Child Homicide Investigations

This comprehensive two-day training program brings together forensic pathologists, homicide investigators, and prosecutors to examine the critical elements of successfully investigating and prosecuting child homicide cases. Participants will explore autopsy protocols, forensic fundamentals, and the importance of establishing cause and manner of death. The course also addresses the distinct challenges involved in child homicide investigations, including witness and suspect interviewing techniques, suspect pool development, and the prosecutor's vital role in securing appropriate convictions.

Training Details

Dates: November 15-16, 2027

Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM ET (both days)

Location: Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management, 420 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088 (Syracuse area)

Duration: 16 hours

Cost: $450.00

Registration Deadline: October 4, 2027

What You Will Learn

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

• Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the forensic pathologist, law enforcement investigator, and prosecutor in child homicide investigations
• Collaborate more effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to strengthen cases
• Implement best practices to plan and conduct child homicide investigations with greater effectiveness
• Recognize the role and function of forensic evidence and leverage technology in homicide investigations
• Prepare child homicide cases for trial presentations to juries and judges, and distinguish how grand jury presentations differ

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for crime analysis team members, forensic service units, coroners and medical examiners, court system personnel, law enforcement professionals, social workers, and tribes and tribal partners.

Course Content Overview

The program covers child homicide prosecutions and current legal issues, the role of the medical examiner in child homicide investigations including manner of death classifications, time of death determination, and autopsy protocols. Special attention is given to abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome cases, along with their associated controversies. Investigative aspects are explored including timeline establishment, criminal intent determination, suspect development, and witness cultivation. The course also examines successful prosecution strategies, recent legal decisions affecting prosecutions, and electronic evidence. Interactive case studies featuring panel discussions on forensic pathology, investigation, and prosecution conclude the training.

Instructors

Colleen Curtin Gable is a former Assistant District Attorney with extensive homicide prosecution experience, serving as Homicide Bureau Chief in Erie County and having prosecuted numerous high-profile cases. She has taught at the New York State Prosecutors Training Institute and law enforcement academies, and continues to instruct at the University at Buffalo School of Law.

Dr. Katherine Maloney is a forensic pathologist and Deputy Chief Medical Examiner at the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office in Buffalo, New York. She is board certified in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and forensic pathology, and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo Medical School.

Steven Turner is an NCJTC Associate and Detective Sergeant with the Buffalo Police Department, bringing 30 years of law enforcement experience with 10 years in the Homicide Unit conducting child death investigations and criminal homicide cases.

Venue Information

The training will be held at the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management. Parking and entry are located at the south end of the building through the door marked TRAINING ENTRANCE. The front and north doors are locked and for employees only.

Lodging Options

Several hotel options are available in the Syracuse area:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport, 1305 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212
• Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport, 400 7th N Street, Liverpool, NY 13088
• Home2Suites by Hilton Syracuse Liverpool Airport, 341 Elmwood Davis Road, Liverpool, NY 13088
• Tru by Hilton Syracuse North Airport, 417 7th N Street, Liverpool, NY 13088

Registration and Fees

Training fees of $450.00 include 16 hours of instruction, program materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, travel, and lodging.

Additional Information

For continuing education unit policies, please consult the NCJTC policies page. For questions about this training, contact Jessica Heimann at (855) 866-2582 or jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu.