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Friday, May 29
 

12:05pm PDT

Prescription for Murder: The Ohio Dentist Double Homicide
Friday May 29, 2026 12:05pm - 1:00pm PDT
A surgeon stands at the center of a chilling mystery, accused of stalking the life he once left behind. Michael McKee allegedly threatened his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, with haunting words that suggested he would never truly let her go. She and her husband, Spencer Tepe, were found gunned down in their Ohio home with their children inexplicably left unharmed, sleeping in their bedrooms nearby. Investigators have been left piecing together a dark trail of possible obsession and a presence that may have been lurking long before the night of the murders.

With exclusive sources and a complete breakdown of evidence, Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber, Christ Stewart, Sierra Gillespie and Cody Thomas, alongside CourtTV’s Vinnie Politan present ‘Prescription for Murder: The Killings of Spencer and Monique Tepe.’
Speakers
avatar for Jesse Weber

Jesse Weber

Attorney, Legal Analyst and Host, Sidebar
Jesse Weber is an anchor, legal analyst and attorney. He is the host of the daily podcast Sidebar and the true crime docuseries Prime Crime with Jesse Weber. Jesse is also the anchor of Jesse Weber Live on NewsNation, airing nationwide Monday-Friday nights. In addition, Jesse serves... Read More →
avatar for Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart

Host, On the Case
Chris Stewart hosts the true crime podcast On The Case on the Law & Crime YouTube channel, which has more than 7 million subscribers. On The Case is regularly one of the top 50 most-watched podcasts on YouTube and is also available on Spotify and streaming on Peacock. Chris covers the most shocking and talked-about stories in true crim... Read More →
avatar for Sierra Gillespie

Sierra Gillespie

Host, Scandal and Crimes of Passion
Sierra Gillespie is host of one of YouTube's most watched shows, Scandal, and the Spotify exclusive video podcast, Crimes of Passion. Boasting over 500 million lifetime views, Sierra has hosted over 1,000 episodes of true crime content, ranging from shocking celebrity lawsuits to... Read More →
avatar for Vinnie Politan

Vinnie Politan

Anchor, Court TV
Vinnie Politan is an Emmy Award winning lead anchor for Court TV and has been with the Network covering the nation’s biggest trials longer than anyone else. Vinnie was on air delivering the verdicts for the biggest trials of this century - from Casey Anthony and Jodi Arias to Alex... Read More →
avatar for Cody Thomas

Cody Thomas

Anchor, Court TV
Court TV anchor and field reporter Cody Thomas covers some of the biggest true crime stories and trials making headlines. He takes viewers to the heart of the action, walking them through crime scenes to unravel what happened. Cody has reported extensively on major cases, including... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 12:05pm - 1:00pm PDT
Breakout 1

12:05pm PDT

Vanished: Nancy Guthrie Ripped From Her Bed Without a Trace
Friday May 29, 2026 12:05pm - 1:00pm PDT
The FBI is now honing in on Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper through the use of DNA, advanced technology, and a rapidly evolving investigation.

In this urgent deep dive, Nancy Grace takes attendees inside the science behind the manhunt, breaking down how investigators are using cutting-edge tools to track down a suspect and move closer to answers in a case that has captured national attention.
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
An outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts, Nancy Grace currently hosts Crime Stories with Nancy Grace (airing on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111, YouTube, and downloadable as a podcast) as well as headlines the hit... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 12:05pm - 1:00pm PDT
Ballroom

1:20pm PDT

Hunting the Boogeyman: Paul Holes and the First Known Survivor of the NorCal Rapist
Friday May 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Best known for helping crack the Golden State Killer case using investigative genetic genealogy, Paul Holes has spent decades advancing how law enforcement approaches complex cases.

Joining him is Nicole Earnest-Payte, survivor, advocate, and the first known victim of the convicted NorCal Rapist. After being attacked in her home at just 21 years old, Nicole spent years fighting for her case to be taken seriously — efforts that ultimately helped reveal a disturbing pattern of similar attacks across Northern California.

Their story is the subject of Hunting the Bogeyman, the podcast from Sony Music's The Binge, which follows Nicole’s pursuit of answers and the investigation that revealed a serial predator operating for decades. Holes and Earnest-Payte explore the case, the investigation that finally identified the attacker, and one survivor’s remarkable fight to be heard.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Holes

Paul Holes

Retired Cold Case Investigator
Paul Holes is a retired investigator from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. He was the Lead Cold Case Investigator for the infamous Golden State Killer Case. Holes worked in the East Bay for more than 27 years, with roles in the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Earnest-Payte

Nicole Earnest-Payte

Survivor
Nicole Earnest-Payte, a seasoned talent acquisition executive and founder of Earnest Talent Acquisitions, brings nearly 30 years of experience leading global recruiting and talent strategy for high-growth companies in the Video Games and Consumer Packaged Goods sectors. Beyond her... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Breakout 1

1:20pm PDT

The Housekeeper Knows All: What Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson Witnessed Working for the Murdaughs
Friday May 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
In June 2021, the brutal murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh at the family’s Moselle hunting estate exposed a web of power, privilege, and deception that would end with Alex Murdaugh convicted of their killings. For years before that night, Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson worked inside the Murdaugh home — quietly observing the routines, relationships, and private world behind one of South Carolina’s most powerful legal dynasties. When the case went to trial, her testimony helped jurors understand what was normal inside that house — and what wasn’t — including key details about Alex’s movements, the clothing he was wearing that day, and the changes she noticed in the aftermath of the murders.

In this compelling conversation, Criminally Obsessed host Anne Emerson sits down with Blanca to discuss what she witnessed inside the Murdaugh home, what it meant to testify in her former boss's murder trial, and how she has moved forward in the years since.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Emerson

Anne Emerson

Host, Criminally Obsessed
Anne Emerson is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist with more than 30 years of experience. She is the host of Criminally Obsessed, a daily true crime podcast that can be seen on YouTube and heard wherever you listen to podcasts.Anne has reported everywhere from global conflict zones to America’s most notorious courtrooms. She got her start in South Africa for ABC News during the country’s transition from apartheid – an experience that shaped her lifelong focus... Read More →
avatar for Blanca Simpson

Blanca Simpson

Former Murdaugh Family Housekeeper
Blanca Simpson is the former housekeeper for the Murdaugh family and a central witness to the events surrounding one of the most infamous true-crime cases in recent American history. For years, Blanca worked inside the Murdaugh household in South Carolina, where she developed a close... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Criminally Obsessed

Criminally Obsessed

First on scene, uniting armchair detectives in their quest to crack the case. Follow Criminally Obsessed for all things true crime.
Friday May 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Breakout 2

3:00pm PDT

The Search for Nancy Guthrie: The Latest Leads and Historical Parallels
Friday May 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
It is the case that continues to grip the nation.

Join Fox Nation's "The Weekly Rap Sheet with Paul Mauro" with co-hosts Donna Rotunno and Josh Ritter, along with Fox Digital's Michael Ruiz, as they take a deep dive into the Nancy Guthrie case. The team, who spent weeks on the ground in Tucson, reveal the latest developments in the ongoing search and the cutting-edge tools available to find her as investigators continue their search for justice.

The expert panel will also draw parallels between the Guthrie case and two of history’s most infamous celebrity abductions: the 1963 kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr. and the 1993 Las Vegas kidnapping of Kevyn Wynn. While decades apart, these cases share a series of distinct parallels.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Ruiz

Michael Ruiz

Investigative Journalist, Fox News Digital
Michael has been with Fox News Digital since 2018 with a focus on national crime stories, missing persons and homicide cases, as well as illegal immigration and migrant crime. Major cases include the trials of Karen Read and Bryan Kohberger, the murders of Gabby Petito, John O'Keefe... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Ritter

Joshua Ritter

Former Prosecutor & Fox News Contributor
Joshua Ritter serves as a FOX News contributor. He joins FOX News contributors Paul Mauro and Donna Rotunno on FOX Nation’s "The Weekly Rap Sheet" to explore notable crime cases from today and the past.In addition, he hosts the weekly podcast "Courtroom Confidential", delivering... Read More →
avatar for Paul Mauro

Paul Mauro

Former NYPD Inspector & Fox News Contributor
Paul Mauro is a contributor for FOX News Media providing legal and criminal justice analysis across FOX News Channel and FOX Business Network programming. He joined the network in 2024.Mauro is an attorney at DeMarco Law. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the New York... Read More →
avatar for Donna Rotunno

Donna Rotunno

Criminal Defense Attorney & Fox News Contributor
Donna Rotunno serves as a FOX News legal contributor and the host of the podcast "Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno" on FOX News Podcasts.Rotunno launched "Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno" in February 2026 where she breaks down the biggest crime stories and trials across the country... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Fox Nation

Fox Nation

Fox Nation is an entertainment streaming service brought to you by FOX News. Stream exclusive shows, original crime documentaries, and stories that celebrate America.
Friday May 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Breakout 1

4:15pm PDT

Alcatraz Escape: The Truth Behind America’s Most Famous Prison Break
Friday May 29, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
For more than 60 years, one question has haunted investigators and fascinated the world: did anyone actually escape from Alcatraz?

On the night of June 11, 1962, inmates Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin carried out one of the most daring prison breaks in American history - digging through air vents with sharpened spoons, fooling guards with papier-mâché heads in their beds, and slipping into the darkness of San Francisco Bay on a makeshift raft stitched together from prison raincoats.

The FBI concluded the men drowned in the icy waters. But their bodies were never found. Now, newly revealed FBI files, fresh forensic analysis, and decades of unanswered questions suggest the story may not be over.

Coinciding with a brand-new Discovery series investigating the escape, this riveting session brings the experts featured in the show to the CrimeCon stage: CSI authority Sheryl McCollum, Anglin family nephew Ken Widner, podcast hosts and producers Rob and Cindy Dorfmann, former U.S. Marshal Lenny DePaul, and retired FBI agent Stewart Fillmore. Together, they’ll take us inside the legendary prison break and the mystery of what may have happened after three men vanished into the night.
Speakers
avatar for Stewart Fillmore

Stewart Fillmore

Retired Special Agent, FBI
Stewart Fillmore retired from the FBI in 2016 following a 29-year career as a Special Agent.  He served in Dallas, Little Rock, Chicago and Tyler, Texas.  In 2017, he published Tenaha: Corruption And Cover-Up In Small Town Texas, about a case he worked involving public corrupt... Read More →
avatar for Sheryl McCollum

Sheryl McCollum

Crime Scene Investigator
Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an three time nominated Emmy Award winning CSI from CSI Atlanta, National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame Inductee, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories... Read More →
avatar for Ken Widner

Ken Widner

Author
Ken Widner is the nephew of John Anglin and Clarence Anglin and author of, Alcatraz: The Last Escape. His years of research challenge the official account of the 1962 Alcatraz escape.
avatar for Rob Dorfmann

Rob Dorfmann

Filmmaker, Producer & Podcaster
Rob and Cindy Dorfmann are not only partners in life but partners in true crime. They are award-winning filmmakers, television producers and podcasters who have produced over 600 hours of true crime content for networks and online platforms around the globe. 
avatar for Cindy Dorfmann

Cindy Dorfmann

Filmmaker, Producer & Podcaster
avatar for Lenny DePaul

Lenny DePaul

Retired Chief Inspector/Commander, U.S. Marshal Service
Lenny DePaul, is a retired Chief Inspector/Commander of the NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force (RFTF) after 24 years of service with the U.S. Marshal Service. He was one of the original members of the RFTF when it was established in 2002. Prior to that, he spent 12 years in the Warrant... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Breakout 1

5:30pm PDT

Cocaine Quarterback: A USC Champion’s Fall into Crime & Fight for Redemption
Friday May 29, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Raised in a volatile home in Redondo Beach, California, Owen Hanson found purpose and identity in sports. After walking on to USC’s championship football team, he entered a world of wealth, privilege, and influence — and became determined to claim the lifestyle he saw around him.

What started with selling steroids and running BetOdog, a high-stakes sports betting operation, quickly escalated into large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and international cartel ties. By his 20s, Hanson was living a life of luxury — until millions went missing, addiction deepened, and federal investigators began unraveling it all.

After his arrest, Hanson served nearly a decade of a 21-year sentence. Behind bars, he confronted the choices that led him there and found an unexpected path forward. A makeshift protein ice cream made from commissary ingredients sparked the idea for California Ice Protein, the company he founded after earning his MBA in prison.

Moderated by Nate Eaton, this conversation goes inside the story of The California Kid and Amazon Prime’s Cocaine Quarterback, as Hanson shares his story of accountability, redemption and rebuilding from the ground up.
Moderators
avatar for Nate Eaton

Nate Eaton

News Director, East Idaho News
Nate Eaton is the news director for EastIdahoNews.com and a Dateline NBC contributor.  Over his 18-year journalism career, he has covered thousands of stories including the Chad and Lori Daybell murder case, the execution of the D.C. Sniper, the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting and more.  Nate has been honored with dozens of journalism awards f... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Owen Hanson

Owen Hanson

Cocaine Quarterback
Raised in a volatile home in Redondo Beach, California, Owen Hanson found his identity in sports and eventually walked on to Pete Carroll’s 2003-2004 National Championship teams at the University of Southern California. Surrounded by privilege and influence, Hanson wanted the acceptance... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Breakout 1
 
Saturday, May 30
 

9:00am PDT

No Body, No Silence: The Brittany Wallace Story
Saturday May 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
When a person disappears, the silence can be deafening. But what happens when there’s no body, no arrest, and a family still searching for answers?

Brittany Wallace’s father, Greg Wallace, joins Hide and Seek host James Baysinger and former Assistant United States Attorney Tad DiBiase — a nationally recognized expert in no-body homicide prosecutions — to examine one of the most difficult realities in criminal law: building a murder case when a body has never been found.

From the personal devastation of a family left in limbo to the investigative roadblocks and legal strategy required to pursue justice without physical remains, this session pulls back the curtain on what it takes to move a case like Brittany’s forward.

This isn’t just a story about what’s missing. It’s about what can still be proven.
Speakers
avatar for James Baysinger

James Baysinger

Host, Hide and Seek Podcast
James Baysinger is the creator and host of Hide and Seek, an investigative true crime podcast focused on missing-person cases and unresolved disappearances. Across four seasons, the show has examined the cases of Nancy Moyer, Logan Schiendelman, Brittany Wallace Shank, and Shane Barton, combining interviews, field investigation, and narrative... Read More →
avatar for Tad DiBiase

Tad DiBiase

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Thomas A. (Tad) DiBiase is a native New Yorker, born in Elmira and raised in Westchester County. He received a B.A. in Politics from Wake Forest University in 1987 and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1991. Mr. DiBiase joined the Washington office of the Wall Street firm Shearman... Read More →
avatar for Greg Wallace

Greg Wallace

Father of Brittany Wallace
Greg Wallace is the father of Brittany Wallace, the mischievous, fun-loving, and fiercely determined young woman who disappeared in November 2018 from Sturgis, Michigan. Greg raised Brittany through much of her childhood, watching her grow into someone whose strong will and vibrant... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Breakout 2

11:40am PDT

Hollywood Fire Devil: The Hunt for a Serial Arsonist
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
It started as a quiet New Year’s weekend in Los Angeles — and turned into the largest serial arson investigation ever in U.S. history.

Over just three days in 2012, an unknown firestarter ignited 52 major fires across the region — more than anyone in America had ever set in such a short period of time. Panic spread. Media pressure mounted. Political interference complicated the hunt. Investigators faced a daunting question: How do you identify one arsonist when the only witness is fire?

Former Los Angeles Arson Task Force lead investigator Det. Ed Nordskog - who was in charge of this largest ever serial arson investigation in America - takes us deep into the fire forensics that cracked the case. He led more than 400 investigators who raced against the clock, chasing over 700 tips in a high-stakes, 96-hour manhunt. You’ll learn how burn patterns, ignition sequencing, accelerant indicators, and point-of-origin analysis revealed the signature of a single offender. Det. Nordskog will break down how investigators read heat shadows, V-patterns, and ventilation clues to reconstruct each scene — and how subtle consistencies across dozens of fires exposed the arsonist’s evolving methodology.

You’ll also gain insight into how forensic evidence helped separate copycats from the true offender, link scenes across jurisdictions, and predict the suspect’s next moves — ultimately leading to his arrest -- even as he prepared to ignite 17 more fires.

If you’ve ever wondered how investigators “read” a fire scene or how science turns ashes into evidence, this exclusive look at America's largest-ever fire investigation is a session you won’t want to miss.
Speakers
avatar for Edward Nordskog

Edward Nordskog

Arson Investigator and Fire Death Expert
Ed Nordskog is one of the most decorated arson investigators in the world with four internationally recognized awards, and over 100 other commendations or medals for arson investigations. He is currently a Cold Case investigator for Arson Murders and Fire Deaths, and a consultant... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Breakout 2

11:40am PDT

Scott Peterson: The New Evidence (Presented by A&E)
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Scott Peterson became the center of one of the most infamous murder cases in modern American history after he was convicted of killing his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner. A&E’s upcoming documentary special, "Scott Peterson: The New Evidence" explores a recent bombshell petition that introduced potential new evidence that could challenge the prosecution's account of the murders more than twenty years after their tragic deaths. In the special, veteran defense attorney and ABC News legal consultant, Chris Pixley, conducts an in-depth examination of the evidence, undertaking a meticulous analysis of the timeline and other crucial details surrounding the case, including never-before-heard witness statements and more.

Join Pixley in this session where he will lead a discussion with Scott Peterson’s defense attorney Mark Geragos and retired LAPD Detective and current police practices expert Ninette Toosbuy to discuss the recent developments of the case and revisit some of the most vexing questions about what really happened to Laci and Conner. Pulling back the curtain on a case that continues to divide public opinion, this session examines the evolving evidence and the enduring complexity of high-profile convictions.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Pixley

Chris Pixley

Legal Consultant, ABC News
Chris Pixley is the principal in his own Atlanta-based law firm. With years of experience before State and Federal Courts, he has forged an impressive record of client victories, often against great odds. As a result, he has received humbling accolades and recognition. His cases and... Read More →
avatar for Mark Geragos

Mark Geragos

Criminal Defense Attorney
Mark Geragos is a trial lawyer internationally known for both his reputation in the Courtroom and in the public arena. More 25 years ago he vaulted into the National eye with back-to-back State and Federal Court jury trial acquittals in California and against the Independent Whitewater... Read More →
avatar for Ninette Toosbuy

Ninette Toosbuy

Former Detective, Los Angeles Police Department
Ninette Toosbuy spent nearly 25 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as a detective, where she led a sex crimes unit. A recognized Subject Matter Expert in investigative interviewing, Ninette spearheaded the reform of the LAPD’s interviewing and interrogation curriculum... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Ballroom

11:40am PDT

The Long Island Serial Killer: Inside the Rex Heuermann Case
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
The plea is not the end of the story for the Long Island serial killer—it marks the beginning of a new chapter in one of the most closely followed cases in recent history.

Join filmmaker Joshua Zeman, journalist and podcaster Alexis Linkletter, and Robert Macedonio (attorney for Asa Ellerup) for a deeper examination of the Gilgo Beach murders following Rex Heuermann’s guilty plea.

Moderated by journalist Julie Grant, this panel draws on years of reporting, investigative work, and legal analysis to unpack both the criminal case and the family’s experience. From evidentiary questions to the broader human impact, this conversation goes beyond the headlines—exploring what still lies beneath the surface and what comes next as sentencing approaches on June 17.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Zeman

Josh Zeman

Filmmaker
Joshua Zeman is an award-winning filmmaker known for documentary storytelling that blends investigation, suspense, and emotional depth. His breakout film, Cropsey, helped redefine modern true crime doc filmmaking and remains one of the genre’s most acclaimed titles.

Zeman EP'd and directed The Killing Season, an eight part docu-series for A&E, produced by Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney. The series was the first to cover the then-unsolved Gilgo Beach murders and Zeman’s work led to several breakthroughs in the case. Zeman also directed Murder... Read More →
avatar for Robert Macedonio

Robert Macedonio

Trial Attorney
Robert A. Macedonio is a veteran trial attorney known for handling complex and high-profile legal matters, with a focus on criminal law, litigation strategy, and case analysis. With extensive courtroom experience, he brings a clear, direct, and practical perspective to breaking legal... Read More →
avatar for Alexis Linkletter

Alexis Linkletter

Host, Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer
Alexis Linkletter is an investigative journalist and the host of Investigation Discovery’s Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer. For more than a decade, she has followed the case in real time, tracking its shifts, mapping its players, and translating a sprawling, often obscured... Read More →
avatar for Julie Grant

Julie Grant

Journalist & Attorney
Julie Grant packs a powerful one-two punch as a trained, and seasoned, journalist and attorney.  The former prosecutor, victims’ rights champion, and trial advocacy teacher brings a unique blend of journalism experience and legal expertise to every story she tells.  Julie is a... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Breakout 1

1:40pm PDT

The Epstein Survivors’ Stand: No More Secrets, No More Silence
Saturday May 30, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
For the women who survived Jeffrey Epstein, the story didn’t end with his death - it’s where their real fight began.

Legendary investigative journalist Chris Hansen sits down with Epstein survivors Haley Robson, Jena-Lisa Jones, and Courtney Wild for a powerful, deeply moving conversation about truth, accountability, and the long road toward systemic change. Taking the stage not as victims, but as survivors and advocates, they'll speak with raw honesty about the manipulation, coercion, and psychological control that defined Epstein’s world — as well as the fear, backlash, and retaliation that can continue long after abuse ends.

Chris goes beyond the headlines to focus on their stories: how they survived, reclaimed their power, and why they refuse to let their voices be silenced. Together, these women are demanding accountability, full transparency, and the release of documents that could expose the powerful network that enabled abuse to thrive.

This session is a powerful testament to solidarity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice for all survivors. As Haley Robson puts it: “He’ll never be able to break me or take my soul. That is mine."
Moderators
avatar for Chris Hansen

Chris Hansen

Journalist
Chris Hansen is the co-founder of the factual streaming network TruBlu (www.watchtrublu.com) and Executive Producer and Host of his latest child predator investigation series, Takedown with Chris Hansen. Since the start of Takedown with Chris Hansen, while working alongside law enforcement agencies around the country, together they have identified and apprehended over 150 men attempting to commit crimes against children. TruBlu is also home to numerous investigative documentaries and series. As a regular contributor to Fox News... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jena-lisa Jones

Jena-lisa Jones

Epstein Survivor, The Survivors, Inc.
Jena-lisa Jones is a dedicated life coach at The Survivors Inc., where she empowers individuals to reclaim their strength, rebuild confidence, and create meaningful lives after trauma. A passionate advocate for sexual assault survivors, Jena-lisa brings compassion, understanding, and authenticity to every person she supports.Beyond her advocacy... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Wild

Courtney Wild

Epstein Survivor, The Survivors, Inc.
Courtney Wild, a Florida native, overcame a traumatic childhood marked by addiction, sexual abuse, and prison. Now a dedicated board member of The Survivors, Inc., she shares her journey to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for others, highlighting the power of resilience and healing through reconnection with her child... Read More →
avatar for Haley Robson

Haley Robson

Epstein Survivor, The Survivors, Inc.
Through our foundation, The Survivors, Inc., I use my voice to guide others through the horrific impact of sexual traumas. While sharing my journey from surviving to thriving, I shed light on the dangers of grooming and sex trafficking. I am a survivor using my voice to empower and educate parents and children across the globe... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Ballroom

3:00pm PDT

How I Solved My Mother's Murder
Saturday May 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
On October 11 2024, Leslie "Hope" Houston was found unresponsive in her home— just 24 hours after her daughter, Megan Tomlinson, requested a domestic violence wellness check. Six days later, Hope was taken off life support. Cause of death: intracranial hemorrhage. Manner of death: undetermined. Investigators closed the case.

But Megan wasn't convinced. Refusing to accept that ending, she took matters into her own hands and solved her mother's murder.

Joined by Nichole Schmidt, mother of Gabby Petito, Megan takes us inside her investigation. Together, these two powerful women break down the warning signs of domestic violence, and how even in immense tragedy, a silver lining of hope can shine through.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Tomlinson

Megan Tomlinson

Founder, Silver Lining of Hope, Inc.
Megan Tomlinson is the founder of Silver Lining of Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) survivor-led nonprofit named in honor of her murdered mother, Leslie “Hope” Houston, focused on domestic violence, hidden homicides, missing persons, and education in medical and legal systems. After becoming a survivor of domestic violence herself and then losi... Read More →
avatar for Nichole Schmidt

Nichole Schmidt

Mother of Gabby Petito

Saturday May 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Breakout 2

4:15pm PDT

Vanished Before the Bus: The 40-Year Hunt for Sheri Jo Elliott’s Killer
Saturday May 30, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
On November 16, 1983, 16-year-old Sheri Jo Elliott left home to catch the bus to Flint Carman High School. She never made it. Four days later, her body was discovered 30 miles away in a rural ditch. Sheri had been abducted, sexually assaulted, and shot multiple times. Evidence suggested she may have been held captive for days before she was killed. Then, silence.

For four long decades, her case haunted a community. Now, the silence is finally broken.

Hear from Othram Labs Co-Founder Kristen Mittelman, Michigan investigators, and Sheri Jo’s family, who refused to let her story fade. After the case was reopened in 2023, Othram’s Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing helped develop a suspect profile pointing to Roni Collins, a 75-year-old man living just miles from Sheri Jo’s hometown of Flint.

Before detectives could confront him, Collins died by suicide in 2026. But the truth didn’t die with him. DNA recovered during his autopsy delivered the answer Sheri’s family had waited 40 years to hear – it was him.

This is the story of a case that refused to be forgotten — and the science rewriting what’s possible for cold case justice.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Mittelman

Kristen Mittelman

Chief Development Officer, Othram
Kristen Mittelman is the Chief Development Officer of Othram Inc., a biometrics company using DNA sequencing and genomics to advance human identification.  Dr. Mittelman received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine where her research focused... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Othram

Othram

Othram is revolutionizing the way cold cases are solved. Through its accredited, fully integrated DNA lab and proprietary forensic genetic genealogy technology, Othram helps law enforcement identify unknown victims and suspects—even from highly degraded evidence. Their work has... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Breakout 1

5:30pm PDT

When You Don't Know You're a Missing Person: Michelle Newton Shares Her Story
Saturday May 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
For decades, Michelle Newton was listed as a missing person — but she had no idea.

In 1983, when she was just three years old, her mother, Debra Newton, took her from Louisville, Kentucky under the pretense of relocating for a job. Just like that, the little girl vanished from the life of her father and extended family. Investigators later issued a custodial interference indictment and even placed Debra on the FBI’s Top 8 Most Wanted parental-kidnapping list, but the trail went cold and the case faded from public view for more than 40 years.

In 2025, a Crime Stoppers tip led authorities to a woman living in The Villages, Florida, under the name Sharon Nealy — an identity Debra had used for decades while building a quiet life and remarrying. When police confirmed who she really was and arrested her, the breakthrough also led to Michelle discovering her own history, realizing she had been a missing child her entire life, and reconnecting with her biological father, Joseph Newton, nearly half a century later.

In this remarkable session, Criminally Obsessed host Anne Emerson sits down with Michelle and Joseph to talk about the surreal moment Michelle learned her true identity, what it was like for her to meet the family who never stopped searching, and how they’re all navigating life after uncovering a past Michelle never knew — all against the backdrop of a case that shows how truth can emerge even after decades in the shadows.
Moderators
avatar for Anne Emerson

Anne Emerson

Host, Criminally Obsessed
Anne Emerson is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist with more than 30 years of experience. She is the host of Criminally Obsessed, a daily true crime podcast that can be seen on YouTube and heard wherever you listen to podcasts.Anne has reported everywhere from global conflict zones to America’s most notorious courtrooms. She got her start in South Africa for ABC News during the country’s transition from apartheid – an experience that shaped her lifelong focus... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Newton

Michelle Newton

Former Missing Person
My story centers on the discovery that I had been a missing person for over four decades. What began as a personal search for truth uncovered a complex history of deception, identity, and unanswered questions that continue to affect not only my life, but potentially others as well... Read More →
avatar for Joseph Newton

Joseph Newton

Father of Michelle Newton
I am Joseph Newton, the biological father of Michelle Newton, who was taken from my life as a young child under circumstances that were never fully explained or resolved. For over 40 years, I lived without answers, continuing to search for the truth and for my daughter. Her recent... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Criminally Obsessed

Criminally Obsessed

First on scene, uniting armchair detectives in their quest to crack the case. Follow Criminally Obsessed for all things true crime.
Saturday May 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Breakout 2
 
Sunday, May 31
 

9:00am PDT

Las Vegas Shooting Part 1: The Race to the 32nd Floor
Sunday May 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Part 1: On October 1, 2017, what began as a night of country music at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas turned into the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. From the 32nd Floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, gunfire rained down on thousands, ultimately leaving 60 people dead and hundreds more wounded. This year, CrimeCon is presenting 2 sessions that feature eyewitness accounts from the officials who ran toward the danger and investigated this tragic event.

In this powerful, first-ever 2-part session, Det. Kenneth Mead, SWAT Officer Levi Hancock and Officer Ashton Packe recount the evening of the attack, as gunfire erupted over the crowd. Officer Ashton Packe recounts the chaos on the ground, the confusion, the radio traffic and immediate realization that this was no ordinary call. SWAT Officer Levi Hancock will walk you through the tactical response and rapid deployment to the 32nd Floor of Mandalay Bay, where there were tense moments in the silent hallway outside Room 32-135 before explosive charges were prepped and deployed. Det. Kenneth Mead reveals decision-making under pressure and offers a minute-by-minute investigative look at the coordination and psychology into the investigation.
Speakers
avatar for Kenneth Mead

Kenneth Mead

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Kenneth Mead retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) in December 2023 after nearly 26 years of service. His assignments included patrol, field training officer, gang investigations, counterterrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task... Read More →
avatar for Levi Hancock

Levi Hancock

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Levi Hancock is a seasoned security and law enforcement leader with more than 25 years of experience in tactical operations, high‑risk mission planning, organizational leadership, and complex criminal investigations. He currently serves as an Assistant Director of Security Operations... Read More →
avatar for Ashton Packe

Ashton Packe

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Ashton Packe spent 23 years in Nevada law enforcement and retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a Detective Sergeant in August 2021. Over the course of his career, he served in and supervised a wide range of assignments, including uniformed patrol, criminal... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Ballroom

10:15am PDT

Las Vegas Shooting Part 2: The Aftermath
Sunday May 31, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
In this unprecedented second session on the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, we shift from the breach on October 1 to the aftermath. Det. Kenneth Mead provides an inside look at how law enforcement reconstructed one of the most complex crime scenes in American history, breaking down what investigators uncovered in the days and weeks that followed.

Officer Ashton Packe shares how officers processed the chaos in real time, while SWAT Officer Levi Hancock walks through how the tactical response unfolded. Det. Mead also explores how behavioral threat assessment and forensic psychology played a pivotal role in the effort to determine motive, including insight from interviews and the interrogation of the suspect’s girlfriend.

Together, the three officials confront the human toll of the tragedy — survival, resilience, trauma, and the lasting impact on first responders, the community, and the nation. This session is not only about what happened, but what changed in the areas of response, recovery, and prevention.

Two days. One city. One of the most pivotal moments in modern American history — examined through raw firsthand accounts, unflinching honesty, and hard-earned insight.
Speakers
avatar for Kenneth Mead

Kenneth Mead

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Kenneth Mead retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) in December 2023 after nearly 26 years of service. His assignments included patrol, field training officer, gang investigations, counterterrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task... Read More →
avatar for Levi Hancock

Levi Hancock

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Levi Hancock is a seasoned security and law enforcement leader with more than 25 years of experience in tactical operations, high‑risk mission planning, organizational leadership, and complex criminal investigations. He currently serves as an Assistant Director of Security Operations... Read More →
avatar for Ashton Packe

Ashton Packe

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.)
Ashton Packe spent 23 years in Nevada law enforcement and retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a Detective Sergeant in August 2021. Over the course of his career, he served in and supervised a wide range of assignments, including uniformed patrol, criminal... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Ballroom

10:15am PDT

The Cult Connection: Inside the Search for Two Missing "Cosmic" Toddlers
Sunday May 31, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
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.
Moderators
avatar for Angeline Hartmann

Angeline Hartmann

Director of Communications, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
With decades of experience as a broadcast journalist, Angeline Hartmann is a passionate and influential advocate for crime victims, using multiple platforms to amplify their stories and help drive the pursuit of justice.

As Director of Communications at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Angeline leads national outreach efforts and works directly with law enforcement and families to keep their cases in the public eye. She also serves as a spokesperson for the organization and is... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Cartisha Morgan

Cartisha Morgan

Advocate
Cartisha Morgan is the mother of Ma’Kayla Wickerson and grandmother of 5-year-old Malaiyah, who vanished from Berkeley, Missouri nearly three years ago in a case involving a suspected cult. Cartisha says the silence has been overwhelming since her daughter cut off all contact when... Read More →
avatar for George Ervin

George Ervin

Detective Sergeant, Berkley Police Department
George Ervin is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 24 years of experience in policing and major felony investigations. A Chicago native, he currently serves as a Detective Sergeant with the Berkeley Police Department in Missouri where he is assigned to the Bureau... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Breakout 1

2:15pm PDT

[CRIMEHQ ONLY] Murder Stories with Matt Murphy: The Case Against Joshua Blount
Sunday May 31, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Join former Orange County, California Deputy District Attorney, now author and ABC News Contributor as he uses AI to bring a little-known case to ‘back to life’.  In August of 2006 1 man was killed and 4 wounded in a drive-by shooting in Costa Mesa, California. The case garnered little media attention, let alone a podcast or documentary about it, but Murphy was still tasked with prosecuting the shooter and get justice for the victim.  Using AI to generate images Matt has recreated the timeline, the suspect, the victim and their family to give this case the attention it deserves. 

**You must be an active crimeHQ member to attend. Please pickup a crimeHQ membership pin prior to the session at the CrimeCon Event Sales Booth or the Help Desk. You must have a pin to access this session. You can subscribe to crimeHQ anytime, simply CLICK HERE to get started and join the best true crime community around.**
Speakers
avatar for Matt Murphy

Matt Murphy

Former Homicide Prosecutor & Author
Matt Murphy is a legal analyst for ABC News and an attorney in private practice in Southern California.  He was a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County California. Matt Murphy spent 21 years assigned to the sexual assault and homicide units where he prosecuted some of... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Breakout 2
 
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