The article analyses the problems of clearance and preliminary investigation of criminal cases of murders. Based on the study of investigative and judicial practice, the authors outline the problems and disadvantages occurring in the investigation of homicide cases. Consideration is given to the shortcomings of the organization of murder investigations, planning the investigation, carrying out of separate investigative actions and operational-search actions, the problems of interaction between investigative bodies and bodies of inquiry in cases of homicide, as well as inadequate control in such cases. Special emphasis is laid on problematic issues of certain types of murders qualification, analysis of judicial and investigative practices in these matters. The analysis is given to the positive and negative examples of the clearance and investigation of murders. The article gives examples from judicial practices, in particular the resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court in cases of homicide and examines the problem of murders’ registering. The authors propose measures to improve the quality of interaction between law enforcement bodies in the process of disclosure and investigation of criminal cases of murders, and also discuss the optimal forms of such cooperation.