" The lack of closure in an unsolved case seems to have a sharpening effect on those left behind; the details remain vivid to them even years later, possibly because they’ve gone over them looking for answers so many times. "
- Michelle McNamara

In unsolved cases, the absence of a definitive conclusion often leaves those affected with lingering questions and vivid memories of the details surrounding the event. These individuals tend to revisit these particulars repeatedly as they search for answers, which keeps the specifics sharp in their minds over time.

The quote suggests that unresolved mysteries have a profound impact on people's emotional states and memory retention. The act of constantly revisiting the facts and trying to piece together what happened can enhance one’s recollection and understanding of even minor details. This process often prolongs feelings of uncertainty and keeps the trauma or curiosity alive, making it harder for those involved to move forward emotionally.

Michelle McNamara was an American true-crime writer known for her work on the Golden State Killer case. Her writing style combined investigative journalism with storytelling, capturing the emotional and psychological impact of unresolved crimes on victims' families and communities. Sadly, she passed away before completing her book about the notorious serial killer, leaving behind a legacy of passionate advocacy for justice in unsolved cases.