The thrill of the chase, the puzzle to be solved, the mystery to be unraveled - for many of us, there's no greater delight than diving into a cold case and trying to crack the code. But where to start? That's where we come in. Here are 7 free unsolved case files to print and solve, giving you the perfect opportunity to put your detective skills to the test.
Case File 1: The Disappearance of the Sodder Children
On Christmas Eve, 1945, a fire destroyed the Sodder family's home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Five of the nine Sodder children were missing, and despite a thorough search, no bodies were ever found. Theories have ranged from abduction to murder, but the case remains unsolved.
Case Details:
- Date: December 24, 1945
- Location: Fayetteville, West Virginia
- Missing: Five Sodder children (Maurice, Martha, Louis, Jennie, and Betty)
- Suspects: Unknown
- Theories: Abduction, murder, accidental death
Case File 2: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey
In 1996, six-year-old beauty pageant contestant JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in her family's home in Boulder, Colorado. The case drew widespread media attention, but despite DNA evidence and numerous suspects, the killer remains at large.
Case Details:
- Date: December 26, 1996
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Victim: JonBenet Ramsey
- Suspects: Patsy Ramsey, John Ramsey, Burke Ramsey, Bill McReynolds
- Theories: Intruder, family member, ransom gone wrong
Case File 3: The Black Dahlia Murder
In 1947, Elizabeth Short's body was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles, California. The crime became notorious due to the gruesome nature of the murder and the lack of leads in the case. The killer was never caught, and the case remains one of the most infamous in American history.
Case Details:
- Date: January 15, 1947
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Victim: Elizabeth Short
- Suspects: Arnold Smith, Robert "Red" Manley, Mark Hansen
- Theories: Serial killer, revenge, crime of passion
Case File 4: The Disappearance of the Beaumont Children
On January 26, 1966, three siblings - Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont - disappeared while on a trip to the beach in Adelaide, Australia. Despite numerous investigations and tips, the children were never found.
Case Details:
- Date: January 26, 1966
- Location: Adelaide, Australia
- Missing: Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont
- Suspects: Unknown
- Theories: Abduction, drowning, runaway
Case File 5: The Murder of the Grimes Sisters
In 1957, two sisters - Barbara and Patricia Grimes - were found murdered in a forest in Chicago, Illinois. The case drew widespread attention due to the young age of the victims and the lack of leads in the case.
Case Details:
- Date: December 28, 1957
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Victims: Barbara and Patricia Grimes
- Suspects: Unknown
- Theories: Serial killer, crime of passion, revenge
Case File 6: The Disappearance of Maura Murray
In 2004, nursing student Maura Murray disappeared after a car accident in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Despite numerous investigations and tips, Murray's fate remains unknown.
Case Details:
- Date: February 9, 2004
- Location: Haverhill, New Hampshire
- Missing: Maura Murray
- Suspects: Unknown
- Theories: Abduction, accident, voluntary disappearance
Case File 7: The Murder of Adam Walsh
In 1981, six-year-old Adam Walsh, son of TV host John Walsh, was abducted from a shopping mall in Hollywood, Florida. His body was found two weeks later, and the case drew widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim.
Case Details:
- Date: July 27, 1981
- Location: Hollywood, Florida
- Victim: Adam Walsh
- Suspects: Ottis Toole, Jeffrey Dahmer
- Theories: Serial killer, abduction, revenge
What is the purpose of these case files?
+The purpose of these case files is to provide a comprehensive and detailed look at each case, allowing readers to examine the evidence and theories, and come to their own conclusions.
Can I use these case files for research or educational purposes?
+Yes, these case files are free to use for research or educational purposes, as long as proper attribution is given.
Are these case files accurate and up-to-date?
+Yes, these case files are accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it's always possible that new information may come to light, and we encourage readers to do their own research and verify the information.
Now it's your turn to play detective! Take a closer look at each case, examine the evidence, and see if you can come up with your own theories and conclusions. Share your thoughts and theories with us in the comments below, and let's work together to solve these infamous cases.