The Number of Unsolved Murders in Michigan is Terrifying

Writing an article about the number of unsolved murders in Michigan isn't something I would typically write about during the holidays, however, after seeing the staggering statistics, I felt compelled to share them.

The number of unsolved murders in Michigan is almost unbelievable. It’s one of those things that’s hard to wrap your head around, especially when you think about the families still waiting for answers year after year.

According to CBS Detroit, Michigan is ranked sixth in the nation for most cold cases.

How Many Cold Cases Are There in Michigan?

Project Cold Case, a nonprofit organization that helps families of unsolved murder victims, estimates that between 1980 and 2019, there were about 19,000 unsolved homicides. It really is hard to comprehend a number that large. Each case represents a life lost and a family left searching for answers, and in many cases...for decades.

See Also: Missing Kids in Michigan

Why Are There So Many Cold Cases in Michigan?

Well, there’s no single reason, but it mostly boils down to a lack of resources. Police departments are often stretched thin, focusing on current cases while older ones take a backseat. Add to that the fact that evidence from decades ago isn’t always well-preserved, and some cases happened before modern technology like DNA testing was even a thing. Witnesses move, memories fade, and leads dry up.

While some cases are sometimes solved 40 years later, it can take thousands of hours and dollars to do so. Professor Ashlyn Kuersten, director of the WMU Cold Case Program, says those older cases are massive.

I just find it mind-boggling that there are more than 19,000 unsolved murders in Michigan.