Waterford Township, Michigan – More than six years after a young woman was shot and killed near a residential roadway, Waterford police are renewing their appeal to the public for information that could finally bring justice in the case. Investigators say the 2018 homicide of Samantha Oriana Cosway, just 24 years old at the time of her death, remains active and solvable.
Working alongside Crime Stoppers, the Waterford Police Department is now offering a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest, urging anyone who may have seen or heard something that night to come forward.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, Cosway was fatally shot on the evening of November 11, 2018, during a short but critical window of time. Police believe the shooting occurred between 8:40 p.m. and 8:46 p.m. in the LaSalle Avenue area, west of Telegraph Road, close to the Waterford–Pontiac city border.
Authorities say Cosway was later discovered lying in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made in the years since, and police say the case hinges on information that may still be held by members of the public.
Timeline of Events
On the night of the shooting, residents in the surrounding neighborhood were home during typical evening hours, a fact investigators believe is significant.
Police say the narrow time frame of the attack suggests the possibility that someone nearby may have noticed unusual activity, heard gunshots, or saw a vehicle leaving the area shortly afterward. Detectives have reviewed evidence over the years, but they stress that even a small detail could be the missing piece.
Details From Police and Investigators
The case is currently being handled by Investigator Jenna Mamola, who has emphasized that time does not diminish the value of new tips.
“We strongly believe there were witnesses in the area that night,” investigators have stated, noting that memories, conversations, or observations that once seemed insignificant may now prove critical.
Police say the reward is intended not only to generate new leads, but also to encourage individuals who may have been hesitant in the past to finally speak up.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Samantha Oriana Cosway, 24 years old
- Date of incident: November 11, 2018
- Time window: 8:40 p.m. – 8:46 p.m.
- Location: LaSalle Avenue, west of Telegraph Road, near Waterford–Pontiac border
- Cause of death: Fatal gunshot wounds
- Reward offered: $10,000
- Case status: Unsolved, active investigation
Witness Accounts and Community Role
While no public witness statements have been released, investigators remain confident that someone in the area either saw or heard something relevant. In many cold cases, law enforcement says breakthroughs often come from delayed tips—sometimes years later—after relationships change or consciences weigh heavier.
Community cooperation has historically played a key role in solving long-unsolved homicides, particularly in cases involving public spaces and narrow time frames.
Additional Context: Why Cold Cases Matter
Unsolved violent crimes leave lasting impacts, not only on families but on entire communities. Law enforcement agencies across Michigan continue to emphasize the importance of revisiting cold cases, especially as new forensic techniques and renewed public outreach efforts create fresh opportunities for resolution.
Organizations like Crime Stoppers of Michigan provide anonymous reporting options and financial incentives to reduce fear of retaliation.
Safety and Awareness
Police remind residents that reporting information does not require certainty. Even partial details—such as a suspicious vehicle, an unfamiliar person, or an unusual sound—can help investigators corroborate timelines and narrow down suspects.
Authorities also encourage families and friends to discuss unresolved cases openly, as conversations sometimes prompt recollections that were previously overlooked.
Conclusion
The killing of Samantha Cosway remains an open wound for her loved ones and the Waterford community. With a $10,000 reward now on the table and investigators reaffirming their commitment, police believe the case can still be solved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator Jenna Mamola at 248-618-7425 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP. Share your experiences in the comments below.
