When Will the FBI Get Involved In A Murder Case

[orleans]

or what does it take to get them involved?

my friend was murdered over 30 years ago--and apparently the county she was found in isn't the best at solving murders (obviously).

would/could the fbi step in and help and would they do it at the request of the victim's family or does the county's states attorney have to ask for the fbi?

anyone have any knowledge or experience in this sort of thing (such as looking at or opening cold cases?)

[Poll_Blind]

1. I wish I could help beyond recommending that you call your local FBI field office and...

...run it by them. But you really should try to have something concise and compelling as to why they should investigate the matter. Something they might be able to go on.

30 years is a long time. I'm sorry about your friend.

PB

[Recovered Repug]

2. I'll admit that I haven't read this, but perhaps it will help.

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/214753.pdf

[hlthe2b]

3. If there was evidence thaat the murder crossed state lines...

(involved two state jurisdictions) they would be able to--whether they sought jurisdiction or were invited in. (I'm not in law enforcement, but this applies generally to all State-Federal agency relationships). I'd imagine, though that getting their involvement in cold cases might be tough unless there were multiple linked crimes with new evidence or some evidence of law enforcement malfeasance (intentional). As others have suggested, you should really call your nearest FBI field office.

[mrmpa]

4. Murder is not a crime that the FBI generally investigates..........

it is up to the local authorities. I would think that perhaps you could talk to your State's Attorney General, he/she may be willing to investigate by having the State Police or its equivalent investage the murder.

[Kennah]

5. They investigate serial killers, but state authorities prosecute.

The FBI did work the Eric Rudolph case, but they were working with locals.

Gangs, terrorism, and crimes in "Indian Country", but even then they are working with locals.

Unless the murder occurred on federal land, I can't see the FBI being the lead investigative agency. Even then, there might be an agency with the jurisdiction. I'm reminded of Vince Foster's suicide. U.S. Park Police investigated but the FBI assisted. Even for the Oklahoma City bombing investigation, the BATF and their explosives expertise was probably far more valuable.

[CC]

6. I know this place is in

Maryland but maybe they could give you some ideas or a place to contact in your area. http://www.mdcrimevictims.org/ They are very good, very caring people and it was born out of the murder of Stephanie Roper. They have been trying to get laws changed nation wide to give victims, their families and witnesses more rights and help.

[dogknob]

7. Jurisdiction can be downright confusing at times...

I knew a guy who was found murdered at the beach in San Francisco. The crime was out of the jurisdiction of SFPD because Ocean Beach in SF is actually federal land; the Park Rangers were the ones in charge. Needless to say it remains unsolved.

I empathize with you over the death of your friend.

[orleans]

8. thank you for the replies. n/t