NCJ Number
156955
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 81 Dated: (September 1995) Pages: 62-68
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
When a young Texan disappeared, he joined a phenomenon encountered by prosecutors and police nationwide: how to find justice when homicide is suspected but there is no victim to prove it.
Abstract
The Texan disappeared in 1981 and is among an estimated 21,000 persons throughout the United States who are missing and presumed murdered. Police officers and prosecutors need to work closely in missing persons cases in order to make a decision on how to handle such cases, as a missing persons matter or as a homicide investigation. Potential difficulties encountered when homicide is suspected in missing person cases are examined, and challenges associated with bringing a suspect to trial when there is no victim to prove homicide are discussed. 7 photographs