The book follows Billy Jensen's journey as he uses his skills in journalism and social media to help solve cold cases, highlighting the potential for amateur sleuths to contribute to crime-solving efforts. While not as gripping as Michelle McNamara's work, it offers an intriguing look at the intersection of technology, community involvement, and law enforcement.
Billy Jensen's book is a fascinating exploration of how modern tools and community engagement can aid in solving cold cases. Drawing from his experience as a journalist and his collaboration with Michelle McNamara, Jensen shares his methods for using social media and targeted advertising to gather tips and leads. He advocates for the use of DNA databases and public involvement to address the backlog of unsolved crimes, emphasizing the importance of getting loud and mobilizing resources. Although the book doesn't have the same narrative tension as McNamara's work, it provides valuable insights into the potential for amateur sleuths to make a difference. The discussion on the ethical implications of using genealogy databases and the need for increased funding and manpower in police departments adds depth to the narrative. Overall, it's an intriguing read for anyone interested in true crime and the power of collective effort in solving mysteries.
Quick quotes
Jensen started off as a journalist who sometimes covered murders. He had always been fascinated by crime, in large part thanks to his father, who told him about murder cases in the news.
He says, “It’s coming down to criminals vs. science…. Without a doubt, the ability to use familial DNA matches to find rapists and murderers is the biggest single tool to catch violent criminals the world has seen since the discovery of DNA itself.
Even so, it’s intriguing to consider the possibility that any citizen could help bring closure to grieving families by joining in the amateur effort, following Jensen’s lead and guidelines.