Cold case murder investigation heats up.

Richard Atwood

NEWAYGO COUNTY — A task force led by investigators of the Michigan State Police, that includes the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and Newaygo County Prosecutor Robert Springstead, is focusing on the 1983 homicide of White Cloud resident Richard Atwood, according to an MSP press release issued Wednesday, May 18.

Atwood’s 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am.

Richard Atwood, age 25 at the time of the incident, was last seen on August 10, 1983 in White Cloud. Atwood and his vehicle, a brown 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am, were reported missing on August 22, 1983. Atwood’s vehicle was recovered in the Grand Rapids area on October 17, 1983.

“For the past 32 years, area detectives have continued to investigate the case, following up on tips related to the homicide of Richard Atwood,” the press release states. “Since the task force was formed, there have been numerous interviews conducted. Evidence has been re-examined as task force members are confident that advances in forensic science and information technology will generate new leads and aid investigators in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

“Cold cases are often solved because the passage of time allows witnesses and persons with information to come forward. Investigators feel that there are persons with information that will be pertinent to the 1983 death of Richard Atwood.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact D/Sgt. Scott Rios at rioss@michigan.gov, at the Michigan State Police at 231.873.2171, or Silent Observer 231.652.1121. The Silent Observer program allows information to be shared anonymously.