Murder mystery

Asked by Kelley Tutless on July 3, 2017.

8 answers from Jack R-W and Kelley Tutless.

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Kelley Tutless

I would like to get all the information I can about a scientist who did research for the government and committed suicide allegedly in 1983. I’m fairly certain the FBI has information on him. I don’t even know where to begin.

Jack R-W

You can send a FOIA request to any agency you think might have files on him. Make sure to include proof of death (an obituary, for example) or your request will be denied.

Kelley Tutless

Even say top secret research for the government? Which could have possibly led to his death? And I can do it here thru Muckrock? Do I need forms & use the mail? I’m really technologically challenged. I’m sorry. I have too many questions. Thank you for your response

Jack R-W

Classified documents will generally not be released. It’s possible to file for a mandatory classification review in order to force the government to review whether or not the documents should still be classified, though. Yes you can do it through Muckrock.

Kelley Tutless

I think I paid 20$ for 4 requests but it only let me do 1. Am I wrong? Did I mess something up?or does it cost 20 for each one?

Jack R-W

It’s 4 for $20, it should let you make 4 requests.

Kelley Tutless

I think it did. Sorry. I just tried to FOIA Caltech but it’s private apparently. Private colleges aren’t subject to FOIA? Is there any other way to get some information out of them? Is that why the government privitizes more and more stuff? To avoid transparency.

Jack R-W

FOIA can only be used on the government.

Kelley Tutless

I don’t know if I’ve done this correctly. I think I submitted 4 FOIAs but I never heard back from anyone. Was I supposed to print them out and mail them? I’m sorry. I’m sorta technologically challenged.