Investigation and Prosecution of Cold Case Homicides

This comprehensive two-day training program is designed to strengthen investigative techniques and prosecutorial strategies essential for successfully resolving cold case homicides. Participants will examine unresolved cases through the detailed analysis of real-world investigations, explore best practice methodologies, engage in interactive discussions, and access contemporary resources that support cold case work.

The course covers investigative, forensic, and prosecution approaches proven to help law enforcement and prosecutors navigate the complexities of cold case work. Attendees will learn strategies to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine prosecutorial efforts, while also examining practices for establishing and maintaining an efficient cold case unit structure.

Course Details

Duration: 16 hours of instruction over two days

Cost: $450.00 per participant

Training Dates and Locations:

• December 16-17, 2026 in Delaware, OH (Registration deadline: November 9, 2026)
• September 30 - October 1, 2026 in Everett, WA
• March 3-4, 2027 in St. Augustine, FL
• April 26-27, 2027 in Milford, CT
• September 29-30, 2027 in Rochester, MN
• November 17-18, 2027 in Liverpool, NY

Venue (December 16-17, 2026): Delaware County Sheriff's Office, 1776 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015

Who Should Attend

This training is appropriate for crime analysis team members, forensic service units, coroners and medical examiners, law enforcement personnel, and prosecutors.

Course Content

The program addresses key topics including death investigation processes and procedures, cold case selection and preparation, case management strategies, prosecutorial collaboration, behavioral aspects of cold case investigations, interviewing techniques, case strategy development, no body homicide prosecution, forensic technology applications, and peer case reviews.

Instructors

James Holmes - Special Agent (Ret.), Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. With law enforcement certification since 1995, Holmes served with the Dane County Sheriff's Department and Fitchburg Police Department before joining the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation in 1996. His extensive background includes assignments to the White Collar Crimes Bureau, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Major Crimes Unit, where he has been continuously involved in numerous homicide investigations, equivocal death cases, officer-involved death investigations, and multiple cold case homicide inquiries.

Mark MacKizer - NCJTC Associate Instructor. MacKizer retired after 27 years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he spent most of his career investigating violent crimes. His experience includes serving as Crisis Management Coordinator, Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force Coordinator, and team leader for the FBI's Southeast Region Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team. During his final seven years with the FBI, MacKizer was assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit, providing behavioral support to law enforcement investigating violent crimes and threats. He is co-author of Crimes Against Children: Behavioral and Investigative Perspectives and the third edition of the FBI's Child Abduction Response Plan. Since retiring, he has continued consulting on behavioral analysis-based operational support.

What's Included

The fee covers 16 hours of training, program materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, travel, and lodging.

Lodging Options (December 16-17, 2026)

• Cambria Hotel Columbus - Polaris, 9100 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240
• Hilton Columbus/Polaris, 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunbury | Columbus Area, 7301 OH-37, Sunbury, OH 43074
• Quality Inn and Suites, 1251 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015

Participants consistently praise this course for combining investigative and prosecutorial perspectives on cold case work. Previous attendees have highlighted the instructors' extensive knowledge and passion for the subject matter, the valuable networking opportunities with investigators from across the country, and the practical tips and new methodologies that can be immediately applied to ongoing cases.