CrimeCon 2026

When a child goes missing, every second matters. But when a cult may be involved, the search for answers can take a far darker and more complex turn where secrecy, control and belief systems create obstacles investigators don’t typically face.
Join the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for a gripping, real-world case tied to the so-called “University of Cosmic Intelligence,” a group believed to be connected to the disappearance of two toddlers, Malaiyah Wickerson and Ashton Mitchell, and their mothers.
Moderated by Angeline Hartmann, NCMEC's Director of Communications, this powerful session brings you face-to-face with both sides of the search: the investigator working to unravel the case - Det. Sgt. George Ervin - and a grandmother - Cartisha Morgan - living the heartbreak and uncertainty every single day.
You’ll hear firsthand how the investigation is unfolding: navigating unpredictable behavior and pushing through layers of secrecy to get to the truth, while also understanding the very real human toll behind the headlines.
This is more than a case overview. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when missing child investigations collide with fringe groups and complex ideologies. If you’re drawn to the cases that challenge everything investigators know and want to understand how the public can truly make a difference, this is a session you don’t want to miss. Awareness isn’t just important in a case like this; it can be the key to bringing these children home.