A Publication by the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Sergeant Rob Peters
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
Dear Colleagues, Members, and Sponsors,
Summer is here, and for some of our membership, summer has brought with it riots and civil unrest. For those experiencing civil unrest in your jurisdictions, please stay safe and look out for one another
Thus far, this has been another exciting year for the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA) We have had the opportunity to facilitate and share training, experiences, and best practices with both our long-time members and new members In addition to our incredible lineup of training courses, we have introduced three new courses: the Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigations Course, the Science-Based Interviewing Training Course, and the Unraveling Mysteries: Advanced Cold Case Training Course. Please continue to check www ihia org for the latest training opportunities We continue to strive to provide training opportunities worldwide
Letter from President Rob Peters
Updates from the Desk of the IHIA Executive Director Steve Lewis Training Recap and Social Media Links Meet Your Northern Region Director, Jeremy Christensen Be Your Best by Training Director, Dave Eddy
The agenda for the 2025 Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, is now complete As many of our members and sponsors are aware, we are committed to providing our members with exciting case presentations, the latest investigative tools, and developing technologies that can assist them in their death investigations The Symposium Planning Committee has created a fabulous training program for Louisville. We look forward to seeing all our old friends, as well as many new ones, at the symposium
Please continue to use the website, for the latest training opportunities, information about our association sponsors, and details about our valued exhibitors
On behalf of the Association’s Board, I want to thank you for your membership and continued support We couldn’t do any of this without you and your continued support We will continue in our endeavor to provide the best resources, guidance, and training to each of you and our profession.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the IHIA Board and the IHIA membership for their unwavering support. In August, at the end of the symposium, my term as President will conclude, and I will assume the role of Past President Colonel Frank Losat of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will become the new president of the association. Frank is a great person and an exceptional leader, and will continue to promote and advance the association and its membership into the future It has been an honor to be part of a great organization
President Rob Peters
International Homicide Investigators Association
Article: IGG Identifies Another Likely Victim of ‘Scorecard Killer’ 45 Years Later
Article: Forensic
Graphology: The Silent Witness in Cold Case Investigations IHIA 31 Annual Symposium st Featured Training Segment: Science-Based Interviewing
Upcoming Regional Training Opportunities Marketing Opportunities
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and continuing your unwavering commitment to advancing the craft of homicide investigation
As we look toward an exciting season of growth and collaboration within the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA), I am pleased to share several key updates regarding our leadership, organizational development, and a major upcoming event.
31ST ANNUAL TRAINING SYMPOSIUM – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
We are proud to announce that our 31st Annual Training Symposium will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, this August. This landmark event will feature world-class case presentations, expert-led sessions, and extensive networking opportunities with homicide investigators, forensic specialists, prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders from across the globe.
This year’s symposium promises expanded content, and agency collaboration across local, state, federal, and international levels We encourage early registration, as space is limited and interest continues to grow year after year.
LEADERSHIP UPDATE – EASTERN REGION DIRECTOR ELECTION
We recently concluded the Eastern Region Director election, and I want to extend my appreciation to both Sgt Jim Marable (Columbus, Ohio Police Department) and Det. Nick Music (Lexington, Kentucky Police Department) for their professionalism, dedication, and continued service to our investigative community
Following a well-participated election, I am pleased to announce that Sgt Jim Marable has been elected as the next Eastern Region Director. He will formally assume his role at the conclusion of our Annual Symposium in Louisville We thank Det Music for his valued contributions and look forward to Sgt Marable’s leadership on the IHIA Board
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the current Eastern Region Director Richard “Dick” Perreault for his outstanding contributions to the IHIA board and it’s members over the past 6 years We are going to miss his dedication, commitment and fun personality He has been a tremendous help in elevating IHIA’s status
ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH – SECOND TRAINING DIRECTOR APPOINTED
To support the continued expansion of IHIA’s training mission, we have established a second Training Director position This addition reflects our commitment to meeting increasing demand and ensuring broader access to high-quality investigative education.
Please join me in welcoming Jeff McClain to this important leadership role Jeff brings deep experience, instructional expertise, and a strong passion for training Working alongside our existing Training Director, he will help coordinate and deliver impactful training programs across the country and internationally. Jeff will also be instrumental in creating important standards, policies and procedures related to violent crime and homicide investigations
CONCLUSION
Thank you for your continued support of the IHIA and your dedication to the pursuit of justice. We look forward to seeing many of you in Louisville for what promises to be an outstanding symposium and an inspiring gathering of our professional community
Stay safe, stay focused, and stay connected.
Warm regards,
Steve Lewis
Executive Director
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.
TRAINING RECAP - SOUTH CAROLINA
The IHIA, in partnership with the FBI, recently hosted the Child & Infant Death Investigation Course at the University Center of Greenville in South Carolina Held June 2–6, the course brought together nearly 70 participants from 21 states across the U S and Canada, including investigators, prosecutors, and investigative support personnel — all dedicated to strengthening their skills in these challenging and sensitive cases.
Captain Jeremy Christensen is a 25-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department, where he currently leads the Criminal Investigations Section within the Criminal Investigations Bureau In this role, he oversees multiple specialized units, including the Property Crimes Unit, Robbery Unit, Assault Unit, Homicide Unit, and Operations Unit, which encompasses the Investigative Analysis Squad and Bloodhound K-9 Squad Additionally, Captain Christensen manages the Officer Involved Investigations Team, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations into critical incidents involving law enforcement officers
Captain Christensen began his law enforcement career with the Omaha Police Department in 2000 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Northern Iowa. Following his graduation from the Omaha Police Training Academy, he dedicated nine years to Uniform Patrol before transitioning to the Criminal Investigations Bureau, where he served in the Major Crimes and Homicide Units prior to his promotion to Sergeant
As a Sergeant, Captain Christensen gained extensive experience across various divisions, including Uniform Patrol, Risk Management/Inspections, Property Crimes Investigations, Special Operations Squad, Gang Suppression, and Homicide He was also an original member of the Omaha Police Department’s Officer Involved Investigations Team and played a key role in the department’s Rapid Deployment Force (Civil Disturbance Team) as the chemical munitions team leader
Upon his promotion to Lieutenant, he continued his leadership within Uniform Patrol before returning to the Criminal Investigations Bureau, where he managed the Assault and Homicide Units.
Beyond his investigative work, Captain Christensen has been actively involved in several specialized teams, including the
Clandestine Lab Investigations Team, Honor Guard, Pipe and Drum Corps, and Peer Support Team He also serves on the State of Nebraska Critical Incident Stress Management Team and the State of Nebraska Domestic Abuse Death Review Team, contributing his expertise to state-level investigations and response strategies
An experienced educator, Captain Christensen serves as an adjunct instructor at the Omaha Police Department Training Academy, where he teaches investigations, interview and interrogation techniques, courtroom preparation and testimony, firearms, use of force, and arrest and control tactics. His expertise is widely recognized, and he has presented to numerous state and federal agencies and organizations as well as an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Additionally, he is a valued instructor for the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA), where he assists in teaching the Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigations Course
Thank you for your dedication to the International Homicide Investigators Association, Jeremy
BE YOUR BEST
BY: DAVE EDDY DIRECTOR OF TRAINING OPERATIONS
I’m not a huge basketball fan, but I usually do a bracket for fun and tune in for NCAA March Madness. As many powerhouses or predicted favorites make earlier than planned departures, it becomes clear that perseverance, dedication, and heart all play a large role in determining the Final Four It also occurs to me, as time and again underdog teams pull upset victories in the early rounds, that in those moments those young men are laser focused on being the very best they can be There’s a lesson in there
As I traveled the world on mission or visiting troops as a senior enlisted leader, a common question I’d get was, “What can I do / what do I need to do to get to where you are?” My answer was always this: be ready Control what you can control, and YOU have complete control of being the best you can be wherever you are now. Be the best Soldier, Airman, or Marine you can. Be the best cook or mechanic; the best medic or bomb loader; the best rifleman, squad leader, or assistant gunner Be the best leader or follower at whatever level you’re leading or following, and the rest will fall into place
You may or may not get the promotion you want or think you deserve You may often be more qualified than the person who did get it But when you humbly serve and work hard at being the very best you can be, wherever you are, you can rest in knowing you’ve given your best. And you’ll be ready for the next opportunity when it comes along Consider those Cinderella story superstars who year-after-year break the hearts and brackets of NCAA fans everywhere: they never gave up And they were ready when their time came
I know from experience your time will come Maybe not when, where, or how you prefer, but strive for contentment and keep doing your best knowing it will
There is peace in contentment. There is power giving your best effort to whatever you do And there’s freedom in being the best version of yourself wherever you are and being unconcerned with chasing promotions simply for money, notoriety, or elevated status.
The latter aren’t the real leaders, anyway A real leader must really want the job, according to late Army Air Force Lieutenant General Ira Eaker I agree
Real leaders want the job because they want to make a difference in their profession, the organization, and in the lives of the people they lead. They want to be the best they can be while empowering others to the same They want to make the world a better place.
I believe these three things provide an important foundation to being the best you can be: readiness, teamwork, and constant improvement.
Originally published by Forensic
Almost 45 years ago, in the early morning hours of July 18, 1980, Oregon State Police responded to a report of a deceased, unidentified male along Interstate 5 near Woodburn, Oregon. A homicide investigation was opened and while extensive efforts were made to identify the victim, he remained a John Doe until recently
The Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit, in partnership with Parabon Nanolabs, has now identified John Doe as Vietnam veteran Larry Eugene Parks, who was 30 years old at the time of his death. Given the location of the body and the evidence, Parks is believed to be another victim of serial killer Randy Kraft, also called the Scorecard Killer and the Freeway Killer
Between 1971 and 1983, Kraft is believed to have killed 67 people All of his suspected victims were males between the ages of 13 and 30, the majority of whom were in their late teens to mid-twenties. Many of the victims were members of the United States Marines Corps, and most of their bodies were found to have high levels of both alcohol and tranquilizers. They were then bound, tortured, and sexually abused before they were killed, usually by either strangulation, asphyxiation, or bludgeoning
Despite an incredible amount of evidence indicating many, many more murders, Kraft was ultimately charged and convicted of sixteen homicides, all of which occurred between 1972 and 1983.
John Doe 1980
The discovery of Parks’ body came a day after the body of Michael O’Fallon was also found along I-5. Due to similarities in the evidence, investigators at the time suspected the two murders were related However, both cases went cold
In 1983, Kraft was arrested in Orange County, California for murder During his trial and sentencing, evidence from both the O’Fallon and Parks murders was transferred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to be used in court. The evidence remained there until 2024
Then, in January, an investigator from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reached out to the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit and offered to help identify the remains using forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
A blood sample was sent to Parabon Nanolabs and a genetic profile was developed Investigators used this information to lead them to the family of Parks, who submitted DNA samples for comparison Parks’ family had lost contact with him in 1979 Until his identification last month, the circumstances of his disappearance were unknown to them.
Overwhelming Evidence
On May 14, 1983, a California Highway Patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on Kraft. A deceased male, later identified as Terry Lee Gambrel, was found in the front seat with several empty beer bottles and an open bottle of Lorazepam at his feet. Upon searching the rest of the vehicle, the police found a “scorecard” a coded list of 61 neatly printed terms and phrases that appear to reference victims The police also found over 50 photos of young men in pornographic poses with most of the subjects appearing asleep, unconscious or dead.
ARTICLE - FORENSIC GRAPHOLOGY: THE SILENT WITNESS IN COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS
BY MOZELLE MARTIN
In cold case investigations, the slow fade of physical evidence can stall justice for decades Biological traces degrade, fingerprints blur, and traditional forensic leads dry up Yet one silent witness often remains preserved: handwriting Unlike DNA or physical samples, the subtle behavioral footprints embedded in handwriting endure, offering investigators a unique gateway into the mind of the unknown Forensic graphology, when practiced within the scientific frameworks of behavioral forensics, psychology, and neuroscience, becomes an indispensable ally in breathing new life into dormant cases
The Neuroscience of Handwriting
Handwriting is not merely a mechanical act; it is "brainwriting" a complex integration of neurological, cognitive, and motor processes. Research in neuroscience, including studies published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Journal of Forensic Sciences, confirms that handwriting engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously: the motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia. Each stroke, slant, and pressure variation reflects not just conscious thought but also subconscious emotional and psychological states.
The unconscious micro-movements embedded in handwriting often reveal cognitive stress, deception attempts, emotional suppression, or aggression indicators long before words can articulate them. Forensic graphology, when executed by trained professionals, thus functions as a behavioral biometric a measurable imprint of the mind’s state, comparable in evidentiary value to voice stress analysis and forensic linguistics
Cold Cases and Behavioral Breakthroughs
In cold case work, where traditional forms of physical evidence may have deteriorated, handwriting analysis offers preserved psychological evidence A ransom note, suicide letter, or anonymous communication does more than convey language; it reveals a behavioral narrative frozen in time By examining movement patterns, spatial organization, rhythm, pressure dynamics, and micrographic anomalies, forensic graphologists can deliver critical insights into emotional states, deception patterns, and potential behavioral threats
Aligned with methodologies used in forensic psychology, threat assessment, and forensic linguistics all recognized by agencies such as the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) forensic handwriting analysis assists in refining suspect pools, reassessing timelines, and reconstructing psychological profiles when traditional evidence is exhausted The analysis of stroke breakdowns, inconsistent rhythms, and slant shifts offers investigators a psychological timestamp often crucial to case breakthroughs
Under stress or prolonged writing, disguise efforts typically deteriorate, revealing underlying motor patterns a welldocumented phenomenon in forensic psychology and questioned document examination.
Originally published by Forensic
The 2025 IHIA Annual Symposium is heading to the Bluegrass State — bringing together the brightest minds in homicide investigation for a week of elite training, powerful case studies, and professional networking. Join investigators, prosecutors, and forensic experts from across the globe. This is more than a training; it’s a professional experience you don’t want to miss.
The International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA) remains committed to advancing the investigative capabilities of its members through the implementation of evidence-based training. One such method gaining national traction is Science-Based Interviewing (SBI), a research-driven approach to investigative interviewing that is transforming how interviews are conducted in homicide and violent crime investigations.
THE IHIA HAS COLLABORATED WITH EVOCAVI TO PUT ON OUR FIRST 3-DAY SBI COURSE IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA FROM AUGUST 25-27, 2025
TRAINING GOALS AND BENEFITS
SBI training helps investigators shift from a confirmatory to a more information gathering mindset, with a focus on:
Gathering more reliable information
Encouraging cooperation and managing resistance
Understanding and eliciting motives
Ruling out alternative explanations
Evaluating interview outcomes more objectively
By applying scientifically grounded methods, investigators will be in a better position to improve the accuracy, judicial fairness, and overall impact of their interviews
WHAT MAKES SBI TRAINING UNIQUE?
Science-based interviewing is more than a collection of discrete techniques it represents a systematically developed and empirically validated methodology of practice. Training programs grounded in this approach are characterized by the following core features:
Empirical foundation: Includes methods from peer-reviewed research that focus on assessing reliability, validity, and effectiveness under controlled conditions
WHAT IS SCIENCE-BASED INTERVIEWING?
Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) is built on decades of empirical research in behavioral science, psychology, and cognitive interviewing techniques It emphasizes:
Rapport-building to foster cooperation
Non-leading, open-ended questioning to elicit reliable information
Memory-enhancing techniques that improve recall
Disclosing evidence to optimize informational gain
Interview techniques that are ethical and noncoercive
This method replaces outdated, intuition-based approaches and reduces the risk of false confessions or inaccurate statements by anchoring the interview process in validated, ethical strategies
Meta-analytic evidence: Draws on aggregated empirical findings across studies, reducing the risk of misinterpretation based on singular or unique findings
Field validation tests: Incorporates real-world evaluations to assess actual impact on investigative outcomes
Ethical and legal safeguards: Aligns with human rights principles and procedural safeguards, helping ensure that interviews are legally defensible
Participants leave SBI training not just with new strategies, but with an understanding of the supporting research to implement these strategies effectively in the field
To learn more about upcoming SBI training opportunities, or to request a course in your region, contact the IHIA or visit our website
WHO IS EVOCAVI?
Evocavi was founded with the purpose of training law enforcement investigators to become more proactive interviewers and enhance the integrity of their investigations. Our science-based interviewing curriculum was developed in 2017 through a collaboration of U S law enforcement and researchers who study investigative interviewing techniques. Evocavi’s interview curriculum is updated annually as we improve interview strategies and tactics and include new research Evocavi has provided investigative interview training to local law enforcement departments throughout the country We also train federal agencies such as the FBI, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Army CID, NCIS, U S Customs Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and Corporate Security and Threat Mitigation Units
JULY 14
OFFICER INVOLVED CRITICAL INCIDENT
INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (GRAND RAPIDS, MI)
JULY 23
OFFICER INVOLVED CRITICAL INCIDENT
INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (DUNEDIN, FL)
AUGUST 3
2025 IHIA 31ST ANNUAL TRAINING SYMPOSIUM (LOUISVILLE, KY)
AUGUST 25
SCIENCE BASED INTERVIEWING TRAINING COURSE (OMAHA, NEBRASKA)
SEPTEMBER 8
ADVANCED HOMICIDE & VIOLENT CRIMES
INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (BOSTON, MA)
OCTOBER 15
COLD CASE BREAKTHROUGH SUMMIT (NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA)
OCTOBER 20
FOUNDATIONAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS
COURSE (MISSOULA, MT)
OCTOBER 27
ADVANCED HOMICIDE & VIOLENT CRIMES
INVESTIGATIONS COURSE (HILO, HAWAII)
NOVEMBER 3
COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS: STRATEGIES & NEW TECHNOLOGIES SUMMIT (SALT LAKE CITY, UT)
NOVEMBER 17
FOUNDATIONAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS
COURSE (CORAL SPRINGS, FL)
DECEMBER 8
FOUNDATIONAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS
COURSE (LAWTON, OK)
JANUARY 26
MASS CASUALTY & ACTIVE SHOOTER INVESTIGATIONS
COURSE (GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS)
REGIONAL MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
As a sponsor or exhibitor, you'll have the opportunity to engage directly with homicide investigators from across the world Strengthen relationships with both individuals and departments while increasing your company's visibility within the law enforcement community Please contact Steve Lewis at slewis@ihia org or 540-898-7898
SPONSORSHIP RECEPTION $2,000
($2,000 exclusive, sponsorship will be shared with non-competing companies if exclusive if not secured)
SPONSORED COFFEE OR SPONSORED BREAKFAST $500/EACH DAY
SPONSOR DAY $500/EACH
DAY
Be the exclusive sponsor for a day network with attendees, join them for lunch, and take a few minutes to introduce yourself and share materials A great way to connect directly with investigators from around the world
INVESTIGATIVE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ADS
The IHIA e-Newsletter is sent quarterly to 10,000+ readers and posted on our members-only website Advertising space is available in each issue; an ideal way for companies to connect with IHIA members and showcase their products or services.
Trim Size: 519 wide x 200 high (in pixels) Static Only
Rates:
$350 | Premium Position #1
$300 | Premium Position #2
$250 | ALL Other Positions
Due Date for Reservations and Materials:
2025 September Issue | Due August 20th 2025 December Issue | Due November 20th
