UPDATE: Queens has launched its inaugural Missing Persons Day on September 29, 2023, aiming to provide critical assistance to families with loved ones missing for over 60 days. This groundbreaking event, hosted by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, seeks to generate new leads in dozens of unsolved cases.
Families gathered for one-on-one consultations with investigators, including Lorrain Townsend and Jackie Pennington, who are desperate for answers about their cousin, Allen Foster, missing for the last 20 years. “He had a dimple on the right side when he smiled,” Townsend recalled, sharing memories while providing vital information to officials.
“It was one of those things, you know, he’s M.I.A. for maybe a month or two, but then it was six months gone,” Townsend stated, reflecting on the pain of uncertainty.
Attendees like Townsend and Pennington were able to submit DNA samples and file missing persons reports with the NYPD, a step they believe was never previously taken. Dr. Jason Graham, the city’s chief medical examiner, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We have many partners across the city… to really serve these families.”
Queens DA Melinda Katz, who established the borough’s first cold case unit, highlighted the potential impact of the collected DNA. “We are investigating over 47 homicides where the victim’s identity remains unknown,” Katz said, expressing hope for closure for affected families.
During the event, 16 people representing nine families attended in person, with another six participants joining through phone interviews. For those unable to attend, the NYC Medical Examiner’s Office can be contacted at 212-323-1201 for assistance.
“The not knowing is what’s really hard,” Pennington shared, emphasizing the emotional toll on families. “If he’s alive, we want to reconnect. If he’s not, at least we have an answer.”
Officials encourage families to utilize the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as a vital tool in their search for closure. “We just want to know,” Townsend urged, challenging others to empathize with their plight.
This pioneering event marks a significant step in addressing cold cases in Queens. As the search for answers continues, the community remains hopeful that this initiative will lead to the resolution of many long-standing mysteries.
