In 2015, the 127th Legislature approved funding for an Unsolved Homicide Unit. The Office of the Attorney General, along with the Maine State Police, selected members to form the unit. It consists of a prosecutor and a victim witness advocate from the Attorney General’s Office, a Lieutenant and two detectives from the Maine State Police, and a forensic chemist from the Maine State Police Crime Lab.
This unit was created for the purpose of investigating unsolved homicides. These investigations consist of cases which were unresolved with initial investigative efforts.
Mission Statement: To use all resources to review, analyze, and investigate with renewed insight, our State’s unsolved homicide and missing person cases. To exhaust all leads with the purpose of bringing resolution and justice for the victims, their families and the people of the State of Maine.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Units investigate homicides throughout the state. The Portland and Bangor Police departments investigate homicide cases occurring within their respective jurisdictions. Between 2010 and 2014, the Maine State Police had a combined murder and manslaughter by negligence clearance rate of over 100%. Despite our best efforts and collective use of available resources, some cases are not immediately solved (Click to see the list of unsolved homicides).
To use all resources to review, analyze, and investigate with renewed insight, our State’s unsolved homicide and missing person cases. To exhaust all leads with the purpose of bringing resolution and justice for the victims, their families and the people of the State of Maine.
Semper Memento “Always Remember”
What is an Unsolved Homicide?
An unsolved homicide is a known or potential homicide case in which three years or more have passed without an individual having been charged. Not included are cases in which there is evidence which establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the person responsible is dead, or constitutional and legal principles preclude prosecution. Examples include cases which are beyond the statute of limitations, cases in which the defendant was acquitted after trial, and cases involving legal defenses, such as self-defense.
Currently, Maine State Police has unsolved murder cases back as far as the 1950’s. We encourage those with information that can assist in the identification and arrest of those responsible for any unsolved murder to contact us or the investigating agency. If you do not see a specific victim on the below list please let us know. Tips will be forwarded to the respective Major Crime Unit in the relevant geographical area. Thank you.
If you have any information regarding any of these investigations, you can LEAVE A TIP.
Lieutenant Thomas Pickering is the commanding officer of the unit. He can be contacted at:
Lt. Thomas Pickering
Maine State Police
45 Commerce Drive
Augusta, ME. 04333
(207) 624-7076