A Review Of Cold Cases In Arkansas
As we leave behind the month of October, the majority of Americans trade their spooky decorations for festive trees and colorful lights. But not every family has the luxury of forgetting about things that go bump in the night when one of their loved ones is actively missing or presumed dead.
From 1965 to 2019, approximately 2,100 Arkansas murder cases have been left cold, with little to no evidence to convict a perpetrator. This number doesn’t include the numerous missing people cases where someone has been missing for years, gone without a trace.
With the rise of DNA technology, investigators have been able to find new information regarding old cold cases. But sometimes, all it takes is one person familiar with the victim to step forward with new information.
Current Cold Cases
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are currently 240,000 cold cases throughout the nation. That means over 240,000 families and friends are left wondering what happened to their loved one.
The more people who are aware of these cold cases, the better chance they have to be solved. Individuals who believe they may have information to contribute regarding a cold case can contact the Arkansas State Police at 501-618-8000 or email
Mary “Bobo” Shinn
Ms. Shinn was last seen on July 20th, 1978, after she left home to show a house listing to a potential buyer. The unknown buyer reported car trouble and met Ms. Shinn at a nearby retail parking lot before they drove to the viewing.
One hour later, Ms. Shinn’s car was found abandoned in a grocery store lot. To this day, she has never been found. The entire car had been meticulously cleaned, so police were never able to obtain any evidence regarding the possible abductor of Ms. Shinn.
Randy Ruble
The tale of Randy Ruble is truly horrific — Mr. Ruble was gunned down in front of his two children by an unidentified assassin. Despite his murder taking place in 2006, the Newport police department has yet to bring his killer to justice.
And that’s not for lack of trying, but a lack of any evidence. That’s what makes this case truly scary. Nearly 20 years later and Randy Ruble’s murderer is still out on the loose — giving his children no clarity or explanation for why their father was killed in front of their eyes.
Nicholas A. Hamilton
Mr. Hamilton’s case is an example of how cases go cold. Mrs. Hamilton came home after work on October 16th, 2006 to find her husband dead from a gunshot wound. Their neighbor noticed an unusual car pull up to their door earlier in the day, however, nothing ever came of this recollection. After that and vigorous investigation, the evidence failed to point to a perpetrator. Currently, Nicholas A. Hamilton is still listed as a cold case within the Arkansas directory.
How Obtaining A Lawyer Can Revive Cold Cases
If you are one of the 240,000 families who are looking for answers on the disappearance of a loved one, finding a criminal attorney can help push the case along.
Lawyers and other legal professionals can act as advocates for reopening cold cases. In addition, they may be able to access additional information about the crime that was not previously available to the family.
On the other hand, individuals who have been implicated as a possible suspect in cold cases need an attorney to defend their rights in court. Regardless of your situation, Hickey & Hull’s legal professionals can help you in court. Contact one of our local Arkansas offices today to schedule an initial consultation and find out how our lawyers can assist you!