Investigating and Prosecuting No Body Homicides by NCJTC

Investigating and Prosecuting No Body Homicides

This specialized training examines the unique complexities associated with homicide investigations where the victim's body has not been recovered. Many of these cases originate as missing persons investigations, and the combination of the suspect's time advantage with the absence of physical evidence presents substantial investigative challenges. This course equips participants with a comprehensive framework and practical strategies needed to construct a compelling circumstantial case suitable for prosecution, whether addressing recent incidents or cases of considerable age.

Through instruction from seasoned professionals, attendees will explore methodologies for establishing that a victim is deceased without the presence of a body, utilizing proven techniques including victimology analysis, suspect and witness interviews, examination of documents, records, and digital evidence, as well as strategic search approaches and meticulous case documentation. The training emphasizes prosecution strategies designed to enhance the likelihood of conviction. Participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss their own cases as part of an interactive case study exercise.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize warning signs in missing persons investigations
• Demonstrate how to prove a victim's death without recovered remains
• Construct a robust circumstantial case using circumstantial evidence and available records
• Execute thorough case documentation to enhance prosecution prospects
• Prepare effectively for trial proceedings to optimize outcomes in cases without recovered remains

Course Details

Duration: 16 hours

Cost: $450.00

Fee Includes: Training instruction, course materials, and program costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, transportation, and accommodations.

Audience

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, and related court officials. Law enforcement attendees are strongly encouraged to participate with their corresponding prosecutors.

Instructors

Marianne Flynn Statz - NCJTC Associate | Retired Lieutenant, Madison Police Department

Marianne commenced her career at the Madison Police Department in 1991 and advanced to detective status in 2000, focusing on sensitive criminal matters including sexual assault, harassment, crimes targeting children, domestic violence, homicide, and disappearances. She led the investigation into the 1976 vanishing of Jean Zapata, a mother and flight instructor who disappeared from her home without a trace, which ultimately resulted in the arrest and conviction of her ex-husband for murder despite remains never being recovered. Throughout her career, she participated in tactical operations, officer-involved incident investigations, and cold case reviews, and established a child abduction response team. Following her 2013 promotion to Lieutenant, she directed detective operations before moving into academy administration. Post-retirement, she has contributed to the Wisconsin Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force and participates on the Wisconsin Cold Case Review Team.

Robert Kaiser - NCJTC Associate | Assistant Attorney General (Retired), Wisconsin Department of Justice

Robert brings 45 years of prosecutorial experience to this training. He served for nine years in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in Illinois before joining the Dane County District Attorney's Office in Wisconsin in 1987, where he prosecuted felonies. In 2014, he transferred to the Criminal Litigation Unit at the Wisconsin Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General. Throughout his extensive career, he has instructed on numerous prosecution and investigation topics including homicide, child abuse, sexual crimes, gang-related offenses, strangulation, victim advocacy, competency determinations, evidentiary matters, prosecutorial conduct, trial methodology, witness preparation, sentencing considerations, and plea discussions. He holds National Institute of Trial Advocacy certification in trial advocacy instruction.

Available Sessions

May 3-4, 2027 | Benton, AR | Registration Deadline: March 29, 2027

September 28-29, 2026 | Georgetown, TX

October 26-27, 2026 | Everett, WA

February 22-25, 2027 | Virtual (Live Online Instructor Led)

Venue Information (Benton, AR Session)

Location: Saline County Sheriff's Office, 735 S Neeley Street, Benton, AR 72150

Lodging Recommendations:

• Comfort Inn & Suites Bryant-Benton, 209 W Commerce Street, Bryant, AR 72022
• Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Little Rock Benton, 17320 I-30, Bryant, AR 72019
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryant-Benton, 7224 Alcoa Road, Bryant, AR 72015