Homicide Unit

The Raleigh Police Department's Homicide Unit is continuously seeking new and innovative ways to provide information to the community we serve in an effort to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who commit murder within our city. Our focus is to provide complete and thorough investigations for all of our victims and to be compassionate to the families and communities impacted by this crime.

We need YOUR help to solve these murders!

If you have any information that would help us solve any of these murders, please call Raleigh Crimestoppers at 919-834-4357 (HELP). This phone number allows the caller to remain anonymous.

The Homicide Unit

The Raleigh Police Department's Homicide Unit is dedicated to serving the citizens of Raleigh. We are responsible for investigating all homicides, deceased persons, suicides, and suspicious deaths.

The Homicide Unit is comprised of one captain, one lieutenant, 10 detectives, and two sergeants. The remaining detectives are divided into two squads each with a sergeant in charge. The Aggravated Assault Unit also works closely with the Homicide Unit.

In accordance to the law, our detectives are expected to provide the victim's family as much information as soon as possible and to keep them updated throughout the investigation. They are also responsible for presenting cases to the District Attorney's Office and assisting in the prosecution of the cases in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a victim's belongings be turned over to a family member after a homicide, suicide, or death investigation?

During a homicide investigation, most items and vehicles seized will be held until there is a final disposition in the case. The District Attorney's Office will then contact the detective in regards to the items of evidence that were seized. Most items will be released, but some may be retained for a period of time, at the discretion of the District Attorney's Office and the Raleigh Police Department.

Items taken into evidence during a suicide or death investigation likely will be held only until the Medical Examiner has made an official ruling on the cause of death. The detective assigned to the case will complete all of the appropriate paperwork and contact family members to release items once the case is closed. The Evidence Control Division will also send a letter to notify the designated person that the property is available to be picked up.

Can I see a homicide detective if I come by the Raleigh Police Department without an appointment?

Although every effort will be made to have a detective available to speak with you, our detectives work rotating shifts and often are out of the office working ongoing investigations, conducting interviews, or are involved in court proceedings. Anyone wishing to speak to a detective about a particular case should call and make an appointment.

For information about a particular case, the lead detective has the authority to determine what information can be released. It is important to make sure the lead detective is available before stopping by.

After a homicide occurs, detectives meet with the family of the victim to provide them with information and to give the family an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Our detectives are sensitive to the needs of victims' families and will make themselves available any time the family needs to speak to them.

If you have trouble contacting a homicide detective, you can call 919-996-3555 and request to speak to the on-duty homicide sergeant.

If you have information critical to the investigation of a case, please notify the officer you are in contact with to notify the on-duty or on-call homicide sergeant.

How will I know when I need to be in court for any hearings involving my loved one's case?

There will be no need to go to court until an arrest is made in the homicide case. In the first few days after an arrest has been made, your point of contact will be the lead detective or supervisor in charge. He/she will notify your family of the arrest and explain what to expect concerning court appearances. Once the detective has had an opportunity to turn over the case information to the District Attorney's Office, a representative from their office will notify you of any court proceedings for which you need to be present.