I have a relative who was murdered in Santa Clara County, California in 1981. I have his death

[jwirr]

certificate but want to know more about it. Anyone know how I would go about asking the police department what they have in their files? Also in there a newspaper that might have had a story? He was killed in San Jose.

In files is there anything that would be of interest to families?

[hlthe2b]

1. Seems like the local newspaper would have microfiche files--maybe even digitized by now, if you are

lucky... Why not give the local library a call and ask?

[kdmorris]

2. What relationship was he to you?

Some places will insist that you are a "close relative" - brother, father, son, grandson/grandfather, others may not care. But I would start with newspapers and maybe then see if the police will give you information.

Also, if you know where the murderer was tried, generally speaking, the court records are open to anyone. (unless he was a minor when killed, or the murderer was a juvenile when he killed him).

[jwirr]

4. I am his son's mother-in-law but I can get his son to ask the questions. So I should be able to

get what I need if I can get places to ask.

[csziggy]

3. If you can't find information any other way try this

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/index.php

That is a forum whose members research crimes. They have contacts all over the country and most are very helpful. Someone there would know how best to research the death of your relative.

[CBHagman]

5. Do a search in Google with full name.

I forget what collection it is (probably the newspaper archive), but since I was able to find a newspaper story about the 1961 car accident that killed my grandmother, I'd say I have high hopes for you turning up an account of a more recent tragedy. I'm sorry you have to search for a relative who was murdered.

As for whether the effort is worth it, the more newspaper accounts, the better, as far as I'm concerned. It's not that they can be guaranteed to be error-free, but they can be useful for establishing names, relationships, addresses, etc. Obituaries provided my Irish great-great-grandmother's maiden name, the identity of my great-aunt's husband, and details about where various relatives were living.

Good luck.

[jwirr]

6. Thanks I hadn't thought of that.

[PatSeg]

7. I've had some good luck doing Google searches on people's names

You can include some key words and dates as well and you might pull up a newspaper article.

Let us know if you find anything.

[Gormy Cuss]

8. For news stories, the San Jose Mercury News archives should have stories.

Also potentially the San Francisco Chronicle and maybe some of the other smaller newspapers. I live in the area. If you can give me a name and approximate date I'll search the archives at local libraries for you. PM me if you don't want to publish that info here. I probably won't get to a library until after the new year.