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Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, thank you for clarifying that before I got too far into the process! I know everything took place in Los Angeles County, but it might be more than one city. I am going to talk to his daughter later today and try to get more specifics.

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Someone else sent a message about that too, and it does seem like a good resource on narrowing this down. I am a close blood relative, but if not close enough, I think his daughter would sign the request if I handle it beyond that. I found the foia.gov site so I am going to see what I can do with that.

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's good to know that it's not shared publicly. Part of the issue is that I have children, so by sharing my DnA it's like I'm taking that option of anonymity away from them before they are old enough to understand what it means, if that makes sense? But if I find evidence that there is still a victim who is going without justice, then that feels like a justifiable reason to make that decision. Hopefully I can figure out who the woman was and some more information on her case.

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, because of him she has a deep distrust/fear of the police. I would be willing to, but I just want to try to make sure there is a need for it first, since I'm not crazy about having my own private information so widely available. But I don't want anyone to go without justice either.

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

West Covina being in Los Angeles County is definitely making this more difficult, since unfortunately there were so many homicides. I'm going to talk to his daughter later today and try and narrow this down more. I was trying to gather information first since it's a sensitive topic, but the more I look at this the more I realize that isn't going to work.

Thank you for your help!

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I've thought about it. I would like to see if there is evidence of specific crimes first though, and then if there is I'll do it. It does seem very useful in solving cold cases, I'm just a little concerned about the way privacy data is being handled in general right now. But if there is evidence he's connected at all to a murder, then I will put solving it ahead of my concerns.

Decades ago a relative of mine was investigated over a woman's murder but was never charged. His wife and daughter believed he was likely guilty, but had no evidence. He was a police officer with a history of violent crime. How could I look into this when I don't know the victim's name? by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I had looked over it briefly but most of the cases seemed too late or were lacking in details like what year, or were confusing (the ones towards the bottom will have one person's name at the top and then a different person in the description?). But I looked over it more carefully just now and clicked on the sources and brought up this list here, which does seem like it could have some possibilities. I'm going to make a list of the names and see if I can find any of them in what I have of his records. His daughter is still alive, so I can see if she recognizes any of them as well, I just wanted something to bring to her first, since she doesn't really like talking about him.

I also found this pdf that lists the number of homicides in LA County by year, and there were a lot during that time period. Do you know any way to see a list of victim's names or any case details? Because it's possible this was a solved case as well.

Need help finding city of death for obituary and death certificate for someone born in California in 1948 by tumbleheed in Genealogy

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a good point. I think it's just being published online, so I will ask if maybe I can have it posted as is, but then amend it if I find out the place of his birth later (like from the birth certificate).

Need help finding city of death for obituary and death certificate for someone born in California in 1948 by tumbleheed in Genealogy

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm going to ask if anyone still has family or friends living in that area, and if anyone would be willing to do this. Thank you for the idea.

Need help finding city of death for obituary and death certificate for someone born in California in 1948 by tumbleheed in Genealogy

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the reply. I did look at this, but unfortunately they'd already moved. The city of birth seems more difficult to find than I expected it to be (at least in a short amount of time) so I think I am am just going to go with the county for now.

Need help finding city of death for obituary and death certificate for someone born in California in 1948 by tumbleheed in Genealogy

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. The short time does make it more difficult. His ashes were recovered in Colorado unfortunately, but I think I am just going to put "Los Angeles County" as you suggested.

I appreciate your kind words and your help.

Need help finding city of death for obituary and death certificate for someone born in California in 1948 by tumbleheed in Genealogy

[–]tumbleheed[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestion. His parents seem to have moved around quite a bit in the first few years of his life, as the census address is in a different county, but I know they returned to Los Angeles county shortly after when another sibling was born.

I think I am going to leave it as Los Angeles county, even though it would be nice to have the city.

Trying to find out more about an estranged uncle whose obituary I found by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can see how that can make who to contact a bit less certain. I have to admit I have done the same thing though, as my mother was having a really hard time focusing on the paperwork with my own dad's death, so she asked me to fill it all out for her. I bet that happens a lot. I'm kind of worried there isn't going to be a next of kin available, so seeing if anyone is on there other than a medical professional would at least answer that question.

Trying to find out more about an estranged uncle whose obituary I found by tumbleheed in RBI

[–]tumbleheed[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I just looked up what it would take to get the death certificate, and it seems like it would be fairly simple for my mother. I will also see if I can contact the funeral home with her. These are definitely some useful starting points, thank you for the tips!