So, I’ll try to be clearer. I think he is skeptical, not for the idea that the killer could be American, but because he thinks it’s naturally unlikely that I could theoretically find the killer where they could not.
RSBM.
It's a bit confusing. Nevertheless, I find myself somewhat puzzled by the Chief Investigator's reluctance to accept new ideas, especially considering the prolonged failure to identify the killer. While I certainly acknowledge the immense effort put forth and understand the complexity of the task, one would expect a more open-minded approach from someone in such a position. However, if this is indeed the stance of the Chief Investigator, past or present, then there may be little that can be done.
Nonetheless, history offers examples to the contrary, such as the renowned
Zodiac Killer case. In this case, amateur code-breakers and detectives played a crucial role in deciphering the cryptic messages sent by the Zodiac Killer to newspapers. One amateur code-breaker, David Oranchak, along with his colleagues Sam Blake and Jarl Van Eycke, spent years studying the Zodiac's ciphers and eventually cracked one of the most famous ones, known as the "340 Cipher," in December 2020. The efforts of Oranchak and other amateur sleuths have contributed to keeping the case alive and generating new theories and investigative avenues.
Another example:
the Hinterkaifeck murders that occurred in Germany in 1922 when six members of the Gruber family were brutally killed on their farmstead. The case remains one of Germany's most infamous unsolved crimes. In 2007, a retired German detective, Günther Kaufmann, conducted his own investigation into the Hinterkaifeck murders. Using modern forensic techniques and his expertise as a former detective, Kaufmann developed a theory about the identity of the killer. Kaufmann conducted a detailed analysis of the crime scene photos, witness statements, and historical documents related to the case. He also consulted with experts in forensic psychology and criminal behaviour to develop his theory. It has sparked renewed interest and debate among both amateur sleuths and professional investigators.
The Murder of Dorothy Jane Scott. Dorothy Jane Scott disappeared in 1980 in California and was later found murdered. Her case remained unsolved for decades until amateur sleuths, including blogger Todd Matthews, began investigating. Their efforts led to the identification of a suspect, Michael Anthony Neal, who had been stalking Scott prior to her disappearance.
The Disappearance of Julie Mott. Julie Mott disappeared from a funeral home in San Antonio, Texas, in 2015. Despite extensive searches, her body was never found, and the case remained unsolved. However, a group of websleuths took an interest in the case and conducted their own investigations. Their efforts led to the identification of a suspect, who was eventually charged with Mott's murder in 2019.
These examples demonstrate the valuable contributions that amateur sleuths can make to solving crimes and bringing closure to families affected by tragedy.