When a family member dies and you are their heir, you go through the grieving process and receive your inheritance—right? Unfortunately, the transfer of assets does not always run so smoothly. So much so, in fact, that the total value of unclaimed assets floating around in the United States exceeds a staggering $42 billion. Think forgotten bank accounts, life insurance policies, stock holdings, pension benefits, and more, completely unmoored from those who are entitled to it. This is why asset recovery solutions are crucial.
So how can you be certain that you have inherited all you are entitled to? Or, worse yet, what if you don’t even realize the unrecovered assets are rightfully yours?
A specialized type of private investigator takes on the mantle of addressing this injustice. They conduct detailed research into estates, perform heir searches, and locate and connect with beneficiaries to help draw those staggering numbers in unclaimed assets down over time.
On occasion, this involves mapping complex genealogy to correctly identify the unknowingly-bequeathed, while at others it involves tracing known individuals or following the trail of misplaced funds. These asset search experts know how to navigate the bureaucracy, state laws, and court systems involved in getting assets released, and an asset investigator can help to connect concealed trusts and estates with those who will benefit from them most.Â
Why Asset Recovery Matters
The asset returns division of Lauth Investigations International is dedicated to delivering innovative asset recovery solutions—because we understand how life-changing an unexpected inheritance can be. This is the moment when intangible numbers in a spreadsheet or dusty file on a shelf become nursing home fees, vital home upgrades, the money a family needs to send their child to college, crucial medical payments, and countless other transformative human possibilities.
As crucial as this field of work is, unfortunately, due to the sheer value of unrecovered assets within our nation, a growing number of fake asset recovery firms have sprung up with the aim of ripping off those who may already be experiencing grief or hardship. If you require assistance in identifying or searching for lost assets, turn to a long-established private investigation firm with the credentials and track record that warrants your trust. Diligence is always a smart undertaking when monetary or high-value assets are concerned, so do your homework before aligning with a collaborator, and never pay a fee to an investigator without first confirming their licensure and credibility.
Asset Recovery Solutions From Lauth Investigations International
Lauth Investigations is a family-run enterprise with a sizable team working across a diversity of specializations. A 30-year track record of solved cases gives each of our clients total peace of mind. Our private investigators head out into the field to tackle corporate crime, missing persons cases, asset recovery, and many other types of investigation for valued clients across the nation and around the world.
When it comes to conducting an asset search, we take a dual approach to drifting assets. A member of our Return Assets division may contact you having identified unanchored assets and traced them to you as an unaware heir. In other instances, clients reach out to us either for assistance in uncovering and tracing assets, or in locating heirs whose whereabouts or identity is unknown. In all instances, we draw upon a broad skill set to aid in genealogy, probate, and estate matters—procuring documents and certificates both at home and abroad, and ensuring that when an inheritance is identified, the full amount due is accounted for and released. Do you require the assistance of an asset investigator. Turn to the Return Assets devision at Lauth Investigations for immediate assistance from a specialized and seasoned professional, fully versed in delivering effective asset recovery solutions. Learn more about what we do, or reach out to our team today for a no-commitment consultation.
As if enduring the loss of a loved one wasn’t bad enough, families across America are grappling with a worryingly dark trend in unsolved homicides. Recent investigative journalism has revealed that murders are going unsolved at a historic pace—with the clearance rate of solved cases falling to its lowest point in more than half a century. It’s no surprise that the bereaved are increasingly turning to the skills of an independent unsolved homicide investigator in order to find much-needed closure.
In recent years, the volume of homicides for which the murderers are held accountable has fallen so sharply that almost half of perpetrators are never brought to justice. Making these numbers even more grim is the reality that police are far less likely to solve a homicide when the victim is Black or Hispanic. For those whose loved ones fall on the wrong side of the statistics, enlisting the help of a private investigator with specialized skill in unsolved homicide investigations can be the best way to reclaim empowerment. So let’s look at how a PI can assist in bringing the most heinous among criminals to justice.
Evidence and Intelligence Gathering: The Private Investigator’s Calling Card
An unsolved homicide investigator’s central focus is always the gathering of intelligence. Where the focus of police investigations would be on proving a crime—and may have been victim to limited resources—the private investigator can cast a far wider net on behalf of their clients, continuing to fact seek until every stone has been overturned.
In the case of unsolved homicides, intelligence gathering can become more challenging over time as perpetrators cover their tracks, evidence disappears, and leads dry up. However, in the digital era, almost every occurrence leaves a trail, and with the right skills and resources, that trail can be rediscovered long after it was laid.
A fully licensed unsolved homicide investigator has the power to delve into many of the same databases used by law enforcement agencies, canvas the area around crime scenes, request CCTV footage, reexamine witnesses, and even follow leads over state lines or international borders if required. Going further, they will have expert knowledge of legal obligations, enabling them to ensure that all fresh evidence gathered is done so legally and will serve as admissible evidence when the truth finally comes to light.
A Private Investigator Knows That Stories Change Over Time
The indelible virtual footprints that may be uncovered through digital forensics tell an irrefutable truth, but the word of human beings can be more tricky to pin down. Private investigators specializing in unsolved homicides are highly trained professionals with the capacity to analyze witness statements, cross-reference time-lines, and assess validity in the context of each individual’s background and connection to the case.
Whether unintentional or malicious, the stories of witnesses, friends, and family members often shift over time as new details are remembered or the right questions are asked. The police rarely have the time to conduct follow up interviews, but an unsolved homicide investigator can return to a powerful asset in the field of crime solving—the memory of those present at the time. Even a small clue can repaint the framing of events leading up to a homicide. Every detail counts.
Shedding Fresh Light on Unsolved Homicides
Just as two people looking at the same picture will interpret it differently, the more pairs of eyes that review a case, the higher the probability that a vital puzzle piece will be uncovered. A private investigator—unfettered by time targets or policy pressures—can consider the case in a more measured way, with the interest of their clients held front and center. This is what allows the unsolved homicide investigator to bring cases to conclusion that the police may allow to grow cold.
Turn to a seasoned private investigator with the licensure and skillset required to hold the most dangerous criminals to account. Many of the investigators at Lauth Investigations International have a background in law enforcement, allowing them to see each case from the perspective of every party involved. We can cooperate and coordinate with police investigators, or pick up where they left off. Whichever role we fulfill, our duty is always to you, to the truth, and to justice. If you require assistance with an unsolved homicide, reach out to the Lauth team today for a no-commitment consultation and a chance at closure previously denied.
It’s everyone’s worst nightmare: a knock on the door and news that someone close to you has died. You discover that the coroner’s office has been called into action—what does that mean? Across the United States, when a death is sudden, violent, accidental, medically unattended, or simply unexplained, a medical examiner or coroner’s office will be tasked with investigating the death to uncover its true cause. If a personal homicide is suspected, law enforcement will also launch their criminal investigation.
As this early evolution unfolds, survivors of a homicide can feel lost at sea—but there are anchors to be found. Today, we are going to look at the role of the coroner’s office in determining personal homicides and what options remain for family and friends after the coroner’s ruling has been given. Hopefully, this information will help you find calm waters in a moment of need.
Death Investigations and Determining Homicides
Roughly 20% of the 2.4 million deaths in the US each year are investigated by coroners and medical examiners. This means that their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate that a homicide has occurred, but when a homicide is suspected or confirmed, their presence is guaranteed. Alongside determining the manner of death and medical reason or cause, the coroner’s office will often also take on other duties such as notifying the next of kin of the deceased.
To determine the facts of the case, the coroner’s office will investigate the scene, gathering and documenting evidence and taking photographs, before arranging the removal of the body. An external examination will take place, and if deemed necessary, an autopsy will be performed by a forensic pathologist. Bodily tissues or liquids may be sent to a laboratory for toxicology or histology analysis.
Once all factors have been assessed, a coroner’s ruling will be made on the basis of their findings. In all but open-and-closed cases of homicide, the investigative process will only just be beginning. However, the coroner’s office will certify the manner of death in a death certificate that will then be made available to the family. Their role in the case will usually be closed within 14-21 days, although when toxicology results are required or microscopic examination undertaken, the process may take longer.
What Survivors Can Do Following the Coroner’s Ruling
If the coroner concludes a personal homicide, law enforcement agencies will take the case from there. However, what happens if those left behind feel unsatisfied with the coroner’s ruling, or even with the way that the police are pursuing the case? At these times, a private investigator seasoned in personal homicide investigations can be enlisted to dig deeper into the facts, find answers faster, or rediscover leads that have been allowed to grow cold.
For anyone bereaved under the circumstance of homicide—whether suspected or known—unanswered questions can become a heavy weight to carry. Unlike the coroner’s office, a medical examiner, or a police investigator, whose loyalty is to the state and the letter of the law, a private investigator’s role is to serve their client in uncovering all and any relevant truths so that loved ones can finally lay their concerns to rest.
Private investigators from Lauth International Investigations work closely with the families of victims in order to deliver the facts that they often so desperately seek. We draw on more than 30 years experience in solving missing person cases, collaborating with law enforcement, and bringing criminals to justice. Each of our unsolved homicide investigators is armed with a skillset that facilitates evidence gathering, geosocial surveillance, licence-permitted database access, crime scene analysis, witness reexamination, digital forensics, and much more. We will draw upon every resource in our toolkit to reveal the realities of your loved one’s death so that you can pursue necessary justice and claim personal closure. To learn more about how a private investigator can assist in a potential or confirmed personal homicide case—whether long-after or even before the coroner’s ruling is issued—connect with our dedicated team today. No commitment is required on your part, and we are ready to advise on how we can assist.
When faced with thoughts of the loss of a loved one, we’d all hope that their cause of death would be fully understood and investigated if the need ever arose. It is the role of the Coroner or Medical Examiner’s office—and potentially law enforcement, too—to uncover the facts when the manner of a death is not immediately apparent. But what can the bereaved do if their gut tells them that the facts haven’t been illuminated? In these unwelcome situations, a suspicious death investigator can be the ally required to turn the search lights back on, and reveal what remains unseen.
A death investigation is a vital process, because what appears to be apparent suicide may in fact be a natural death, and what appears to be unsuspicious may actually be criminal. For those left behind, a lingering question mark can be a brutal burden to bear. Survivors can raise and pursue their concerns with the authorities and will hopefully get authentic answers quickly, but a private investigator with extensive experience in conducting death investigations provides opportunity for those who feel powerless to reclaim some control over the journey of loss.
The Navigation of a Death Investigation
When someone dies under suspicious or simply obscure circumstances, it’s vital to know that the jurisdiction of the coroner begins before they are even alerted. It is essential that concerned parties engage in following the letter of the law—as knowingly failing to notify the coroner or enforcement agency of a death that later warrants an investigation is a punishable infraction. However, while those tasked with the investigation carry out their work, turning to other sources of support and initiating an independent suspicious death investigation is a ready option to anyone feeling let down by the usual channels.
All too often, misidentified or unresolved cases of accident, wrongful death, suicide, or homicide are left languishing in a pile of papers as family and friends remain stuck in limbo. When the coroner’s verdict doesn’t sit right or the police fall short on the resources necessary to find the truths you seek, it is reassuring to know that a private investigator’s duty is to you above all else—they only stop digging when you tell them to, and they’ll enlist every investigative resource in their toolkit to uncover new leads and gather fresh evidence.
How a Private Investigator Takes Action in a Death Investigation
The role of a private investigator and the police in the case of suspicious death investigations is different in some ways, however in others it is very much aligned. Licenced private investigators have access to many of the same resources and information databases that law enforcement do. Meanwhile, in certain instances, their capacity extends further—as they follow trails of evidence over state lines where police jurisdiction might end, or continue to comb for leads when the authorities’ resources would be pulled towards other cases.
At times, private investigators may work alongside or collaborate with the authorities, doubling down on the effort to bring the facts to light. At others, they pick up where a traditional investigation left off, ensuring that loved ones achieve the sense of justice and truth that they deserve. Armed with forensic skills, surveillance tools, honed interpersonal expertise, and the capacity to perform background checks—among an array of other resources—the PI often finds crucial threads to pull upon that the coroner or police missed.
Suspicious death investigators from Lauth Investigations International draw on more than 30 years experience in a broad array of investigatory capacities, including finding missing persons, resolving unsolved homicides, and revealing concealed crimes. We understand fully the impact that these types of cases can have on those whose life they touch, and approach every case with compassion and dedication. If your instincts are telling you that all is not right and you would like assistance in a death investigation, our impassioned team of private investigators is here to help. You can connect with us at any time for a no-obligation consultation, so reach out today and discover more about how we can serve you in this difficult time.
Wondering how to protect valuables from would-be thieves and robbers? Trade in stolen art and jewelry is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, so it makes sense to take steps to protect your assets. Here at Lauth Investigations International, we are dedicated not only to tracking and recovering stolen precious goods, but also advising diligent owners on how to protect valuables against external threats in the first place. Read on to discover our top tips for keeping the thieves away from your door.Â
1. Identify the High Value Items That You Need to Protect
Far too many owners of heirloom artworks, jewelry, and other high value assets don’t recognize the desirability of their treasures until they’ve been taken. Stay ahead of those who might target you with awareness of what needs to be safeguarded. Precious items might include paintings, sculptures, jewelry, watches, rugs, silverware, instruments, antique china or crystal, furs, firearms, and other collectibles. Knowing how to protect valuables starts with knowing where and what they are, and how much they are worth.
2. Review and Update Your Insurance Coverage
High-value items require specific insurance coverage that will likely exceed the limits of your homeowner insurance policy. Ahead of purchasing scheduled personal property coverage, we recommend meeting with your insurance advisor directly to identify policy vulnerabilities. Keep in mind that the value of assets like art and jewelry can go up and down over time. This makes it essential to track market values or have your items reappraised periodically to ensure that your policies always represent their true value.
3. Document Your Art and Jewelry
When a precious item is stolen, time is of the essence and having all the information on hand is vital if pursuit of the perpetrators is to be successful. Take detailed photos of your valuables, and detail all identifying features. Scan all documentation, including purchase receipts, provenance paperwork, and appraisals. Securely store the originals separately from the items themselves, and the digital versions using a cloud-based service. You can also consider using a purpose-built database to catalog your collection, like interpol’s Art-ID app.
4. Install Sophisticated Security Systems
When it comes to how to protect valuables, it’s key to understand that they are only as secure as the location where they are stored. High-value jewelry is far more vulnerable in a jewelry box or nightstand than it would be in a safe or safe deposit box. Equally, art work on the wall of a home with a state-of-the-art intruder alert system and CCTV cameras will be far safer than that in a home that would be easy to enter undetected. Artworks themselves can be fitted with alarms, too. Your insurance company may reduce your rate in reflection of this added protection.
5. Use Tracking Technology
While art collectors have long been concealing identifying markers on their most precious assets, these days the advent of miniature technology means that we can go further. Paintings, sculptures, and even jewelry cases can be fitted with tiny GPS tracking devices with batteries that last for years. These diminutive gadgets mean that if your art or jewelry goes astray, it won’t get far.
6. Perform Background Checks
How well do you really know your staff? From housekeepers to contractors, those we trust to enter our homes don’t always have the best intentions. On how to protect valuables, one of the most powerful tactics that we recommend is to subject every hire to our comprehensive background check service. This will illuminate anything nefarious in their past that might make you think twice about letting them near your beloved valuables.
7. Seek Tailored Advice Through a Risk and Security Assessment
You hope you’ve thought of everything to thwart potential thieves, but there may still be holes in your well-intended defenses. Our dedicated team of art and jewelry theft investigators are expertly poised to analyze your security measures and identify gaps that need to be closed. For total peace of mind, turn to Lauth Investigations International for guidance on how to protect valuables from every angle. Our team is always here to help, and only a call or message away.
