PORTLAND, Maine — A Portland police detective has received international recognition for solving an 11-year-old cold case involving the death of a South Korean national in Maine’s largest city.
Detective Andjelko Napijalo was honored this week by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York for his work bringing the long-unsolved investigation to a successful conclusion.
During a ceremony at the Consulate General’s office in Manhattan, Consul General Kim Sang-ho presented Napijalo with a Letter of Appreciation recognizing his dedication, perseverance and commitment to securing justice for the victim and the victim’s family.
Letters from the victim’s relatives were also read during the ceremony, expressing their gratitude to Napijalo for refusing to allow the case to be forgotten.
The investigation remained unsolved for more than a decade before Napijalo’s work ultimately led to its resolution, providing long-awaited answers to the victim’s loved ones and highlighting the importance of continuing to pursue cold cases regardless of how much time has passed.
“This recognition is a testament to Detective Napijalo’s determination and the unwavering commitment of our detectives to seek justice for victims, regardless of how much time has passed,” Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois said. “We are honored that the Republic of Korea has recognized Detective Napijalo’s work and the professionalism of the Portland Police Department.”
The Consulate General also praised the Portland Police Department for its cooperation throughout the investigation, pointing to the case as an example of successful collaboration between local law enforcement officials and international agencies.
“This case is a representative success story of the Korea-U.S. international cooperation, made possible by the dedication of the Portland Police and the close collaboration between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic and Security Service (DSS) and the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Consulate General in New York and the National Police Agency,” Kim said.
Napijalo was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Sanela, and Portland Police Detective Lieutenant Nick Goodman.
Goodman credited Napijalo’s persistence and investigative work with bringing the case to a successful conclusion.
“I want to extend special recognition to Detective Napijalo, whose relentless work ethic, determination, and unwavering commitment to seeking justice were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” Goodman said. “Andjelko embodies the qualities of an exceptional investigator.”
The Portland Police Department congratulated Napijalo on the recognition and said the department remains committed to investigating every case with professionalism, compassion and persistence.
Jon, please give more details to this story next time a story like this comes up, like who was he was trying to identify? male/female? was she/he murdered? where was the body found? etc….
remains committed to investigating every case with professionalism, compassion and persistence.” Well, two outah three ain’t bad.
Is there a cause of death?