Algorithmic Justice: Reviving Cold Cases with AI

Manchoon Samchoon

Can artificial intelligence finally unlock the secrets of the past? Algorithmic Justice: Reviving Cold Cases with AI dives into the world of unsolved mysteries, leveraging the power of algorithms and data analysis to uncover new leads and potentially bring justice to forgotten victims.

  1. JUN 1

    The Mysterious Death of Phoebe Handsjuk

    On December 2, 2010, **Phoebe Handsjuk**, a 24-year-old woman, was found dead at the bottom of a luxury apartment building's garbage chute. Her death was officially ruled a **suicide**, later changed to a **"freak accident"** by the coroner. But how did she end up there? Join us as we examine the **highly controversial investigation** and coroner's findings, which many argue are **unsupported by the evidence**. Explore the conflicting accounts and questionable conclusions, such as the pathologist's differing measurement of Phoebe's height compared to her family's evidence, which impacted the coroner's theory about the nature of her fall. Delve into the evidence of **unexplained injuries** to her head, which critics argue are inconsistent with a feet-first fall. Consider the **difficulty of entering the small chute opening feet first**, particularly for someone intoxicated, and the striking **absence of fingerprints** on the chute door and surrounding areas, despite blood found nearby. Uncover the **questionable handling of the investigation** by police, including the failure to immediately secure CCTV footage and computers, potentially leading to lost evidence, and the controversial decision to prevent paramedics from examining Phoebe at the scene. Examine the **shadow of suspicion** cast over her partner, Antony Hampel, due to his behavior, changes in his evidence, and the unresolved questions about the hour between his arrival home and the discovery of Phoebe's body. This episode delves into the **lingering mystery** that the official ruling failed to definitively resolve and the ongoing fight by Phoebe's family for a new inquiry and justice. **Works Cited** AAP. "Inquest probes Vic garbage chute death." *SBS News*, SBS, 26 Aug. 2013. Bowles, Robin. "An Australian Death and a Suspicious Ruling of Suicide." *CrimeReads*. Campbell, Lorne. "Commentary by Lorne Campbell on the findings of Coroner White, delivered on 10th December, 2014 following the inquest into the death of Phoebe Handsjuk." *Phoebe Handsjuk*, posted by Natalie, 28 Jan. 2015. Coroner Peter White. *Coroners Finding for Inquest into the Death of Phoebe Handsjuk*. 10 Dec. 2014. Handsjuk, Natalie. "Phoebe Handsjuk / What Happened to Phoebe?" *Phoebe Handsjuk*, 9 Mar. 2013. Reddit. Discussion of "How did Phoebe Handsjuk end up in a garbage chute?" *Reddit, r/UnresolvedMysteries*. Accessed 12 June 2024. Reddit. Discussion of "What's a true crime “cold case” that just doesn't sit right with you?" *Reddit, r/AskReddit*. Accessed 12 June 2024. The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. *Phoebe's Fall*. Apple Inc., 2016-2025. *Apple Podcasts*.

    17 min

  2. JUN 1

    The Ramsey Enigma: AI and the Cold Case

    December 26, 1996. The Christmas holiday is shattered by the murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey in her Boulder, Colorado home. The discovery of a bizarre ransom note marks the start of one of America's most enduring unsolved mysteries. The initial investigation was complicated by a **compromised crime scene and significant inconsistencies** noted in the Ramsey family's statements and actions. Central to the mystery are **the ransom note and the DNA evidence**. The detailed note, found in the house, demanded $118,000, close to John Ramsey's recent bonus. While textual analysis suggests Patsy Ramsey as the author based on linguistic patterns, other analyses point elsewhere, and a federal court ruled against Patsy's authorship. Crucially, **trace DNA from an unknown male** was found on JonBenét's clothing, excluding the family, and experts argue this unknown DNA is vital to identifying the suspect. Decades later, technology offers new hope. **Advanced forensic DNA techniques** can better analyze complex or degraded samples, and **Forensic Genetic Genealogy** may find relatives of the DNA donor. **Artificial Intelligence, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP)**, has "vast untapped potential" to re-examine the immense case files, reconstructing timelines and identifying subtle linguistic clues about the note's author or circumstances. Join us as we delve back into the JonBenét Ramsey case, exploring the lingering questions and investigating how modern AI and forensic science might finally illuminate the path to justice for JonBenét. **References** Becker, B. J. (n.d.). *This textual analysis of the Ramsey Ransom Note (see append)*. Cracking cold cases: How AI is helping reopen unsolved crimes. (n.d.). *legalpdf.io*. Retrieved from https://legalpdf.io/cracking-cold-cases-how-ai-is-helping-reopen-unsolved-crimes Do you recognize this handwriting? Download ransom note. (n.d.). In *Evidence and Information - The Unsolved Murder of JonBenét Ramsey*. DNA in doubt: A closer look at the JonBenét Ramsey case. (n.d.). *wbir.com*. Retrieved from https://www.wbir.com/article/news/nation-world/dna-in-doubt-a-closer-look-at-the-jonbenet-ramsey-case/ Haddrill, P. R. (2021). Developments in forensic DNA analysis. *Essays in Biochemistry*, *5*(3), 381–393. https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20200304 John D. Rogers Law. (n.d.). The JonBenét Ramsey murder: Unraveling one of America's most infamous cold cases. *John D. Rogers Law*. Retrieved from https://johndrogerslaw.com/the-jonbenet-ramsey-murder-unraveling-one-of-americas-most-infamous-cold-cases/ Killing of JonBenét Ramsey. (n.d.). In *Wikipedia*. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_JonBenét_Ramsey Martin, M. (2025, May 12). Forensic graphology: The silent witness in cold case investigations. *Forensic*. r/JonBenetRamsey. (n.d.). *What are some of the biggest inconsistencies the Ramseys were noted to have said within their news interviews and police questioning?* Reddit. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/JonBenetRamsey/

    18 min

  3. MAY 20

    The Disappearance of Maura Murray

    These sources collectively explore the disappearance of Maura Murray, a 21-year-old nursing student who went missing after a car crash in Haverhill, New Hampshire, in February 2004. They provide a timeline of events leading up to and following her disappearance, detailing her background, personal struggles, and the circumstances of the crash. The texts also discuss the ongoing investigation, including witness accounts, items found in her car, surveillance footage, and subsequent search efforts, while acknowledging the limitations of forensic analysis and the unreliability of eyewitness memory in such complex cases. Furthermore, the sources highlight the family's theories about potential foul play and express frustration with the police handling of the case, emphasizing that despite years of effort, Maura Murray is still missing. Sources: Disappearance of Maura Murray - True Crime Story Blog Haverhill, NH Weather History Maura Murray - Crime Timeline Maura Murray Vanished Without a Trace After a Car Crash in 2004. Revisiting Her Disappearance 21 Years Later — and What Her Family Thinks Really Happened - People.com The Science Behind Car Accidents: Understanding the Role of Forensic Analysis - CMG The Three Stages of Eyewitness Memory and Other Factors Influencing a Witness's Ability to Remember | Courtroom Sciences Timeline Proof - How Butch Hid Maura From Police : r/mauramurray - Reddit

    15 min

  4. MAY 19

    The Wonderland Murders: Modern Crime Investigation

    These sources discuss forensic science and its application in solving criminal cases, including cold cases. One source highlights the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forensic science for tasks like evidence analysis, pattern recognition, and reconstructing crime scenes, while also acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations of implementing AI. Another source focuses on applying modern investigation methods, particularly DNA analysis, to crack cold cases and emphasizes the importance of dedicated cold case units and inter-agency collaboration. Finally, several sources recount the Wonderland Murders, a brutal and officially unsolved 1981 quadruple homicide, illustrating the complexities of investigations and the concept of a criminal's modus operandi. Sources: 15 Integrating artificial intelligence in forensic science - E-methodology Applying Modern Investigation Methods to Solve Cold Cases | National Institute of Justice Criminal Justice: What is a Modus Operandi? - University of Bolton In July 1st 1981, Four people were murdered in 8763 Wonderland Ave, which is now known as the Wonderland murders, Though two people were brought to trail, both of them were acquitted and the case remains unsolved. : r/UnresolvedMysteries - Reddit Streamlining data investigation for criminal justice: RS21 case study - Linkurious The Impact of Forensic Science Research and Development - Office of Justice Programs The Liberace Connection — The Wonderland Murders - Crime Library The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History Of Hollywood - Michael Connelly The Wonderland Murders, Hollywood's Unsolved Quadruple Homicide - All That's Interesting

    15 min

  5. MAY 16

    Atlanta’s Unsolved Crimes and Historic Hotspots

    What cities are most fascinated by true crime? Based on a quick search on Gemini, it appears to be Atlanta, Cleveland, and Minneapolis, as far as the US is concerned. Searching for cold cases that fell out of public view produced a list of unsolved cases of people, but interestingly, many places where murders occurred in the city of Atlanta. These sources collectively discuss various aspects of Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on its history, development, and crime trends, particularly unsolved homicides. One source details the historical significance of notable buildings and landmarks in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood. Another provides a research report examining homicide patterns across multiple U.S. cities, with a specific focus on Atlanta's trends during a ten-year period. Additionally, lists and photo galleries highlight cold and unsolved murder cases, including some from Atlanta, underscoring the persistence of these criminal mysteries. Finally, one excerpt touches upon the redevelopment and rebranding of a specific area within Buckhead, reflecting its ongoing evolution. Sources: Five Paces Inn - Digital Library of Georgia HISTORIC BUCKHEAD HOTSPOTS THAT SHAPED THE NEIGHBORHOOD Homicide in Eight U.S. Cities: Trends, Context, and Policy Implications John Austin Macomber Jr. (1951-1987) - Find a Grave Memorial List of unsolved murders (1980–1999) - Wikipedia Man says he was drugged, kidnapped, robbed of $10,000 at popular Buckhead bar : r/Georgia - Reddit PHOTOS: These cold homicide cases remain unsolved in Atlanta - WSB-TV Perspective: 15 years ago, Buckhead Village's wild days died | Urbanize Atlanta See Atlanta Police Department's list of cold homicide cases

    17 min

  6. MAY 13

    The Black Dahlia Murder

    Elizabeth Short (The Black Dahlia) - 1947: Case Overview: Elizabeth Short, an aspiring actress, was found brutally murdered and her body bisected in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. It's one of the oldest and most infamous unsolved murders in American history.   Public Data Availability: Enormous. Numerous books, documentaries, films, and extensive news archives detail the case. Some official files have been released over the years. The gruesome nature and the mystery surrounding the killer have kept it in the public consciousness for decades. This podcast is based on sources that collectively examine the infamous Black Dahlia murder case of Elizabeth Short in 1947, highlighting the gruesome details of her death, the discovery of her body, and the subsequent investigation. They discuss the challenges faced by the Los Angeles Police Department, including false confessions and media sensationalism, which complicated the search for the killer. The articles also explore various theories and suspects who have been proposed over the years, acknowledging that despite numerous investigations and widespread public interest, the case officially remains unsolved. Sources: A Timeline of Horror: The Reconstruction of the Abduction and Torture Murder of Elizabeth “Black Dahlia” Short on January 14-15, 1947 - Steve Hodeldrive_pdfBlack Dahlia - Awesome StorieswebBlack Dahlia - WikipediawebBlack Dahlia suspects - WikipediawebBlack Dahlia: the unsolved murder that transfixed Los Angeles | The IndependentwebDiscover LA's True Crime Locations Beyond the Black Dahlia - Los AngeleswebThe Black Dahlia: How the Country Was Affected in the Wake of Elizabeth Short's Gruesome Murder - A&E True CrimewebThe Never-Ending Mystery of the Black Dahlia Murder - Biographymore_vertWas George Hodel really the Black Dahlia killer? What's your take? : r/UnresolvedMysteries

    12 min

  7. MAY 12

    The Zizians and other Dangerous Cults in American History

    Multiple sources discuss cults and their operations, highlighting groups with ties to North Carolina. These organizations range from those involved in child labor and human trafficking, like the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, to more religiously-based groups such as Word of Faith Fellowship, Holy Tabernacle Born Again Faith Inc., and Twelve Tribes, which have faced accusations of abuse, fraud, and problematic teachings. The articles also examine a particularly violent group of tech workers known as the Zizians, linked to multiple deaths and led by a figure called "Ziz." These examples underscore the warning signs of cults, including authoritarian leadership, isolation of members, lack of transparency, and potential for exploitation and violence, demonstrating how seemingly normal individuals can be drawn into such dangerous organizations. Sources: 4 Notorious Cults in American History - HeinOnline BlogwebCults A Natural Disaster - International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)webCults in the Carolinas: 5 controversial groups with North Carolina Ties - Cardinal & PinewebHow a Vermont border agent's death exposed violence linked to the cultlike Zizian groupwebKillers and Cults: Leadership Gone Awry - jepson - University of RichmondwebPolice Investigate Cult-Like 'Zizians' Group of Tech Workers - Newserdrive_pdfUNDERSTANDING CULT MEMBERSHIP 1 Understanding Cult Membership: Beyond “Drinking the Kool-Aid” Melissa M. Greiser SUNY New PawebWhat Is a Cult? 10 Warning Signs - Verywell Mindmore_vertZizians in Chapel Hill : r/chapelhill - Reddit

    21 min

  8. MAY 12

    The Colonial Parkway Murders

    Multiple sources discuss the Colonial Parkway murders that occurred in Virginia during the late 1980s, a series of unsolved homicides, primarily of young couples. Recent developments, announced in January 2024, have led authorities to identify Alan W. Wilmer Sr. as a suspect in the 1987 murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards, as well as the 1989 murder of Teresa Howell, through DNA evidence. Though Wilmer died in 2017, law enforcement confirms he would have faced charges if alive, and while he is linked to two cases previously considered part of the Colonial Parkway series, officials are still investigating his potential involvement in the other related cases. Family members of other victims expressed hope that this identification might lead to new information regarding their own cases, urging anyone who knew Wilmer to come forward. The sources also explore theories surrounding the initial Colonial Parkway murders, including the possibility of a single serial killer, a law enforcement official or impersonator, or multiple offenders, highlighting similarities in the crime scenes and victim profiles while also noting inconsistencies across the cases. Sources: 'Colonial Parkway Murders' of Couples Terrorized Va. in 1980s. Now, a Suspect Has Been ID'd in 2 of Them - People.comwebA Special Kind Of Evil: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings - Amazon.comwebCold Case: Ragged Island double murder still unsolved after 35 years - Smithfield TimeswebColonial Parkway murders - WikipediawebFamilies of other Colonial Parkway murder victims speak out: 'Someone here in Virginia has to know more' - WVECwebHistoric Triangle - WikipediawebNEW: Colonial Parkway Murders Update March 2025 - Apple PodcastswebThe Colonial Parkway Murders – The Investigation and Theories (Part 3) - RedditwebThe Colonial Parkway Murders: Eight Victims, No Witnesses (Part One) - Redditmore_vertVirginia police identify suspect in 3 cold-case homicides from the 1980s, including victims of the "Colonial Parkway Murders" - CBS News

    15 min
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Can artificial intelligence finally unlock the secrets of the past? Algorithmic Justice: Reviving Cold Cases with AI dives into the world of unsolved mysteries, leveraging the power of algorithms and data analysis to uncover new leads and potentially bring justice to forgotten victims.

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