Don’t know what to do.

[JeffJunk83]

A 18 year old kid was found dead in my hometown in the 90’s. It was ruled an accident but there have been rumors that it was murder. I talked with a cousin of one of the guys who bragged about doing it.

He said it’s open knowledge in town of what really happened. The same rumors I had heard my whole life.

I’m scared of these people. What should I do?

 

[calo44]

Does your town have a “secret witness” phone line for anonymous tips?

 

[MissJames]

A 18 year old kid was found dead in my hometown in the 90’s. It was ruled an accident but there have been rumors that it was murder. I talked with a cousin of one of the guys who bragged about doing it.

He said it’s open knowledge in town of what really happened. The same rumors I had heard my whole life.

I’m scared of these people. What should I do?

Talk to a lawyer . Often don’t charge for a first meeting & remains confidential , whatever you decide. They may even be able to pass on info without involving you ( ??) yet give some credibility beyond just an anonymous tip.
State Bar Associations often have resources listed for questions.

 

[JDG]

.

 

[JeffJunk83]

Does your town have a “secret witness” phone line for anonymous tips?

I fear the town police are kind of to blame for nothing happening. There was clear motive yet the guys who bragged about doing it were never questioned. The town simply wrangled up all of the metal heads and tried to pin on them one at a time. Ruining all of their lives. They are still considered murders in this town.
I am thinking with this being ruled an accident it would be really hard to get anything done.
I just feel helpless. That kid didn’t deserve to die.

 

[Laughing]

I fear the town police are kind of to blame for nothing happening. There was clear motive yet the guys who bragged about doing it were never questioned. The town simply wrangled up all of the metal heads and tried to pin on them one at a time. Ruining all of their lives. They are still considered murders in this town.
I am thinking with this being ruled an accident it would be really hard to get anything done.
I just feel helpless. That kid didn’t deserve to die.

Then let your state's Highway Patrol know what you've heard, and what you've seen from the local police. Check for an FBI agent in your area -- they often have a nicely dressed by rather quiet agent in towns of any size.

IMHO, inter-agency cooperation within the broad field of LE has improved since the '90's. Your local LE has mostly different staffers today and some of the 'old habits' should be long gone.

I still recommend a call to the Highway Patrol, since you tell us that you fear the perpetrators.

JMHO YMMV