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Hinckley Forum panel on cold cases: investigators urge prompt reporting, outline limits of forensics and family outreach
Summary
At a University of Utah Hinckley Institute forum, Detective Ben Pender and attorney Aubrey Davis described how technological advances have helped investigate long-unsolved homicides, cautioned that older evidence and witness loss often limit results, and urged families to report concerns promptly and use advocacy resources.
At a Hinckley Institute forum at the University of Utah, Detective Ben Pender of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and attorney Aubrey Davis of Utah Homicide Survivors said cold-case work combines painstaking investigative work, evolving forensic techniques, and sensitive family outreach.
"They're really unsolved cases," Detective Pender said when asked to define a cold case, adding that a case is not considered "cold" at his office if detectives are still actively pursuing testing or interviews. He noted that many older investigations lack modern surveillance and that witnesses or earlier detectives are often deceased or unavailable, which complicates inquiries.
The panel focused on three practical takeaways. First, investigators and advocates said families should report missing adults immediately when "something feels off," countering the television myth that relatives must wait 24 hours before filing a report. "If something feels off, report it," Aubrey Davis told students and attendees.
Second, the speakers described how forensic advances can reopen possibilities for older evidence but warned of limits. Pender said departments now meet regularly with state crime-lab scientists to review previously tested items and decide when new methods can yield answers. He also cautioned that degraded materials and mixed DNA profiles from decades-old evidence can prevent definitive results.
Third, both panelists emphasized the importance of communication and advocacy. Davis, who represents victims’ families in criminal and civil matters, explained that advocates help families process trauma, set realistic expectations, and channel frustrations to appropriate offices. Pender described a biennial "hope conference" that brings families together with prosecutors, crime-lab representatives and department staff, and offers individual follow-ups for families who request them.
On caseloads and operations, Pender said he manages dozens of open cases and that cold-case investigators often juggle many files because evidence testing and interjurisdictional interviews can pause and resume work. He reported that the sheriff’s office maintains 36 unsolved homicide files and 15 missing-person cases suspected of foul play, and Davis said her office is handling roughly 74 active files, including criminal and related civil matters.
Both panelists outlined common errors that can hinder investigations — delayed or inadequate testing, poor lab communication, and ill-prepared interviews — and urged investigators to own mistakes and brief families promptly rather than letting problems surface later in court or the press. Pender explained that freely releasing full case files can jeopardize future prosecutions: "If we give you the entire case... then it's open to everybody," he said, noting prosecution and privacy considerations.
The panel also offered career advice to students interested in criminal investigations: stay open to varied assignments, be self-motivated, and cultivate patience, they said. The session closed with thanks to the Hinckley Institute hosts and the student organizers. No formal motions or official actions were taken.
