Child Homicide Investigations

This comprehensive two-day classroom training program brings together forensic pathologists, homicide investigators, and prosecutors to develop collaborative approaches to child homicide cases. Participants will gain essential knowledge in autopsy procedures, forensic investigation techniques, and the critical process of establishing cause and manner of death in child fatalities.

Training Overview

The course emphasizes building strong working relationships among the forensic pathology, law enforcement, and prosecution teams to strengthen investigations and prosecutions. Attendees will explore specialized investigation methods including suspect identification strategies, advanced interviewing and interrogation tactics, and the prosecutor's pivotal role in securing appropriate convictions. The training also addresses unique challenges such as abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome cases, including ongoing controversies in this area.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the distinct roles and responsibilities of forensic pathologists, law enforcement investigators, and prosecutors in child homicide cases
• Enhance collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams to strengthen investigative cases
• Apply best practices to plan and conduct child homicide investigations more effectively
• Understand how forensic evidence and technology can be leveraged to enhance investigations
• Prepare cases for trial presentations to juries and judges, and differentiate grand jury presentation strategies

Course Details

Schedule: December 14-15, 2026

Hours: 16 hours of instruction

Location: Delaware County Sheriff's Office, 1776 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015

Cost: $450.00

Registration Deadline: November 9, 2026

Daily Schedule:

December 14: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

December 15: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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 tribal partners.

Instructors

Colleen Curtin Gable - Assistant District Attorney with extensive prosecutorial experience spanning multiple decades. Ms. Gable served as the first female Homicide Bureau Chief in Erie County and brings significant expertise in prosecuting complex felony cases including sexual assault and child abuse matters. She has taught at various law enforcement training institutions and continues to instruct in criminal justice education.

James Holmes - Special Agent (Retired), Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. Mr. Holmes has served as a certified law enforcement officer since 1995 and has extensive experience investigating adult and child homicides, equivocal deaths, officer-involved incidents, and cold case homicides through his assignment to the Major Crimes Unit.

Katherine Maloney, MD - Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Erie County Medical Examiner's Office in Buffalo, New York, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo Medical School. Dr. Maloney is board certified in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and forensic pathology, with specialized training in forensic neuropathology and cardiac pathology.

Course Materials and Fees

The training fee of $450.00 includes 16 hours of instruction and course materials. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, travel, and lodging. Several hotel options are available in the Delaware and Columbus area.

Additional Information

For continuing education unit information, please consult the NCJTC policies page. Access to this training requires approval for criminal justice professionals. For questions or to request to host this training, contact Jessica Heimann at (855) 866-2582 or jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu.