Training Courses

Investigating Cases of Child Homicide & Unexplained Deaths by LLRMI

Date & Time:
  • May 18, 2027 – May 19, 2027
Location:
Pharr, TX

Investigating Cases of Child Homicide and Unexplained Deaths of Children

Course Dates: May 18-19, 2027

Location: South Texas College Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, 3901 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott McAllen Airport, 2131 South 10th St., McAllen, TX 78503

Instructor: Robert G. Lowery, Jr.

Registration Fee: $325

Continuing Education Credit: 13.5 hours (Approved by ABMDI, Accreditation # 24-082)

Course Overview

This comprehensive two-day seminar is tailored for law enforcement homicide and death investigators, coroner and medical examiner investigators, and child protection specialists. Participants will develop advanced capabilities in responding to and investigating child homicide cases and unexplained child deaths. The program prioritizes investigative precision, proper evidence handling, appropriate family communication, and adherence to legal and procedural standards when handling these highly sensitive matters.

Using a combination of instructional sessions and real-world case examples, participants will master techniques for identifying accidental versus deliberate injuries, managing complex death scenes, and working compassionately with grieving families.

What Participants Will Learn

  • Proper death scene management, including securing the scene and maintaining evidence integrity
  • Methodologies for comprehensive child death investigations and determining cause and manner of death
  • Assessment of infant deaths, including distinguishing between SUDI and SIDS, and clarifying misconceptions surrounding shaken baby syndrome
  • Use of doll reenactments to recreate events and evaluate injury patterns
  • Differentiation between accidental and intentional injuries, including falls with head trauma, thermal injuries, skeletal fractures, bruising patterns, and injuries in various stages of healing
  • Recognition of child neglect as a contributing factor to fatal outcomes
  • Current epidemiology of child homicides in the United States, including abduction patterns, identification of false abduction claims, remains disposal methods, and unidentified remains resolution
  • Effective interview and interrogation approaches for use with suspects, witnesses, and family members
  • Victim and family support strategies, including crisis communication techniques
  • Special considerations for vulnerable children, including those with autism spectrum disorder and those at risk from hazardous behaviors such as water-related incidents
  • Application of learned strategies through examination of practical case examples

About the Instructor

Robert G. Lowery, Jr. previously served as Commander of the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad, an elite multi-jurisdictional violent crime task force that has operated for 35 years. In this leadership role, he oversaw high-profile murder investigations affecting a population of 2.5 million across 12 counties in Missouri and Illinois. He established collaborative relationships with major federal law enforcement organizations, including the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, ATF, Secret Service, and IRS to enhance resources for active homicide investigations. Among his notable contributions, Mr. Lowery founded the Technical Operations Group, a specialized unit providing electronic surveillance capabilities for suspect tracking and apprehension, and created the Family Liaison Program to provide trained investigators dedicated to supporting homicide victims' families. His professional affiliations include membership in the International Homicide Investigators Association, the International Coroners and Medical Examiners Association, the FBI and National Academy Association, and participation in the Federal Agency Task Force on Missing and Exploited Children.