San Antonio Police Updated Cold Case Procedures
The department addressed communication concerns as it manages over 2,000 unsolved homicide investigations.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The San Antonio Police Department has clarified its cold case management processes following reports of frustration from families regarding communication. Officials currently maintain more than 2,000 active cold cases dating back to 1950.
Why it matters
Families of victims have expressed significant concern over a perceived lack of updates on their cases, prompting the department to highlight its review protocols. Because murder has no statute of limitations, these investigations remain a priority for the agency.
The San Antonio Police Department manages over 2,000 cold cases, with files dating back to 1950. The department maintains a dedicated homicide unit phone line at 210-207-7635 for inquiries.
The players
San Antonio Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes and managing cold cases within the city of San Antonio.
Debra Seward
She is a local resident who has been seeking updates on her daughter's cold case for eight years.
Eashonne Wolford
She is a local resident who lost three children in a drive-by shooting five years ago.
The details
When detectives retire or are promoted, the department requires cold cases to be reassigned, which can lead to gaps in communication with victim families. Investigators work to advance these files by applying modern DNA analysis to old evidence and attempting to locate new witnesses.
Timeline
Cold cases in the department date back to 1950.
Debra Seward last heard from an officer regarding her daughter's case in 2023.
Debra Seward participated in an interview regarding the case status in August 2026.
The official report on these procedures was released on October 2, 2026.
Legal Context
The San Antonio Police Department's commitment to maintaining 2,000 cold cases follows the principle that murder cases remain open indefinitely under the absence of a statute of limitations for murder. This standard ensures that investigators must continue searching for new evidence regardless of how much time has passed.
Families with open cold cases are encouraged to contact the homicide unit directly at 210-207-7635 for updates. The department's focus on DNA analysis and witness outreach aims to provide closure for long-standing community investigations.
The takeaway
Maintaining communication between police and victims families is vital for public trust during long-term investigations. Residents seeking information on unsolved cases should proactively reach out to department resources.
Further reading
Learn more about local Law Enforcement efforts in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSAT.
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