All posts in Speakers

Familial DNA Databases Searches

Experience

Mitch Morrissey was elected District Attorney of Denver, Colorado in November 2004 and was sworn into office in January 2005. Mr. Morrissey is internationally recognized for his expertise in DNA technology, applying that technology in criminal prosecutions and working to ensure that DNA science is admissible in court. He has trained law enforcement officers and prosecutors throughout the United States, in the Middle East and Canada. A veteran prosecutor, Mr. Morrissey introduced the first DNA evidence used in a criminal trial in Denver. The DNA Resource section of his Web site, www.denverda.org, has become a resource for people interested in forensic DNA throughout the world.

Mr. Morrissey has worked extensively on the Denver Cold Case Project, which has reviewed over 4,200 unsolved sexual assaults and murders in an effort to use DNA technologies to solve old cases. Mr. Morrissey, along with the Denver Police Department, is implementing the use of DNA to solve burglary cases and other property crimes.

Throughout his tenure as Denver District Attorney, Mr. Morrissey was the leading proponent in the United States of using Familial DNA Database Searches to solve violent crime. Since leaving the Denver D.A.’s office in 2017, Mr. Morrissey, co-founded United Data Connect, Inc., a DNA forensic DNA software company, that has developed a secure web-based system to make familial search software available at a reasonable cost to law enforcement throughout the world. A version of this software is currently in use on casework in Colorado, Virginia, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. New York, Arizona and Louisiana are implementing the software and are about to start familial searching in their states.

Warning signs, causes and triggers of teen killers and school shooters

Experience

Phil Chalmers is a true crime writer, law enforcement trainer, youth culture specialist and a television personality.

He is the author of several books, including “Inside the Mind of a Teen Killer” and “True Lies.” He has been researching homicide and interviewing offenders for 30 years, and his work has been featured on dozens of television shows and networks, including A&E’s “Killer Kids” and Fox’s “Crime Watch Daily.” He has interviewed over 200 killers face to face, including teen killers, school shooters, mass murderers and serial killers. His current project is a book and television show about serial killers, and he will be solving cold cases.

He resides in Sarasota, Florida, enjoys fitness, spends too much time on the beach and at Disney World, and is married to his wife and co-author Wendi.

Kidnapping and survival of 11 years in captivity

Experience

On August 23, 2002, Michelle Knight disappeared after leaving her cousin’s house, in Cleveland, Ohio. She would not be seen or heard from again until May 2013, when she was rescued from the home of Ariel Castro. Upon her rescue, it was discovered that she had been held captive, tortured and abused for 11 years. Michelle Knight’s story has captivated audiences across the world and is one of heroism, survival and healing.

Currently, Michelle is the International and #1 New York Times bestselling author, of Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed which tells the story of what happened inside Ariel Castro’s home and also shares with us her tumultuous childhood before her captivity. Today, she spends most her time speaking and advocating for women, children, and animals—sharing lessons of survival and recovery for anyone who has gone through a challenge, dared to hope, or survived. She is also the author of the highly anticipated follow-up, Life After Darkness, publishing on the fifth anniversary of her liberation (Hachette Books) that picks up where her first book left off and tells the story of finding her life’s purpose, true friendship, healing, and happiness.

Michelle Knight has made a positive impact around the world, she as been featured on: Dr. Phil, The Today Show, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, USA Today, News Week and People Magazine just to name a few. If you are interested in learning more about Michelle and her amazing story, please visit her website or contact pr@speakupspeakloud,org.

2016 Baton Rouge LEO Ambush

Experience

Jeff Goudeau is currently the Crime Scene and Firearms Supervisor for the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory.  He is a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst (IAI) and certified in Firearms Evidence Examination and Identification (AFTE). Jeff has earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.  He is the past President of the Louisiana Association of Forensic Science (LAFS).  Jeff is a Distinguished Member of the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) and a member of the International Association for Identification.  He is currently an instructor for the National Firearms Examiner Academy and a former professor at Baton Rouge Community College and Our Lady of Lake College.  Jeff is also an instructor for Forensic Pieces.  Jeff has published papers in Firearms Examination and Shooting Reconstruction. He’s been qualified as an expert witness numerous times in Firearms Examination, Crime Scene Investigation, and Shooting Reconstruction.

Baby Doe:  The Hunt for her Identity and Justice

Experience

David Swan is a Trooper with the Massachusetts State Police, currently assigned to the State Police Detective Unit at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Trooper Swan has worked in this position since July 2015. Trooper Swan’s duties and responsibilities within the Suffolk State Police Detective Unit include, but are not limited to, investigating the death of human beings, major felonies, and a variety of other crimes as well as those involving organized criminal activity. Trooper Swan has been employed by the Massachusetts State Police since December 2013. Prior to his employment with the Massachusetts State Police, Trooper Swan worked as an investigator/digital evidence analyst for a combined fifteen (15) years with the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Trooper Swan has been involved in numerous investigations that have led to convictions for various forms of criminal activity including, but not limited to, homicide, child pornography, arson, human trafficking, financial crimes, computer-related/cybercrimes, narcotics violations, and crimes involving organized criminal activity.

Baby Doe:  The Hunt for her Identity and Justice

Experience

Daniel Herman is a Trooper with the Massachusetts State Police, currently assigned to the State Police Detective Unit at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office – Homicide Unit. Trooper Herman’s duties and responsibilities within the Suffolk State Police Detective Unit include investigating homicides, major felonies, sexual assaults and a variety of other crimes. Trooper Herman has been employed by the Massachusetts State Police for approximately fourteen (14) years. He has been involved in numerous homicide investigations. Prior to his employment with the Massachusetts State Police, Trooper Herman was a Deputy Sheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and a Staff Sergeant in the US Army. Trooper Herman holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts.

Baby Doe:  The Hunt for her Identity and Justice

Experience

Detective Lieutenant Robert E. Murphy
Robert E. Murphy is the Unit Commander of the Suffolk State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office in Boston, Massachusetts. DLt. Murphy oversees all of the State Police homicide and major felony investigations. Since January 2000, DLt. Murphy has investigated homicides in Suffolk County; he has been involved in numerous high profile and prolonged homicide investigations. DLt. Murphy has been with the Massachusetts State Police for twenty-four (24) years. DLt. Murphy holds a B.A. from Western New England College and numerous professional affiliations.

Investigating & Prosecuting Drowning Deaths

Experience

Hilary Weinberg is an “Honorary Native” of Arizona, having lived in Arizona since she was nine years old.  She is a proud graduate of Deer Valley High School in Glendale and of Arizona State University, where she was a trumpet player in the marching band, the Pride of the Southwest.  Hilary attended California Western School of Law, where she obtained her law degree in two years.

Hilary has been with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office since July of 1999.  Prior to this position, she spent f our and a half years with the City of Tucson, after serving as a law clerk for a Pima County Superior Court Judge.  Hilary has been assigned to numerous bureaus within the office including Vehicular Crimes, Gangs, Homicide, Training and Trial Group.  She has been the Bureau Chief of Family Violence (West Bureau) for over three and a half years.  Hilary is also one of the founders and supervisors of the office’s Peer Support Program.

When not working, Hilary enjoys being with her family, quilting, scrapbooking, and reading.