMAIL IN THE POST..SO HERE IS MINE..moneybrooklyn@yahoo.com
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY..
@STACEY, IT IS OK TO POST THE EMAIL..JUST MADE IT AND WILL ONLY USE IT FOR HERE..
THANKS AGAIN
AND GREAT SITE.
35 LINDA // Dec 20, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I HAD A FRIEND THAT WAS MURDERED ON 56-59 STREET ON THE WEST SIDE IN 1986. HER NAME WAS JANICE CECE. SO FAR IT HAS BEEN AN UNSOLVED MURDER. COULD U UPDATE FOR ME PLEASE
36 Stacy Horn // Dec 20, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I’m sorry about your friend: All my advice about how to get help and more information is over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
37 shah // Dec 22, 2010 at 1:31 am
Hello my name is shah, My father Michael Keith Glenn, was shoot and killed in 1995, in Roosevelt Projects I have heard many rumors since thien of the possible murder but Im not sure what can be dont at this point I would like to know how I can get valuable information and see if the case can reopen once again, I was told that the detective assigned to the case retired and the case was never solved but it would feel so nice to have closure, for me and my children who always hear ablut their grandfather but never got a chance to meet him
38 Stacy Horn // Dec 22, 2010 at 8:21 am
I’m very sorry about your father.
I’m getting the sense that people come here, but don’t actually read anything when they get here. I’m not sure what to do about that. But the answer to your question (and everyone’s question) about how to get help and more information is over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
39 lisette marrero // Dec 27, 2010 at 5:34 pm
i’m trying to find out if my sister nelida’s body was found. it was 1999 when we first heard that her sons father murder her i try to get as much information but i came up with nothing all i got was that someone from legacy carting corp dumped her body but he was fired. i just want to know if her body was found so the family can have closure please help thank you in advance and god bless
40 charity milan // Dec 27, 2010 at 6:42 pm
i too lived in the same bldg in farrock in the opposite corner on the second floor. i was ten and remember the police coming to my door asking questions. i remember hearing that there was no way she could’ve left the building b/c there were too many ppl hanging there all the time. If bostick ever gets out, there should be a crowd now waiting for him just as it was in 1978 by the 101st pct. He robbed all of us, esp. adrian and her family. my heart goes out to all who knew and loved her. she was just a little girl…a little girl. its been over 30 years ago and i still haven’t gotten over it. Adrian…my friend and playmate…rest in sweet peace. i will never forget u.
41 Stacy Horn // Dec 27, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Lisette, I’m sorry about your sister. You should call the NYPD police precinct where her body was found. A list of all their precincts is here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/contact_information.shtml. If you don’t get the answer you need keep escalating. Ask to speak to the person’s supervisor.
42 Stacy Horn // Dec 27, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I’m also starting to get the terrible idea that many of posts here might not be real people. I email everyone who asks for help to point to the documents for getting help but 95% never answer.
43 Samantha Lennon // Jan 6, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Hi Stacy,
Yet another sad story. I am definitely a real person and would be grateful for any information. I was present during my mothers murder in the Bronx in 1993. I was outside the apt listening in, but did not see the guy. I ran to the other side of the building (where I lived with my dad) to call the cops because of what I heard. I was 10 years old at the time. It was never solved. Everyone who might have cared is either dead themselves or I’m just not in touch with. For some reason, only the last few years it is bothering me so much to the point where now I would like to do something about it. I know the chance of finding who did it is slim, but just knowing I tried would mean all the world to me. I have a cousin who is a NYC cop as a resource but I have done my own research on what a cold case squad would need from me. I just ordered a death certificate which is my first real action toward anything. I don’t even know exactly how she was murdered. Would I be able to obtain any evidence or is that strictly only for law officials? Thank you so much for you help, and for what you are bringing to light.
44 Stacy Horn // Jan 7, 2011 at 10:26 am
Well, that is horrible and I’m very sorry. You should just contact the Cold Case Squad directly. You don’t really need a death certificate in your case. I should take that out of the instructions, it’s rarely needed (sometime it’s needed to prove that the person even existed, and the cause and manner of death).
45 Samantha Lennon // Jan 7, 2011 at 12:33 pm
I actually don’t know the exact way that she was murdered. I heard she was shot, but also strangled, so having the death certificate should clarify things..
46 pad // Jan 11, 2011 at 4:24 am
[Name removed] …I also went to school with Mary Macnamara and often wonder what became of the case. There was another friend of ours Tommy Hill whom I lost touch with and vaguely remember hearing he was killed in the early To mid 90s in NY. Did you know him. How can I find out information about his murder which I think was in the bronx.
47 Stacy Horn // Jan 11, 2011 at 8:21 am
In your case you need to get more information. You might try the advice I give here: https://www.therestlesssleep.com/?p=704
48 leeann haynes // Jan 13, 2011 at 2:32 pm
I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHO SHOT AND KILLED MY COUSIN HER NAME IS SHARON SISCO [JACKSON] SHE WAS FROM ENGLEWOOD N.J. BACK IN 74 OR 75 SHE WAS KILLED IN MAN
49 Stacy Horn // Jan 13, 2011 at 3:05 pm
I’m sorry about your cousin: All my advice about how to get help and more information is over on the upper left, under “GETTING HELP – CONTACTING A COLD CASE SQUAD.”
50 carol // Jan 17, 2011 at 10:54 pm
WAS THERE A MURDER ON WEIRFIELD STREET
AND KNICKERBOCKER AVENUE ACROSS FROM THE
PARK IN THE FIRST OR THIRD HOUSE. THAT PART IS BROOKLYN NE WYORK
IN THE YEAR 1945=1946
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