How to Investigate Cold Cases from Home
A Citizen Detective's Guide to Researching Cold Cases Responsibly, Legally, and Effectively
Get Started for $20Become a Citizen Detective
Professional Investigation Skills
Learn how to reconstruct timelines, read crime scenes, and track down public records like a professional investigator.
Modern Forensic Tools
Discover what forensic genealogy, DNA databases, and geofencing tools can reveal in cold cases.
Research & Documentation
Master the art of filing FOIA requests and organizing case files like a digital detective.
Ethical Communication
Learn when and how to appropriately contact victims' families, journalists, or law enforcement.
Legal & Ethical Guidelines
Follow the ethical rules every researcher must know to protect themselves and others involved.
Self-Care Strategies
Understand how to manage emotional burnout and recognize when to step back from difficult cases.
What's Inside The Guide
This in-depth, 10-chapter guide is your go-to resource for diving into the world of unsolved crimes and missing persons—from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, a budding citizen detective, or an advocate for justice, this downloadable PDF will teach you how to research cold cases ethically, organize your findings like a pro, and navigate legal boundaries without crossing lines.
FOIA request templates to help you get started immediately
Case timeline spreadsheets for organizing complex information
Interview note-taking formats for witness conversations
A curated list of books, podcasts, and online communities
A bonus chapter on publishing your findings responsibly
Self-care strategies to help manage the emotional toll
"Because you don't need a badge to care—just a clear mind, a steady heart, and the will to remember what others have forgotten."
Who Is This Guide For?
True Crime Enthusiasts
Take your interest beyond podcasts and documentaries. Learn how to contribute meaningfully to real unsolved cases.
Aspiring Investigators
Build practical skills that could lead to a career in investigation, journalism, or advocacy work.
Justice Advocates
Help bring closure to families and communities affected by unsolved cases in an ethical, responsible manner.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you want to raise awareness, help families, or simply understand the process behind solving the unsolved, this guide equips you with the tools to do it right.
Get Your Guide for $20