Jaliek Rainwalker. Suzanne Lyall. Craig Frear. All names that are familiar to local residents – all people who have disappeared without a trace.
If a criminal case remains open and unsolved for three years, and no leads have panned out, that case is considered “cold.” It doesn’t mean, however, that the case can never be solved. To remember the missing and discuss ways that scientific advances can help solve these puzzling cases, Siena hosted New York’s second annual Cold Case Day on September 25 in Roger Bacon Hall.
Part workshop, part info session and part memorial, the event featured Siena faculty and students, as well as a five-member panel of area law enforcement investigators and media, who explored the various aspects of trying to solve cold cases. There was also a brainstorming session on next steps for tackling cases that remain unsolved.
Part workshop, part info session and part memorial, the event featured Siena faculty and students, as well as a five-member panel of area law enforcement investigators and media, who explored the various aspects of trying to solve cold cases. There was also a brainstorming session on next steps for tackling cases that remain unsolved.
“It’s very important that as a community we do not forget these crimes,” said Tobi Kirschmann, M.S., visiting instructor of forensics and investigative genetic genealogy at Siena, CEO of DNA Finders, and event organizer.
“We need to be mindful of the technology we have available now,” she told her in-person and online audience. “There is so much we can do if we make the time. Even though something may have happened in the 1950s, for example, we can still solve that case today.”
Annie Rody-Wright, J.D., the coordinator of Siena’s criminal justice studies program, said solving cold cases not only gives a sense of closure to families who have lost loved ones, but can also help exonerate those wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for crimes, and identify those who did cause harm so they can rightfully be held accountable.
“With each case solved, with each truth revealed, healing can begin,” said Rody-Wright. “When one family starts to heal, the community heals, as we are, all of us, connected. This is restorative justice in motion, in perfect alignment with our mission in our restorative justice-focused program.”
NewsChannel 13 and News 10 covered the event and the legwork and lab work that go into solving cold cases.
This was the first cold case day for Rebekah Depoo ’26 who joined fellow criminal justice interns in publicizing and setting up the event. During the discussion portion, she took notes on the solutions for solving cold cases and bringing awareness to them.
Kaitlyn Hathaway ’26 and Loreley Villar ’28 also assisted with fundraising posters, refreshments, and other aspects of the event.
“It was empowering to see the community coming together to work with and support our featured panelists in bringing awareness to cold cases,” said Depoo. “I thought it was amazing how diverse the panel was because they were able to give a new perspective based on their experiences.”
Kaitlyn Hathaway ’26 and Loreley Villar ’28 also assisted with fundraising posters, refreshments, and other aspects of the event.
“I was very impressed by Professor Kirschmann and the other panelists,” said Hathaway. “Their commitment to solving cold cases, helping families search for their missing loved ones, and raising awareness was clear. I hope Siena continues to host this event in the future, as it helps the Siena community and its visitors understand the real-world impact of forensic science and genetic genealogy, and the importance of working together to bring justice and closure to families.”
Villar added that the event was significant because “it raised awareness about real, unresolved cases and reminded us of the human impact behind each one. Collaboration and community engagement can help keep these cases alive and push for justice.”