IHIA - Investigative Quarterly - March 2022

INVESTIGATIVE QUARTERLY A Publication by the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA)

EDITION: MARCH 2022

www.IHIA.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Lieutenant Paul Belli (Retired) Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Dear Colleagues, Members and Sponsors,

The IHIA wishes you all a happy and healthy new year. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the associations 2021 accomplishments and a look forward to 2022. Last year was an exciting one for IHIA, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. IHIA developed two new courses in our ongoing effort to fulfill our training mission. Each of the courses below have been developed along with our federal partners and provide current and up to date material and instruction. The IHIA now offers the following courses at the lowest price point available.

1. Basic Homicide Investigations 2. Advanced Homicide/Violent Crimes Investigations 3. Cold Case/No Body Homicide Investigation & Prosecution 4. Mass Casualty/Targeted Violence Course 5. Yearly Symposium In 2021, the IHIA board is extremely proud to announce we had over 1000 investigators choose to attend our training throughout the country. Thank you to all those who attended. The reviews have shown we are hitting our mark!

We are already in the swing of 2022 and have courses scheduled in Michigan, New Hampshire, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Hawaii, Washington, Florida, and Colorado. This commitment to training is possible through the hard work of our association manager, training coordinator, regional directors, corporate sponsors, and our partners at the

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WHAT’S INSIDE THE IQ: • • • • • •

Letter from David Gaylor Autoerotic asphyxia Awards Submissions Scholarship Submissions Upcoming Training Meet David Eddy, Northern Regional Director • IHIA Conference Info FBI. We are well on our way in bringing important and necessary training to significantly more attendees.

On behalf of the Association Board, I want to thank you for your membership and course attendance. We will continue to strive to provide resources, guidance, and support to each of you and our profession. If your agency and region have a training need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Regional Director, so they can assist you. You can find course information at www.ihia.org.

President Paul Belli International Homicide Investigators Association

The IHIA is the world’s largest and fastest growing organization of homicide and death investigation professionals. The non-profit organization represents the largest network of homicide professionals and practitioners ever assembled. The IHIA has representatives in every U.S. state and nations on six continents.

For membership information, visit: www.ihia.org/Membership MARCH 2022 | PAGE 1

IHIA

28th annual International symposium The IHIA, in conjunction with the FBI, will be holding our 28th Annual IHIA Training Symposium in New Orleans. The symposium is scheduled for Sunday, August 7, 2022 – Friday, August 12, 2022, at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District.

The IHIA and its co-sponsor agency strive to make the 2022 New Orleans Training Symposium an exceptional educational experience. The symposium offers a variety of excellent topical training as well as outstanding opportunities to interact with hundreds of U.S. and international attendees and renowned presenters.

Specific training presentations being arranged to date, include: • Cognitive Variables in Homicide Investigations - Mark Zelig P.HD ABPP • Paul Butler Presentations • Arrest Related Death Investigations – Dr. Simon Baldwin RCMP • Venus Stewart Case – Michigan State Police – Det. 1st Lieutenant Chuck Christensen • United Kingdom Long Term Homicide Investigation Case Presentation • Forensic use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles • OK Google – How can I catch a Predator. The Analyst and Investigator Team • Crypto Currency Investigations – Motive or payment?

• Video Evidence – What did I just see? - Jeffrey A. Martin, J.D., C.V.F.T. DSI Consulting • Emerging Trends in Social Media Investigations – Det. Sean Smith • False and Recovered Memory Homicide investigations– Dr. Peter Collins, Ontario Provincial Police • Leadership for Lifetime - Paul Butler More to Come!

Symposium attendees possessing the rank of Sergeant and above have the option to attend a one-day closed door Management Seminar on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The early bird rate open March 31, 2022: Cost for members is $495.

Starting April 1, 2022, the cost for members increases to $525.

Cost for non-members is $575. To register, and for additional www.ihia.org information, visit the IHIA website at www.ihia.org.

New Orleans, Louisiana August 7-12, 2022

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District 859 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130

LINK BOOK BOOKTO HOTEL HERE

MEET YOUR NORTHERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR: D/F/LT. DAVID EDDY, MICHIGAN STATE POLICE When I was young, I wanted to be a radio and television broadcaster like my dad. Son to the more famous Dave Eddy, I developed an early appreciation for music, stage, and screen. I’m certain my love of performing stems from early exposure to celebrities, events, and the arts of all types.

Combined with being a skinny kid, that probably explains why I weathered my share of bullying and being made fun of. I was even the victim of a strong-armed robbery as a youth by a group of local hoodlums. All that, and the fact I look and sound a little bit like Howdy Doody, is probably why I eventually pursued a career in law enforcement instead. Besides, cops put on costumes and perform every day.

UPCOMING REGIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES MASS CASUALTY/TARGETED VIOLENCE COURSE (NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA) Monday, March 28, 2022 8:00 AM Virginia State Police Academy - 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 BASIC HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (LOUISVILLE, KY) Monday, April 04, 2022 8:00 AM Kentucky International Convention Center (221 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202) ADVANCED HOMICIDE/VIOLENT CRIMES INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (COLUMBUS, OH) Monday, April 25, 2022 8:00 AM Columbus Police Academy - 1000 N. Hague Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204 BASIC HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (NASHUA, NH) Monday, May 16, 2022 8:00 AM Sheraton Nashua Hotel - 11 Tara Blvd., Nashua, NH 03062

Originally from Battle Creek, I spent my high school years in rural Michigan. During those years I spent a lot of time on the lake; and I got know our small-town police chief. He fostered my interest in public safety and is one of those who recommended I join the military to start my career as an MP, get an education, and buy time until I was old enough for a civilian police career. Sadly, he would die by suicide some years later. I never told him how much I appreciated his influence, which remains one of my many regrets.

ADVANCED HOMICIDE/VIOLENT CRIMES INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (WESTCHESTER, NY) Monday, June 06, 2022 8:00 AM Westchester Community College - 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 10595 (Hankin Academic Arts Building Theater)

Taking the chief’s advice, I began my law enforcement career in 1986 by enlisting in the United States Air Force Security Police. After basic training and SP academy, I was sent to Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, Texas. I learned to iron and spit-shine; became an M-60 machine-gunner, fire team leader, and weapons armorer. But the highlight was being twice selected to the SP team for

Basic Homicide Investigations Course (Spokane, WA) Monday, October 3 – October 7 – Details to be released soon

continued next page

BASIC HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) Monday, June 13, 2022 8:00 AM University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, 4785-4879 Clyde Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (Kettle Creek Hall/ Room) Advanced Homicide/Violent Crimes Investigations Course (Spokane, WA) September 2022 – Details to be released soon

Mass Casualty/Targeted Violence Course (Mesa, AZ) Monday, October 31 – November 4, 2022 – Details to be released soon MARCH 2022 | PAGE 3

D/F/LT. DAVID EDDY, CONTINUED Strategic Air Command’s Combat Weapons Loading competition, Giant Sword.

New Jersey State Police homicide training and countless other death and sex crime investigation courses over the years. I am a graduate of National While on active duty, I attended Texas A&M Defense University’s KEYSTONE Command Senior University’s Peace Officer Academy and began Enlisted Leader Course and NDU’s Reserve working part-time for the City of Sansom Park Police Components National Security Course; the USAF Department. I was later hired by Denton, TX PD and Chief Master Sergeant’s Leadership Course; the US left active duty to pursue fulltime law enforcement.

Army Counterdrug Special Weapons and Tactics Course; the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Having married a girl from back home, we returned Assessment Seminar; and the Center for Creative to Michigan. Jobless, I drove a grain truck, worked at Leadership’s Leadership Development Program. I a nuke plant, and was a deputy sheriff for a minute. have an associate degree from Community College Returning to military service in the Air National Guard of the Air Force, a bachelor’s helped, and then I enlisted with the Michigan State degree from Liberty Police in 1993. I would maintain dual careers until University, and I am currently retiring from the military in 2018 with over 32 years a graduate student at Central total service.

Michigan University.

Serving two careers in this way isn’t unique, but it became significantly more demanding following the attacks of September 11th. As a result, I would end up serving another four years of active duty on and off, including a tour in Iraq, other overseas trips, and directing the Air National Guard’s E-9 Orientation Course in Washington, DC. I retired as a senior enlisted advisor and the 8th Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Michigan Air National Guard.

I’ve spent most of my career with the state police specializing in homicides and sex crimes. Prior to my current assignment as commander of the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC), I served at the Niles Post, Training Academy, Intelligence Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, Major Case Unit, Investigative Analysis Unit, and on the Governor’s Security Detail.

I have been blessed with opportunities to serve in many other areas, including as a defensive tactics instructor, field training officer, and facilitator for the IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations course. I’m also a board member for the MSP Command Officers Association and serve on couple of other advisory committees.

Educationally, I consider myself a perpetual student. In addition to IHIA sponsored events, I attended

If it hasn’t become clear, I have many interests and a low threshold for boredom. I’ve been in two independent films, at least one documentary, and a handful of stage productions. I am the drummer for the band Dry Spell, co-creator of the Rhythm Section’s Guide to Mixology, and the founder of beyondstrength.org – a life, leadership, and fitness blog. I’ve traveled to at least 14 countries and over 40 states, including a mission trip to a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece. I enjoy reading, writing, movies, running, working out, and traveling. I’m also the commander of my local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Most importantly, I have been married (miraculously) to my lovely wife for over 31 years. We have three adult children and three grandsons. I’m grateful to have been nominated to the IHIA Board of Directors in 2020. After years investigating violent crimes, having the opportunity to serve on the board of an organization whose primary mission is supporting law enforcement death investigation professionals is an honor and a privilege. I previously served on the ViCAP National Advisory Board and the State Bar of Michigan Eyewitness Identification Task Force.

MARCH 2022 | PAGE 4

AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIA – a Potentially Fatal Deviance

BY DR. PETER COLLINS

During one’s policing career, responding to a death scene where an individual is found hanging is not all that uncommon. Most of these deaths are from suicide, however a small percentage are due to autoerotic asphyxiation. Autoerotic asphyxia is the practice of inducing cerebral anoxia, usually by means of self-applied ligatures or suffocating devices, while the individual tries to masturbate to orgasm. This activity, which is found almost exclusively in men, sometimes results in death when the individual’s selfrescue mechanism fails, or he loses consciousness before he can employ it.

Many victims of autoerotic death are Caucasian males between the second and fourth decade, however experts estimate that five to seven percent of autoerotic deaths occur in females. While autoerotic death may encompass a number of other means of achieving sexual gratification, the most common method is by ligature around the neck.

As previously noted in my Blue Line Behavioural Science columns, the major- ity of individuals who are paraphilic (sexually deviant) do not ‘specialize’ in just one deviant activity. The majority are engaged in two or three or more cross-as- sociated sexual deviances.

The same holds true for autoerotic asphyxia – a proportion of these men are also erotically aroused by transvestism and/or bondage.

Research by Canadian forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Stephen Hucker, found that the mean age was 26 with a range of 10 to 56 years. In nearly all the published series, self-hanging was the common method employed, with 82 per cent using this method, either alone or in combination with some other asphyxiating mechanism. Investigators may find multiple grooves on a beam used to support the rope, or other evidence that the procedure has been repeated several times.

In addition to evidence of repetition, to distinguish an autoerotic fatality from a suicide, the investigator must determine how the deceased would have tried to avoid such a mishap. Sometimes a slip-knot mechanism is used to ensure a quick release of pressure on the neck and allow return of consciousness. In a few autoerotic fatalities, the deceased

may have used an elaborate asphyxiating device or apparatus that requires careful investigation to demon- strate how the person could have applied it and then disentangled themselves.

The majority of individuals who are paraphilic (sexually deviant) do not ‘specialize’ in just one deviant activity.

The fact that the subject is nude, partially nude or cross-dressed may also be evidence of a paraphilic act as opposed to suicide.

Bondage is evident in many cases. Present are physical restraints on the body that are independent of the method of asphyxiation. Thus, the neck, head, ankles, thighs, chest or abdomen may have been bound, the genitals ligated, the hands bound or handcuffed and sometimes there would be a hood or blindfold. Genitals may also be bound. Occasionally a dildo, vibrator or foreign object is inserted in the anus.

Sexually deviant activity is fantasy-motivated and evidence may be found adjacent to the decadent – mirrors, cameras for self-photography, self-written fantasy ma- terial, fetish items and pornography that is being viewed either on a computer or magazines.

Investigator’s checklist Geberth provides a list of questions that the investigator should consider in determining whether the death is related to sexual asphyxia: 1. Is the victim nude, sexually exposed or wearing articles of feminine attire, such as makeup and wigs?

2. Is there evidence of masturbatory activity – tissues, seminal fluids?

3. Is there evidence of piercings or causing pain to the genitalia, pins in the penis, etc.?

4. Are sexually stimulating paraphernalia present: vibrators, pornographic magazines, butt plugs, etc.?

5. Is bondage present: ropes, chains, blind- folds, gags, etc.? Are there anyconstricted devices present: plastic wrap, belts, ropes, vacuum cleaner hoses around the body, or chest constraints?

6. Is there protective padding between the ligature continued next page

MARCH 2022 | PAGE 5

in the neck to prevent rope burns or discomfort?

7. Are the restraints interconnected? Do the ropes come together or are they connected? Are the chains inter-connected? Is the victim tied to himself, so by putting pressure on one of the limbs the restraints are tight?

8. Are mirrors or other reflected devices present and positioned so the victim can view his or her activities?

9. Is there evidence of fantasy (diaries, erotic literature, etc.) or fetishism?

10. Is the suspension point within reach of the victim or is there a skate mechanism (keys, lock, slipknot, etc.)?

11. Is there evidence of prior activities of a similar nature (abrasions or rope burns on the suspension point); unexplained secretive behaviour, or long stays in isolated areas; rope burns on neck, etc.?

12. Does the victim possess literature dealing with bondage, escapology, or knots?

13. Is there a positioned camera or video camera?

Copy cats I was somewhat hesitant in writing this article because there is a copycat element to these acts, predominantly by adolescents. In May 1998, the Oprah Winfrey Show addressed the issue of autoerotic fixation in one of their shows. One of the guests was a woman whose son died after engaging in this behaviour. She unsuccessfully sued Hustler magazine, which had published an article entitled “Orgasm of Death”. Despite the dangers

being outlined in the Hustler article, her 14-yearold son died with the magazine article lying at his feet. A learned colleague, Dr. Park Dietz, warned the producers of the show that other deaths could follow; he may have been correct. At least two deaths could be linked as a result of the television program involving an 11-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man.

References

Hucker, S. (2011). Hypoxyphilia Archives of Sex Behaviour(2011) 40:1323–1326.

Hucker, S. & Blanchard, R. (1992). Death scene characteristics in 118 fatal cases of autoerotic asphyxia compared with suicidal asphyxia. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 10, 509–523.

Geberth, G. (2010) Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: practical and clinical perspectives 2nd Edition. CRC Press: Boca Raton.

Sauvagneau, A. & Racette, S. (2006) Autoerotic Deaths in the Literature from 1954 to 2004: a review. Journal of Forensic Scences, 51 (1), 140-146.

Credit: Blue Line Magazine Dr. Peter Collins is the operational forensic psychiatrist with the Ontario Provincial Police’s Criminal Behaviour Analysis Section. He is also a member of the crisis/ hostage negotiation team of the Toronto Police Service Emergency Task Force. Dr. Collins’ opinions are his own.

Contact him at peter.collins@utoronto.ca.

AWARDS SUBMISSIONS Each year, the IHIA recognizes law enforcement professionals who have displayed exceptional innovation and perseverance in conducting homicide investigations, evidence collection, evidence examination, advances in forensic science and technology, and successful homicide case prosecutions. Career achievements are also considered for recognition. Nominees for awards can be submitted to the IHIA’s Executive Board. Those selected for the IHIA Award for Excellence are honored at the annual training symposiums. Award nominees need not be IHIA members.

Awards to be presented at the IHIA Awards Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, August 8, 2022 at the Marriott New Orleans Hotel. Submissions are accepted through May 1, 2022; selections will be announced June 5, 2022.

Categories are for Investigative Excellence in: Homicide Investigation(s) Forensic Science and Technology Prosecution of Homicide Cases Award of Excellence Career Achievements

To submit, go here: https://ihia.org/IHIA-Awards MARCH 2022 | PAGE 6

A LETTER FROM

IHIA International Director, David Gaylor I would like to use this article to introduce myself to members having recently been appointed the International Director of the IHIA. Many of you will have met me at the annual symposiums which I have attended as an IHIA member since 2001.

I have retired as a Detective Chief Superintendent based in the United Kingdom but serve, now as a volunteer with the same police agency, Sussex Police, a member since 1975, a total of nearly 47 years of policing experience.

My primary objective in my new role will be to develop continuing training opportunities around the world for our membership. The annual symposium always attracts international colleagues and I will be looking to build on that relationship to identify new investigative training initiatives.

The IHIA has a strong training portfolio in the USA with a range of homicide training courses which are delivered around the country. We are also developing in specialist areas to enhance the quality of investigative training to those involved in homicide investigations. As communication options develop with new technology we will be looking at the way we deliver our training which will still include the seminars and courses but also look to the future with online training, webinars and podcasts. This way we hope to reach a wider audience and increase the potential for members to partake in our first class training initiatives particularly those outside the USA. The challenge to deliver cost effective, high quality training for homicide investigators continues to be influenced by costs and travel issues, particularly more recently. The IHIA board is seeking to meet

that challenge and adapt and develop our training programs.

Over the coming weeks I shall be contacting both past and present members of the organization by email to explain our plans further. In particular I am involved in a significant project in the United Kingdom looking at how law enforcement agencies can predict homicides in domestic abuse situations.

This project will look at increasing knowledge, identifying lessons learned and seeking to improve the information available to our people that hopefully will lead to saving lives.

I told you at the start of this article that I have been attending the annual symposium for approaching twenty years and I would recommend that you join us in New Orleans in August this year. Not only will you receive quality training from experienced speakers but you will be able to network with law enforcement colleagues from around the world.

For those who have been before, come back and join us and for those who have never attended a symposium take this opportunity to enhance your learning and visit a great city. Hopefully travel restrictions should be far easier this year so do come along.

On a separate note I would like to make you aware that we now have on the IHIA website a new online shop which allows you to purchase IHIA items.

There is a range of products both for collectors and also those looking for clothing.

I look forward to greeting many international colleagues later this year.

David Gaylor IHIA International Director

Sample apparel and gift items available in the IHIA Store

MARCH 2022 | PAGE 7

IHIA Academic Scholarship The Mission of the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA) Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to the immediate family of active IHIA members who are seeking post-secondary education. The IHIA seeks to support its members with this opportunity due to the considerable expenses related to postsecondary education. The IHIA seeks qualified applicants who will best represent the professionalism and commitment to service in accordance with tenants established by the IHIA. Note: We are extending the application date for the 2022 - 2023 academic year. The completed application must be submitted by July 1, 2022.

Additional information and application details for an a scholarship requires ACTIVE membership with the International Homicide Investigators Association. If your membership has lapsed please visit: https://ihia.org/Membership Once membership is ACTIVE, please navigate to the Members Only page and select IHIA Academic Scholarship. This page includes the Guidelines, Sample Application, and the ability to Submit an application. Please contact Academic Scholarship Committee Chair, Mike Blair, mblair@ihia.org with any questions.

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SPONSORED COFFEE OR SPONSORED BREAKFAST $500 each day SPONSOR DAY $500 each day Be the exclusive sponsor of a specific day at this event. You may come in meet with the attendees, mingle, accompany them to Lunch and so on. A few minutes will be provided to introduce yourself to the attendees and pass out information.

Investigative Quarterly Newsletter Ads The IHIA e-Newsletter is e-mailed to over 9000 readers quarterly. The e-Newsletter is placed on the IHIA website for members.

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MARCH 2022 | PAGE 8

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