True Crime Fest and Cold Case Symposium: Presenting Cases

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On March 7 and 8, the Fayetteville, Arkansas Police Department will hold a “True Crime Fest and Cold Case Symposium.” I have been invited to be the keynote speaker for this event and will discuss some of my cold cases.

What Will Happen at the True Crime Fest and Cold Case Symposium?

The events on the first day of this festival are open to all law enforcement personnel. In addition, others who support law enforcement operations – such as medical examiners, lab technicians and crime scene investigators – are also welcome to attend.

The second day of the True Crime Fest will be open to the public. Other speakers will include:

• Major Stacie Rhoads, a law enforcement officer with the Arkansas State Police Cold Case Division
• Jay Rider, a retired detective from the Ft. Smith, Arkansas Police Department
• Gavin Fish, an investigative journalist and victim advocate

My presentation on the first day will focus on “Bridging the Gaps to Solve Cold Cases.” I will discuss the various challenges encountered by investigators when they examine older unsolved cases. Some of these challenges include:

• The lack of time, manpower and resources
• Shortcomings in forensic evidence
• The value of utilizing the media and crowdsourcing

During my presentation, I’ll use examples from real-world cases that I’ve worked on to provide guidance and alternatives to traditional investigative approaches. In addition, I’ll provide insights into the value of utilizing outside experts, crowdsourcing and local community members to move forward in cold cases. I’ll examine ways to build strong circumstantial cases and engage the media to help raise public awareness of cold cases and solicit new tips.

On the second day of the True Crime Fest, my civilian investigative partner, George Jared, will join me onstage for a presentation called, “How YOU can Help Solve Cold Cases.” George is a long-term investigative journalist based out of Jonesboro, Arkansas. He is also the author of several true crime books and the host of the true crime podcast, “Diamond State Murder Board.”

During our presentation at the True Crime Fest, we’ll provide examples from various homicide cases where citizen sleuths have contributed information that led to arrests and convictions of offenders. Also, we’ll examine the value of law enforcement agencies encouraging the public and news media to contribute information to help solve cold cases.

Our presentation includes information from a recent investigation into the unsolved murder of Linda Malcom. She was stabbed to death in Port Orchard, Washington, in 2008.

How to Get Tickets to This Event

Tickets for in-person attendance are still available and are complimentary for both days. The presentations will also be aired virtually online for people who cannot attend in person. Tickets can be reserved by sending an email to [email protected].

More information on the True Crime Fest and Cold Case Symposium can be found by visiting facebook.com/truecrimefestnwa or truecrimefestnwa.com.