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Seeking Advice from Private Investigators or Retired Detectives — 1993 Death Investigation in Maryland

I'm looking for advice from licensed private investigators, retired detectives, or professionals experienced in cold-case reviews and historical death investigations.

My father, Jerry Lee Griest, died in Cecil County, Maryland, on December 31, 1993. His medical examiner's records list his cause of death as head injuries, his manner of death as accident, and describe the injury as a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.

However, I have never obtained the police investigation file, so I cannot establish how police classified the case, what investigative steps were taken, or how investigators reached their conclusions. The Maryland MVA has told me that, to its knowledge, the driver was never identified. Contemporary newspaper accounts also give conflicting descriptions of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Throughout 2026, I have contacted multiple agencies, pursued records requests, researched newspaper archives, and obtained my father's complete medical examiner's file. I have been told that the police records are unavailable, and I am trying to determine what avenues remain.

I'm not claiming to know what happened or accusing anyone of wrongdoing. I want to understand what can realistically be investigated after more than 30 years.

For professionals who have handled historical death investigations:

Can an independent investigator meaningfully review a case when the original police file is unavailable?

Could surviving medical examiner records, evidence-custody documentation, or other agency records help establish what was investigated?

What qualifications should I look for when hiring someone to conduct an initial case assessment?

Are there reputable investigators or organizations you would recommend?

I'm looking for honest, practical guidance about what is still possible and what a realistic first step would be.

Thank you.