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PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — A Portland police detective has been recognized by the Republic of Korea for helping solve an 11-year-old cold case involving the death of a South Korean citizen in Portland.
Detective Andjelko Napijalo received a Letter of Appreciation this week during a ceremony at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York. Consul General Kim Sang-ho presented the award, recognizing Napijalo’s work in resolving the case after it had remained unsolved for more than a decade.
According to Portland Police, Napijalo’s investigation brought long-awaited answers to the victim’s family. Letters from the family thanking the detective were also read during the ceremony.
“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 in a statement.
Kim said the case highlights the success of international cooperation between U.S. and South Korean agencies, including the Portland Police Department, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean Consulate General in New York, and the Korean National Police Agency.
Detective Lt. Nick Goodman, who attended the ceremony with Napijalo and his wife, Sanela, praised the detective’s persistence.
“Andjelko embodies the qualities of an exceptional investigator,” Goodman said.
The case was previously announced by Portland police on June 2, when investigators identified a woman found dead in Portland in 2015, bringing the investigation to a close.
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