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Please note that event details will continue to be updated as additional speakers, creators, and other programming information are announced. This tool is provided solely for your convenience in planning your weekend and is subject to change without notice. No reservations are required to attend any non-VIP session.

Learn More & Register for CrimeCon 2026 →
Venue: Breakout 1 clear filter
Friday, May 29
 

12:00pm PDT

Welcome to CrimeCon 2026 Las Vegas!
Friday May 29, 2026 12:00pm - 12:05pm PDT
Before we dive in, let's catch you up. Our signature opening video is more than a recap—it's a powerful look at the stories that have shaped the past year in true crime. The ones that stayed with us. The moments that sparked conversation, demanded justice, and brought this community together. A reminder of why we’re all here. Welcome to CrimeCon—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The opening will play on the video screens in the Ballroom, Breakout One, and Breakout Two simultaneously. The Creator Studio does not have screens. Please select the room that will host the first programming session you plan to attend as that session will begin as soon as the opening ends.
Friday May 29, 2026 12:00pm - 12:05pm PDT
Breakout 1

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

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

2:30pm PDT

Afternoon Break
Friday May 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Refuel, recharge, and explore. Head to the Expo Hall to browse exhibitors, meet your favorite creators, and stop by Nevada SPCA’s Puppy Park to meet adoptable rescues — or grab a coffee/snack before diving back into sessions!
Friday May 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Breakout 1

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

The Forces Defining True Crime: Featuring the Women Shaping Investigation Discovery’s Most Impactful Storytelling
Saturday May 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Join Investigation Discovery, the leader in true crime programming, for a compelling panel spotlighting the women who are redefining the genre through bold, survivor‑centric storytelling rooted in empathy, integrity, and journalistic rigor. Featuring some of the creative forces behind the network’s biggest and most talked‑about series, this dynamic conversation explores how ID continues to deliver programming that is informative, responsible, and deeply resonant. Equal parts revealing and inspiring, this can’t‑miss session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the women shaping the future of true crime storytelling, including:
Holly Madison, host of Lethally Blonde, who amplifies voices often overlooked, exploring cases involving victims on the fringes of society
Journalist Elizabeth Chambers, who platforms powerful survivor stories while examining the complexity and lasting impact of traumatic relationships in Toxic
Legal analyst Beth Karas, a trusted authority who brings clarity and context to some of the most bizarre and intricate cases featured in The Curious Case of…
Pop culture commentator Simone Boyce, who unpacks the darker realities behind cultural moments, guiding viewers through each episode of Hollywood Demons

The conversation will be moderated by Emmy Award–winning journalist Paula Zahn, whose compassionate, measured approach has made On the Case with Paula Zahn Investigation Discovery’s longest‑running newsmagazine. With empathy and journalistic integrity at the forefront of her storytelling, Zahn brings a deeply informed and human lens to the discussion.
Moderators
avatar for Paula Zahn

Paula Zahn

Executive Producer & Host, Investigation Discovery's On the Case with Paula Zahn
Ten-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Zahn is the executive producer and host of Investigation Discovery’s On the Case with Paula Zahn, a weekly investigative crime show. She also hosted THIRTEEN’s long-running weekly arts and culture multi-platform showcase, NYC-Arts.... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Holly Madison

Holly Madison

Executive Producer & Host, Investigation Discovery's Lethally Blonde
Holly Madison is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and podcaster whose journey from a small-town girl to Playboy and subsequent career as a TV personality have made her a household name in the world of entertainment.
Madison entered the true-crime arena as executive pro... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Chambers

Elizabeth Chambers

Executive Producer & Host, Investigation Discovery's Toxic
Elizabeth Chambers is an investigative journalist, entrepreneur, and advocate with nearly two decades of experience telling complex, real-world stories. A magna cum laude graduate of the Moody School of Journalism at the University of Texas, she has built her career as a prominent... Read More →
avatar for Beth Karas

Beth Karas

Legal Analyst, Investigation Discovery's The Curious Case of...
Beth Karas has been a reporter, legal analyst and producer on television for decades. Karas spent eight years as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, leaving in 1994 to join Court TV as one of their on-air correspondents. While at Court TV, Karas covered some of the most... Read More →
avatar for Simone Boyce

Simone Boyce

Contributor, Investigation Discovery's Hollywood Demons
Simone Boyce is an Emmy-nominated journalist, TV host, and award-winning creative producer whose work sits at the intersection of news and entertainment. With more than 15 years of experience, she has reported on major national stories—from presidential elections to social unrest—and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the leading true crime network on television, delivering the highest-quality programming to nearly 60 million U.S. households. ID is committed to powerful and empathetic true crime storytelling, continuing to create thought provoking programming that... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Breakout 1

10:20am PDT

Three Levels of the Dead: An Exclusive Look at Solving the Unidentifiable
Saturday May 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
In this powerful, ground-breaking session, Joseph Scott Morgan - leading international forensic analyst, veteran death investigator and Jacksonville State University professor - breaks down the three critical levels of identifying the deceased: positive ID, unidentified remains, and speculative association. He takes a deep dive into what separates scientific certainty from educated guesswork - and what it truly takes to move a case from unknown to confirmed.

Then comes a revelation like no other: Working alongside David Mittelman, CEO of Othram - a cutting-edge forensic genetics lab at the forefront of modern cold case work - Morgan reveals how meticulous analysis and forensic genealogy of minute evidence is accomplishing the impossible: a positive ID in a never-before revealed case. It's a session you won't want to miss!
Speakers
avatar for Joseph Scott Morgan

Joseph Scott Morgan

Host, Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan
Joseph Scott Morgan is the Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Joseph holds a Master of Forensic Sciences degree and is formerly a board certified fellow of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He is the host of... Read More →
avatar for David Mittelman

David Mittelman

Founder and CEO, Othram
David Mittelman is the founder and CEO of Othram Inc, a biometrics company using DNA sequencing and genomics to advance human identification. Mittelman has a well-established background in genomics. He participated in the Human Genome Project while at the University of Texas Southwestern... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Breakout 1

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

12:40pm PDT

Lunch Break
Saturday May 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Take a break, grab lunch, and recharge. For quick bites and grab-and-go options nearby, check out Caesars Palace spots like Pronto by Giada, Brioche by Guy Savoy, Starbucks, and the Celebrity Food Hall, featuring quick-service options including Bobby’s Burgers and Chicken Guy. More dining options can be found here.
Saturday May 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Breakout 1

1:40pm PDT

Deepfake Danger: Confronting the Rise of Nudify Apps
Saturday May 30, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
A disturbing new threat is rapidly gaining ground online-- and it’s targeting children. “Nudify” apps use artificial intelligence to generate explicit images of real people, often without their knowledge or consent. For young victims, the impact is immediate and devastating, turning a single photo into a tool for harassment, sextortion and long-term trauma.

Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, is joined by survivor advocate Francesca Mani and her mother, Dorota Mani, who have helped lead the fight for stronger laws to combat this emerging form of abuse. Together, they’ll unpack how these platforms work, why they’re spreading so quickly, and the real-world consequences for victims and families. The conversation will also explore the challenges facing law enforcement and the urgent need for coordinated action from technology companies, policymakers, and the public.

As AI continues to evolve, so do the risks to children. The question is no longer whether this technology will be used to harm — it already is. The real question is: what are we going to do about it?
Speakers
avatar for Michelle DeLaune

Michelle DeLaune

President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Michelle DeLaune is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Since she began her career at NCMEC two decades ago, DeLaune has held numerous positions, most recently serving 8 years as its Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure at NCMEC, she witnessed first-hand the evolving threats that face our children and has expanded NCMEC's programmatic... Read More →
avatar for Francesca Mani

Francesca Mani

AI Safety & Digital Protection Advocate
Francesca Mani is a student advocate and one of the leading youth voices on AI safety and digital protection. After becoming the first teenager to publicly speak out about AI deepfake abuse at 14, she helped catalyze national awareness and policy change across the United States, contributing... Read More →
avatar for Dorota Mani

Dorota Mani

AI Safety & Digital Protection Advocate
Dorota Mani is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate working at the intersection of education, technology, and youth well-being. As the founder of multiple schools in New Jersey, she has developed innovative, STEAM-based curricula that integrate AI literacy, global citizenship... Read More →
avatar for Anne Kempf

Anne Kempf

Special Agent, FBI Las Vegas Field Division
Special Agent (SA) Kempf graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice after completing an internship with the FBI's Cleveland Field Office.In 2012, she proudly joined the FBI and relocated to Washington, D.C. After excelling... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm PDT
Breakout 1

3:00pm PDT

Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz Sits Down with Allegedly Host Ellison Barber
Saturday May 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
It wouldn’t be CrimeCon without Josh Mankiewicz. The legendary Dateline storyteller returns for another must-see conversation, joined by NBC News correspondent Ellison Barber, host of Netflix’s new true-crime video podcast Allegedly.

Together, they discuss their most unforgettable investigations and high-stakes interviews; offering a behind-the-scenes look at how today’s biggest true crime stories are reported, shaped, and told.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Mankiewicz

Josh Mankiewicz

Correspondent, Dateline NBC
Josh Mankiewicz is a correspondent for Dateline NBC, the longest running primetime show in NBC history. He began reporting for the newsmagazine in February 1995, and since then, he has contributed a mix of breaking news stories, news analysis, investigative reports to the broadcast.Mankiewicz... Read More →
avatar for Ellison Barber

Ellison Barber

Correspondent, NBC News
Ellison Barber is a correspondent and fill-in anchor at NBC News. She is also the host of the Netflix weekly video podcast, Allegedly, produced by NBC News Studios.She covered the high-profile murder trial of Alex Murdaugh in South Carolina and anchored NBC News’ breaking coverage the night Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania.Ellison spent roughly 150 days reporting on the war in Ukraine and is the only... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Breakout 1

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

200 Days on the Road with Brian Entin
Saturday May 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Brian Entin spends the majority of his time traveling the country from crime scene to crime scene. He takes us behind the scenes with what is it like living on the road — working long hours tracking down leads, making sources, and meeting victims’ families. From the Kohberger case, to the Reiner murders, to two straight months in Arizona for Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance — Brian has the inside scoop.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Entin

Brian Entin

Senior National Correspondent, NewsNation
Brian Entin is a senior national correspondent for NewsNation and host of the podcast Brian Entin Investigates. Entin first garnered national attention for his coverage of the 2021 Gabby Petito murder investigation. He spent six weeks camped out on the lawn next to then suspected... Read More →
Saturday May 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Breakout 1
 
Sunday, May 31
 

9:00am PDT

Trust the Dog: When K9s Crack the Case
Sunday May 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
No fingerprints. No witnesses. No obvious trail. And yet…the dog knows.
When cases hit a dead end, law enforcement turns to a partner who doesn’t rely on what’s visible - but on what’s left behind. From the scent of a fleeing fugitive to the trace evidence of narcotics, firearms, and human remains, K9s are trained to detect what criminals think they’ve gotten away with.
In this high-intensity session, K9 Founder Kristi Hoss Schiller, CEO J.P. Davis, Sgt. Chris Moore and Officer Jaime Garcia – along with their canine companions, Liza & Trex – invite you to step inside real investigations, where a single command - and a single alert - changed the outcome of a case. Hear firsthand from handlers who have chased the unknown, trusted their instincts, and relied on their K9 partners in moments where hesitation wasn’t an option.
This session pulls back the curtain on how these extraordinary teams work - and why, when everything is on the line, officers don’t guess. They trust the dog.
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Hoss Schiller

Kristi Hoss Schiller

Founder, K9s.org
Kristi Hoss Schiller is the founder of K9s.org, the national umbrella organization behind K9s4COPs and K9s4KIDs, which has placed more than 400 elite detection dogs with law enforcement agencies and schools across the United States. A Texas on-air personality and digital pioneer named... Read More →
avatar for Chris Moore

Chris Moore

Lead Trainer and Supervisor, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit
Assigned as lead trainer and supervisor of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit.  Management of thirty-one (31) man unit.  Regional trainer who regularly conducts basic, advanced and maintenance training for various local agencies and nationally.  Maintains narcotics... Read More →
avatar for Jaime Garcia

Jaime Garcia

K9 Handler and Senior Deputy, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office
Senior Deputy Jaime Garcia is a K9 handler with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, operating on the frontlines of narcotics interdiction. Alongside his K9 partners, Ston and the late Asha, he has helped intercept unprecedented amounts of narcotics and contraband - earning recognition... Read More →
avatar for JP Davis

JP Davis

CEO, K9s.org
J.P. Davis is CEO of K9s.org, the nation’s leading nonprofit deploying trained K9s to law enforcement and schools. A strategist in mission-driven growth and public safety, he is leading the organization’s expansion into all 50 states as demand for K9 units surges nationwide.

Prior to K9s.org, Davis founded JP Davis Partners and has raised over $100 million in philanthropic capital, advising organizations including the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, March of Dimes, and the University of Louisville. His work sits at the intersection of public safety, philanthropy... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Breakout 1

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

11:45am PDT

The Behavior Panel: Interviews with a Killer ft. David Scott
Sunday May 31, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
This session gives CrimeCon attendees a rare look at what happens beneath the words in some of the most disturbing interviews ever recorded.

The Behavior Panel is joined by special guest David Scott for a chilling, expert-led breakdown of four unforgettable clips from Interview With a Killer. Using their signature blend of behavioral analysis, interrogation experience, and body language expertise, the panel will examine the subtle cues, shifts, tells, and behavioral patterns that may reveal when a subject is being honest, deceptive, manipulative, or displaying traits consistent with psychopathy.

David Scott shares what it was like to sit just feet away from these killers — from the atmosphere in the room to the tension of being face-to-face with people capable of monstrous acts.

Stick around until the end to see exclusive unaired footage from an interview that never made it to air-- and hear The Behavior Panel analyze it in real time.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Bowden

Mark Bowden

The Behavior Panel
Mark Bowden is a world-renowned body language expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Mark’s unique GesturePlane system of nonverbal communication helps audiences maximize the power of using their own body language to stand out, win trust, and gain credibility every time... Read More →
avatar for Scott Rouse

Scott Rouse

The Behavior Panel
As a behavior analyst and body language expert, Scott Rouse holds multiple certificates in advanced interrogation training and has been trained alongside the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Military Intelligence, and the Department of Defense.

His extensive training, education, and practice of nonverbal communication have made him an expert and consultant to law enforcement as well as Fortune 100 Companies, attorneys, private investigators, executives, and entertainers. He is also a multi-Grammy nominated Producer

... Read More →
avatar for Greg Hartley

Greg Hartley

The Behavior Panel
Greg Hartley knows human behavior in and out of the trenches from interrogations to the board room.

Hartley is a former Army Interrogator, Interrogation Instructor, and Resistance to Interrogation Instructor who has written ten books on body language and behavior. Hartley made a twenty-year successful climb of the corporate ladder culminating in a role as an operating partner in

... Read More →
avatar for Chase Hughes

Chase Hughes

The Behavior Panel
Chase Hughes, a former 20-year US Navy Chief, is the world's leading authority in interrogation, influence, persuasion, negotiation, and behavior profiling. Driven by the tragic loss of his friend in the USS Cole attack, Chase founded Applied Behavior Research with a core message... Read More →
avatar for David Scott

David Scott

Investigative Reporter
David Scott is a veteran investigative reporter whose work over the last three decades has garnered the industry’s top honors, including a Peabody Award, two Columbia DuPont Batons, and 14 Emmy Awards. Now, in a series of chilling face-to-face encounters, Scott uses his compelling... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Breakout 1

1:00pm PDT

Analyzing Coercive Control: The Root of All Evil
Sunday May 31, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
What if the most dangerous crimes don’t start with violence… but with influence? Coercive control usually doesn’t look like chains and locked doors -- it looks like paperwork, pressure, isolation from outside support, and a slow tightening and shrinking of options -- until “leaving” feels impossible.
In this revealing session, Criminologist Mike King exposes the same psychological control playbook used by cult leaders, political movements, corporations, and even inside families. He’ll break down how manipulators disguise control as “protection,” and how ordinary systems can get twisted into tools of domination. King will lay out the red flags of coercive control so you can spot unhealthy behavior early and reduce your risk of victimization. You’ll walk away with practical tools to help protect yourself and the people you care about, before it’s too late.
Speakers
avatar for Mike King

Mike King

Host, Profiling Evil
Mike King is an internationally recognized criminal investigator, and author with more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, intelligence, and public safety technology. He began his career as a street cop in Ogden, Utah, eventually rising to Chief of Staff at the Utah Attorney... Read More →
Sunday May 31, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Breakout 1
 
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