LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington’s police department is providing the public with an additional source to leave information regarding unsolved homicides dating back to the 1970s.
Shawnda Snow has birthday supplies displayed next to an angel figurine to celebrate what she calls Chris’ April “two-two” birthday. With orange balloons symbolizing awareness to end to gun violence and blue balloons, she’s organized a personal balloon release and a public candlelight vigil for her son Christopher Snow.
Chris was a brother and father of two boys and the victim of a shooting on East Fourth Street in Lexington 2018.
Since that moment, Snow says her grief has outweighed answers in her son’s case. Snow says she and her family have advocated in the community.
“A process, you know, it’s never-ending. it never is. And then for me, the birthdays are always the hardest. And then I usually shut down in March. You know, I struggle,” Snow said.
The Lexington Police Department created a website for people like Snow to see a record of real images, timelines and information for unsolved homicides.
Lt. Ryan Peterson says it’s also a place where loved ones, witnesses and others can track and share any new or relevant information.
“Another tool that we have recognized would be something to add to increase our reach. I think we’ve all seen the power and the reach of the internet and social media, and we’ve already seen it since we went live just a short time ago,” explained Peterson. He added, “We continue to receive good information from citizens. we’re very pleased.”
Chris’ case is one of over 80 unsolved homicides in the city in the last decade with over half involving a gun.
The new website allows people to share information with investigators anonymously. Sgt. Brandon Gibbs says the public’s concern and input can be critical in their investigations even years later.
“Lexington is a fairly large city, especially for this region. So there’s potential that, you know, there’s we don’t want anybody lost in the busyness, so to speak, of these cases in our police department. So this is a way for the public to scroll through the website and put a face to the names that they’re hearing,” Gibbs said.
Snow says her son’s case remains open.
She is a member of a local survivors’ group that advocates for resources and new means to help others through their experiences. Snow says she and other parents will continue the work as many are still awaiting answers.
Police say to reach out if you have a loved one whose case is not on the site.