Investigation Protocols and Justice Delayed: A Case Study Analysis of Cold Case Management and Procedural Failures
Overview
This case study examines a cold case investigation involving the murderer Freiburger, analyzing procedural failures and investigative oversights that delayed justice. The paper reflects on critical mistakes including inadequate evidence testing, lenient sentencing, and military police transfers that hindered the investigation, while acknowledging successful elements such as case file retrieval and technological advancements that ultimately led to the perpetrator's conviction.
What this case study covers
- Introduction to complexity of cold case investigations and the importance of comprehensive investigation procedures
- Analysis of investigative failures: negligent evidence handling, insufficient custody measures, and institutional transfers
- Examination of successful investigative approaches: case file review, new technology application, and persistent evidence analysis
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Cold cases are very complex to solve and require comprehensive investigation so that victims get justice. When investigating is negligent or ignore facts, the cases are unnecessarily prolonged, and victims may never get justice or get it later. In this case, there are several things that I could have done differently. After discovering that links led to Freiburger as the murderer, it was essential to follow up on the investigation and ensure that truth is established early. The sentence given to Freiburger after he pled guilty of carrying the weapon was inconsiderate of the weight of the crime committed. In this regard, I would have placed him in custody until the investigations are concluded. Moreover, the bullet fragments retrieved by the pathologist could have been tested to establish or affirm the link of the murder perpetrator. The military police also limited the investigation process by transferring him to another post. This led to delayed justice for the victim and family.
However, although justice was delayed, certain aspects were done well and led to Freiburger's confession. The new investigation is undertaken, and a trail established that traced the perpetrator was an essential phase in pursuing justice for the victim. When Brown retrieved the old file and followed up on the investigation, it led to revolutionary discoveries that were openly ignored during the initial investigation. This was important in ensuring that justice is met. Even if the perpetrator is acquitted, all avenues are pursued to the end.