DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS INVESTIGATE A MURDER?

Yes, private investigators can conduct investigations into murders, at times turn down cases, but they usually do so in support of court processes rather than as principal investigators. Attorneys may hire private detectives to gather evidence, question witnesses, and do background checks in a homicide investigation. The main investigation of a homicide, on the other hand, is often done by law enforcement authorities such as the FBI or police.

In some circumstances, families will pay private investigators to investigate homicides. However, these are frequently cold case files from months or even years ago. Murder is one of the toughest atrocities to solve, and cops frequently lack the resources and time to investigate every file that lands on their desks, particularly in high-crime regions.

When cops are overburdened with homicide cases, their clearance rate drops as they seek to stretch finite resources even further. To eventually obtain closure in homicide cases, many families frequently turn to a private investigator.

WHAT SERVICES DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS LEND TO A HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION?

Whether it’s a recent homicide or a cold case, private investigators provide vital investigative services. They mainly collaborate with attorneys. They help conduct background checks on individuals associated with the case, such as suspects or witnesses. They also help interview and locate potential witnesses, gather and analyze evidence, including surveillance footage or physical evidence, track down suspects, etc. Additionally, they may be capable of assisting with the court case preparation process.

Private investigators also help to bring fresh eyes to cold case files. Homicide cases go cold for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s simply a case of law enforcement agents managing too many investigations at once to give each case the scrutiny it deserves. In other situations, a homicide investigator may be unable to chase a lead that takes them beyond their jurisdiction.

When families see little progress in a homicide case, they may hire private investigators to re-examine the case and eliminate any obstacles. This may result in the discovery of fresh evidence and leads. When it comes to pursuing leads, PIs don’t face excessive red tape. As long as they have a license, they can pursue leads from one state to the next. This independence also allows the private detective to manage a limited number of cases at once, ensuring that each matter receives the attention it needs.

However, because private investigators generally handle cold cases doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask them to check into a recent homicide. Homicide cases are time-sensitive, so call a private investigator before forensic and material evidence deteriorates or is lost.

But it’s important to note that the scope of services provided by a private investigator will depend on the specific case and the needs of the client. Additionally, private investigators are not law enforcement and therefore do not have the same authority to arrest or detain suspects.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A HOMICIDE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?

When engaging a private detective for a homicide matter, families must look for professionals with experience in homicide cases. Private investigators, like cops, can bungle a case if they lack experience with murder investigations. When interviewing potential investigators, always ask about their individual experience with murder cases and their overall success in solving those matters.

Because each murder case is unique, the private investigator will ask about the circumstances of your case during the consultation. Of course, it can be really painful to discuss the circumstances of a loved one’s murder, especially if the incident is still fresh, but PIs will require you to provide as much information as possible. Therefore, get ready to answer some difficult questions.

Among the questions PIs will ask are:

» Who was killed?

» Do you recall when and where the murder occurred?

» Is the body still missing, or was it recovered?

» Did the authorities perform an autopsy?

» Do you have any idea who committed the murder?

» Was a police investigation conducted?

» Is there a known or probable motivation for the crime?

» Was the homicide carried out in conjunction with some other crime, like theft, rape, or fraud?

» Is the case open or closed with the community police force?