15 Cold Case Vocabulary Words to Enhance Your Crime-Solving

Cold cases are crimes that have remained unsolved for an extended period of time, often years or even decades. While these cases can be challenging to solve, investigators continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims and their families.

The Reliable Narrator will tell the story of these cold case vocabulary words, dissect their significance, and unravel their roles within unsolved mysteries and justice. By the end of this word journey, you’ll possess a better understanding of the terms related to cold cases and be ready to engage in discussions on these intriguing subjects. Every word has a story to tell.

DNA Profiling

Definition: The analysis of DNA samples to identify individuals involved in a crime.

Pronunciation: /ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ ˈproʊfaɪlɪŋ/

Example: “DNA profiling was a breakthrough in cold case investigations.”

Suspect

Definition: A person believed to be involved in a crime.

Pronunciation: /ˈsʌˌspɛkt/

Example: “The police questioned the primary suspect.”

Witness

Definition: Someone who has information about a crime or event.

Pronunciation: /ˈwɪtnəs/

Example: “The witness provided crucial testimony in the cold case trial.”

Evidence

Definition: Material or information used to prove or disprove a fact in a case.

Pronunciation: /ˈɛvɪdəns/

Example: “The evidence linked the suspect to the crime scene.”

Detective

Definition: An investigator responsible for solving crimes.

Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛktɪv/

Example: “The seasoned detective was known for cracking cold cases.”

Alibi

Definition: A claim or evidence suggesting a person was elsewhere during a crime.

Pronunciation: /ˈæləˌbaɪ/

Example: “Multiple witnesses supported her alibi.”

Clue

Definition: A piece of information or evidence that helps solve a mystery.

Pronunciation: /kluː/

Example: “The cryptic clue led the investigators to the hidden evidence.”

Cold Trail

Definition: A lead or trail that has gone stale or unproductive in an investigation.

Pronunciation: /koʊld treɪl/

Example: “The detectives followed every lead, but they hit a cold trail.”

Evidence Locker

Definition: A secure storage facility for preserving evidence in criminal cases.

Pronunciation: /ˈɛvɪdəns ˈlɒkər/

Example: “The key to solving the case was found in the evidence locker.”

Confidential Informant

Definition: A person who provides information to law enforcement anonymously.

Pronunciation: /kənˈfɪˈdɛnʃəl ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/

Example: “The confidential informant led the police to a major breakthrough.”

Exoneration

Definition: The act of clearing someone of wrongdoing or guilt.

Pronunciation: /ɪɡˌzɒnəˈreɪʃən/

Example: “His exoneration came after new evidence emerged.”

Cold Case Unit

Definition: A specialized police division dedicated to solving cold cases.

Pronunciation: /koʊld keɪs ˈjuːnɪt/

Example: “The cold case unit was determined to bring closure to long-forgotten mysteries.”

Reliable Thoughts

Criminal activity can be some of the most challenging and rewarding cases for investigators to work on. By understanding the key cold case vocabulary and phrases involved in cold cases, you can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating world of crime-solving.

Have you ever wondered about the unsolved mysteries that lie behind cold cases? What motivates investigators to keep working on these cases, even after years or decades have passed?

Cold cases represent a unique opportunity to bring justice to victims and their families, even after a long period of time. By understanding the challenges and rewards of cold case vocabulary and actually investigations, we can all play a role in helping to solve these unsolved mysteries.

Did we miss a cold case vocabulary word? Comment below and add your own words to this ever-growing list of crime-inspired terms!