LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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LMPD detective to focus on missing person cold cases

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Dozens of Louisville families are looking for answers in the disappearance of their loved ones. And now LMPD has one man in charge when the trail goes cold.

LMPD Detective Mike Perry has the new assignment, but it involves some old cases.

"I take over the case when it is six months old," Det. Perry said.

Perry is one of three detectives assigned to LMPD's missing persons unit.

"Two of the detectives handle the fresh cases that come in on a regular basis or a daily basis, and then once they reach that six-month window, then they're reassigned to me," Perry explained.

A set of drawers at LMPD Headquarters contains files with the names of people who are missing and on Perry's list.

The department has also added a link on the city's website to help find the missing.

"In an effort hopefully, the public will look at it -- look at that photo, look at the information on it and maybe we may be able to get some tips," said Det. Perry.

One of the pictures on the website is Michael "Mikey" Jones, who disappeared in August 2000.

"I have been looking for him for 13 years," said Tina Lee, Jones' sister.

Lee says in the beginning authorities assumed her brother left on his own.

"They told me that if he was a missing person, that all they could do was tell him that his family was looking for him," Lee explained.

But after months and then years passed, both police and family members realized something wasn't right.

"It just doesn't seem right that he would be gone so long and not try to reach out to somebody," Lee said.

Lee admits her brother had gotten into some trouble and fears that could be why he disappeared.

"I don't feel like he is dead, I just feel like if he's somewhere and he is still alive it is because he needs to be there to stay alive."

Whatever happened to Michael Jones, Detective Perry says finding him is not out of the question.

"There is hope, just last year we had a gentleman turn up who had been missing for three years," Det. Perry said.

Police are also partnering with the Exploited Children's Help Organization (ECHO) and Safe Place. The goal of the partnership is to help spread the word when it comes to missing juveniles.