Kenneth Mains is an experienced and hard working detective. He has vast of knowledge in criminal investigation, human behavior and forensic evidence. I had some excellent working experience with him.
Ken Mains works with relentless determination to put together puzzles left behind in cold case files. Mains knows that every unsolved murder has a story to tell, and he has a knack for seeking patterns and clues that were missed. To me, he’s a true hero who has a heart of gold.
I first met Ken Mains when he reported to the Special Operations Training Group in 1993. His quick wit, positive attitude, aggressiveness, and attention to detail were quickly evident. He demonstrated a quick grasp of complex challenges and found solutions with little supervision or guidance. His integrity is above reproach, and his leadership skills are exceptional. He is dependable, mature, aggressive, and has my highest endorsement.
Ken Mains is a professional investigator with a stellar reputation and is motivated by the best possible reason: he wants to give a voice to all the tragic souls who have been silenced. Ken has established relationships with the top professionals in many fields related to criminal investigations and utilizes their knowledge in his work. I cannot think of a better choice for cold case investigations.
In every police agency, there are officers who, because of their commitment and dedication, set themselves apart from their peers. Assigning Ken as a County Detective to work cold case homicides was a natural fit. Never motivated by professional accolades, Ken was driven daily only by the relentless pursuit of the truth. Truth on behalf of the victims who were lost, and truth on behalf of the families who survived and now seek only answers. Eric R. Linhardt, Formerly District Attorney of Lycoming County, Presently Judge, Court of Common Pleas
As a retired detective with over 34 years experience in police procedures and homicide investigations, I have had the opportunity to meet and work alongside Ken Mains. Ken has always offered a fresh look and even new and improved techniques in investigating unsolved homicide cases. I have watched his tenacity and diligence in leaving no stone unturned, Particularly when working missing persons cases. Ken possesses all of the practical knowledge in teaching and sharing with future or current investigators. For anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of detective work this book is indispensable.
The investigation, analysis, and resolution of cold cases in real life is more complex and challenging than what is portrayed in the world of fiction. Experience, dedication, perseverance, and keen intellect are necessary for successful outcomes. Kenneth Mains possesses all these qualities and utilizes his acquired skill to help bring closure and comfort to puzzled agencies and grieving families.
You have done an amazing job!! Just Amazing! I am proud to be affiliated with you and your work.
I have developed the highest regards for Kenneth, and he has earned my respect and loyalty. During this time, he was an administrator for an organization titled "Special Operations Training Group." During this tour of duty, he was involved in classified military special operations as well as daily supervision of subordinates in the accomplishment of a myriad of complex tasks that kept the organization functioning smoothly and efficiently. He has always proven his capability of understanding complicated multi-layered tasks prioritizing and seeing project through to completion. Kenneth has impressed me with his thirst for knowledge and he is a veracious reader, exceedingly conversant in history, politics, and military affairs. He has honorably served his country, and I feel that if he had decided to remain in the United Staes Marine Corps, he would be a corner stone of any organization he was a member of.
Even during our police academy days, I knew Ken Mains was destined for big things. His maturity, sense of duty, military bearing, and quiet confidence set him apart from the other cadets in the class. Which is certainly why the academy brass elected him to be our class’s first lieutenant. Ken’s natural leadership skills were evident and so was his humility. What’s more, you knew if things were to ever get dicey out on the street, Ken would be the first guy running to join you in battle. The great thing about Ken is that despite all the years that have passed since the academy, despite the successes he’s had over his career, he’s still the same mission-focused, good-natured American street warrior he was back then. If I were assembling a team of tenacious, savvy investigators to hunt down bad dudes doing bad things across the country, Ken Mains would be right there at the top of the list. I've always thought he was a man among boys in the 83rd Police Academy. He was the epitome of squared away and yet could still relate with everyone.
Kenneth is an experienced investigator and trusted friend and colleague. His organizational skills and ability to gather a team of national experts in all fields related to Violent and Sexual Crimes is phenomenal. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his investigative insights and his integrity as an honest and hardworking professional."
I had the pleasure and opportunity to serve with Corporal Mains for over 15 months of his enlistment. We both served in the Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, Noth Carolina. During that period, he had 3 very important responsibilities that encompassed detailed planning, accurate processing, and coordination for the travel for more than 50 Marines. It was his efforts and meticulous supervision that provided transportation for marines that supported operation in Somalia and Haiti in the training cycle for 3 Marine Expeditionary Units. He can be counted on at all times, as he is always focused on the task at hand. I would actively seek this marine's service in any situation under any condition.
Ken approached us with an unwavering determination to tackle an old missing person case that he believed to be suspicious. Given the exceptional quality of his work, it was no surprise when his dogged determination revealed that the case was indeed a homicide. His relentless investigative abilities led to identifying a suspect who tragically committed suicide when confronted by Ken. No one will ever outwork this investigator. It was an honor to witness his dedication from the very beginning.
I have had the distinct privilege to work with Detective Mains on a host of investigations at the State and Federal Level. Detective Mains possess a unique blend of natural curiosity, tenacity, and insight that balances an investigator's skepticism, allowing him to see through the fog and not get focused on what can sometimes appear to be the obvious. Detective Mains has an innate ability to sift through the evidence and develop perspectives that are often overlooked and not get drawn into the "one track" mindset. Detective Mains will follow the evidence, to eliminate any possibility to ensure that the victim’s family gets the justice they deserve. There is no stone Detective Mains will not overturn, or conversely no feather Detective Mains is afraid to ruffle to advocate for the victim, and their family. There is no better champion for those who have suffered unimaginable suffering at the hands of a criminal who thinks they got away with it. There is no one more relentless in the pursuit of the truth than Detective Mains. In my career as a criminal homicide investigator I can say without reservation Detective Mains is one of the finest investigators, men of character and compassionate officers I have had the honor to work with.
One of the things I noticed about Ken was he looked at case/facts differently than others. An example of that was he solved a case based up the number of items in a dishwasher that didn't make sense based upon the amount of people that were supposed to be in the house at the time of the crime. Another example which still bothers me is the MATTHEWS homicide and the fact he noticed the knife was put into the dish / silverware dryer upside down. Something that simple can change the direction of an investigation. As investigators we all have egos if we didn't we wouldn't be doing what we do. Ken has an ego but he’s smart enough to keep it in check and listen to other people's opinions on the case and respect their point of view and take another look through their glasses. It’s a rarity to have someone smart, street smart with great common sense from the other side of the tracks doing our job. Someone who isn't lazy and won't let the case go because its about the victim and the families impacted by the crime.
During my career in Law Enforcement, I was honored to work with Detective Ken Mains. Having met Ken as a young Patrolman, I had the privilege to witness his passion to help victims of crimes and his relentless pursuit of those who committed those crimes. When Ken came into the Detective unit, I had the pleasure of working with him daily on cases that ranges from narcotics to homicides. Ken's passion was not just within his career but also and most importantly his family and friends. Unlike most in our field, Ken was able to balance his professional career with being a great father and husband. Throughout our tie together, Ken taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, integrity, and the power of teamwork. As I reflect on our journey, I carry his passion with me, striving to honor his commitment to both the badge and his bond with God and family.
I have known Kenny for most of my life. I started working with and for him in 2016 as an undercover officer. Watching Kenny take every case as if it were his last, to the finish line was incredible. Over the past 9 years in my law enforcement career, he has been the most loyal, dedicated, and driven individual I’ve ever seen when it comes to solving a case. He has the mindset of “never give up” which is such an inspiration to others. The passion he has for victims and their families is something not everyone has and is hard to find, but Kenny is known for it. He is the best I’ve ever seen solving cold cases. I will forever be grateful that I got a small piece of his knowledge that I will use the rest of my career.
First and foremost, we would like to thank Ken for everything that he has done for my family. I contacted Ken about my mom, Brenda Condon, missing for 33 years. Ken agreed to take on the case and began the painstaking task of uncovering 33-year-old information relevant to the case. Ken did an excellent job with the legwork to actually find and speak to persons of interest. He kept an open mind and followed the facts instead of making assumptions. He was also very professional and methodical with the investigation. While Ken was actively investigating, he remained transparent and forthcoming. He was able to come up with a logical explanation backed by the information he was able to obtain. Ken was able to give my family more information in two months of investigation than the other investigators have in 33 years. His logical explanation as to what happened that fateful day has satisfactorily suppressed the anxiety of the unknown.
It has been an absolute privilege to witness Kenny Mains' unwavering dedication to cold cases. His passion shines through every page of his book, offering a fresh, new-age perspective and invaluable insights that inspire both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it takes to solve a cold case and why they become cold cases in the first place. As a police officer myself, I have had the opportunity to meet Kenny a few years ago, and I must say that his work has not only inspired me in my career but has also helped me realize that my limitations are endless. Kenny's unique approach to cold case is truly remarkable. He meticulously dissects, digests, and finds things that people have missed. His ability to provide reassurance and honest opinions has been invaluable to me, and I know that I can always count on him for great advice. The real privilege is to watch Kenny flourish in this profession, doing it the right way, and being successful
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