Leah Freeman's Mother Asks for Cold Case Team

October 29, 2009

In the past, Cory Courtright celebrated her daughter Leah Freeman's birthday on October 29. Unfortunately, there have been no parties in recent years. Instead of celebrating Leah's 25th birthday, Cory is busy seeking justice in her daughter's murder.

Leah was just 15 years old when, on June 29, 2000, she went for a walk near her home in Coquille, Ore. What happened to her during that walk remains unclear; however, on Aug. 3, 2000, her fate became all too clear when her body was found in a wooded area roughly eight miles from Coquille. An autopsy revealed that Leah had died as a result of "homicidal violence."

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Leah's murder remains unsolved. Waiting such a long time for an answer would discourage most people, but Cory Courtright is determined to see justice prevail and is asking local officials for help.

"I am simply asking Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier to dedicate a cold case team to re-investigate Leah's murder," Cory said. "I don't feel like the agencies handling the case have ever been in sync, and with all of the personnel changes at the Coquille Police Department, I fear that crucial details of the investigation could very well have fallen through the cracks."

Cory says that the police were initially conducting a very active investigation into her daughter's case, but it seemed to cool down quickly, and she has received very few updates on the case in recent years.

According to the Coos County District Attorney's Office, the case is considered "cold," but investigators remain active, following up on all tips that they receive.

"They need to do more than follow-up on tips," Cory said. "They need to have a dedicated team go back and look through all of the files again, re-interview everyone involved, and re-examine all of the evidence."

There is no word yet on whether the Coquille Police Department will consider forming a cold case squad to reinvestigate Leah's murder.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Coquille Police Department at (541) 396-2114 or Coos Stop Crime at (541) 267-6666. Leah Freeman's family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for her murder.

For more information, please visit: www.leahfreeman.com.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Comments

[j.s.h.]

Very sad Case, I hope she gets a good cold case team, and this matter is resolved soon. this girl deserves Justice, and her family deserves the comfort of knowing, and witnessing Justice Within their Time. Leah Rest in Peace. -Those- responsible for the poor girls physical end.. know that you are marked with the brand of guilt, and your actions will soon be brought against you either by the world, or that which lurks within.