The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is seeking new information to solve the 1983 murder of William “Bill” Kemmer.
Criminal Investigator John Peters said Sheriff Casey Cox remains committed to finding answers for every unsolved homicide and missing person case regardless of how much time has passed. Peters said the department determined reasonable investigative steps, like re-interviewing surviving witnesses, should be taken.
“We’re not reopening the case because of any one particular piece of information,” Peters said, “But it is a comprehensive unsolved case review that hopefully we can bring answers to the Kemmer family.”
Peters said Kemmer was closing his businesses on the evening of November 17, 1983, before returning to his home around 7:30pm. Peters said an assailant shot Kemmer from behind with a rifle as he stepped out of his vehicle, stole a money bag Kemmer was carrying, and fled the scene.
“People who may have had influence over somebody back in 1983 may no longer have that same influence today,” Peters said. “So, a person that may have been afraid to talk to law enforcement in 1983 or that may have felt some loyalty towards someone doesn’t necessarily have that same feeling today.”
Peters said investigators hope to apply modern technology and fresh perspectives to the 40-year-old cold case.
Peters said the department is looking for the identity of the shooter and the specific motive behind the killing. Peters said investigators are currently re-examining all available physical evidence to see if forensic advancements can develop new leads.
“I would ask them to come forward and help get the Kemmer family the answers that they deserve,” Peters said. “I would ask them to really to look at what the opportunity is to bring family a solace of what happened to their loved one.”
Peters said even small details or overheard conversations from decades ago could prove critical to the current investigation. Peters said while the department has logged numerous rumors over the last 40 years, they are specifically looking for individuals with direct, first-hand knowledge.
“I think that those who have the knowledge of some incidents or statements or what they may have heard or seen, when they come forward and realize that their information would be critical to solving this case and giving the Kemmer family answers to what happened, I think that’s very critical,” Peters said.
Peters said the breakthrough will likely come from a combination of original evidence, previous interviews, and new information gathered during the restart of the case. Peters said he is willing to meet with witnesses at locations outside of the Sheriff’s Office to make them feel more comfortable sharing what they know.
“There is somebody out there that will help make a difference in this investigation and we look forward to speaking with them,” Peters said.
Peters said anyone with information should contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 484-6176.
