"Forensic Solutions in Fiction" at Sleuthfest 2014

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"Forensic Solutions in Fiction" at Sleuthfest 2014

I was asked recently to serve on a panel at the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, also known as Sleuthfest 2014. While there, I was invited to serve on a panel called Forensic Solutions in Fiction.  The panel consisted of two police officers, a CSI laboratory specialist, and a forensic odontologist, all of who are now also fiction true crime writers.

We fielded questions about the accuracy of CSI type programs, real life forensic situations, and how we all take our true experiences and incorporate them into our fiction writing.  Pretty interesting discussion!

Below is the audio recording of the panel discussion.  What TV crime shows and movies do you enjoy, and how do they stack up against what we talk about here? Will our discussion affect how you watch crime dramas? Please use the comments below to let me know.

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Meeting the "Medical Examiner to the Stars"

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Meeting the "Medical Examiner to the Stars"

Hey guys! We just returned week before last from the American Academy of Forensic Science meeting, this year in Seattle.  We had a great meeting, and had the opportunity to debut Walk of Death to over 200 forensic odontologists from all across the United States and the world.  The presentation was most successful.  While in Seattle, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tom Nogushi, affectionately known as the "medical examiner to the stars."

Dr. Nogushi served for almost 20 years in the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and performed autopsies for many of Hollywood's famous residents.  Some of his more notable autopsies were performed on celebrities like John Belushi, Janis Joplin, Sharon Tate, Robert F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe.  What a wonderfully delightful gentleman, still willing and hungry to share and teach to all who are interested. He is still a very active and spry 87 years old.

I am proud to have been able to have met Dr. Nogushi, one of the most famous individuals in the field of forensic science!

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First Annual Walk of Death Golf Tourney

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First Annual Walk of Death Golf Tourney

Throughout the years, one of the most influential mentors I have had is Dr. Richard Souviron, Chief Forensic Dentist for the Miami/Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office. You have seen him interviewed on 60 Minutes and other magazine/news programs. He has provided testimony (along with yours truly) for the West Memphis Three trial most recently. He is most well known for his testimony in the State of Florida vs. Ted Bundy, a landmark case in forensic identification. It is the first time a US citizen has been convicted and executed for a capital offense, where a human bitemark was the primary source of evidence.  

Our friendship has continued over the years, including his OPPOSING testimony in the case State of Tennessee vs Castleman in 1985. It was the first time bitemark evidence had ever been allowed as admissible evidence in a Tennessee courtroom. This happened to be my first time EVER in a courtroom. Talk about David vs Goliath!!

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Even though you’d find it hard to believe, I am not employed by the Jackson Hole Visitor’s Bureau. It just happens to be one of the most beautiful places on earth! That’s why Karen and I have to make a regular trek out for our Rocky Mountain fix. Snuggled right up against an edge of Yellowstone National Park, this rugged little western town, carved right out of the 1800’s, boasts an elevation of up to 10,450 feet and population of much less. It serves as home to at least a few celebrities including but not limited to Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Dick Cheney, and recognized trial lawyer Gerry Spence (remember the OJ trial coverage?).

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New Way to Meet Mystery Readers

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New Way to Meet Mystery Readers

Funny thing happened on the way to the Boston airport. So cool that it deserves its own blog. We are checking our bags at the Southwest Airlines counter, Karen is lugging this 24x30 color poster of the Walk of Death book while I’m trying to set each suitcase on the little machine to see if it weighs over 50 lbs. I’m giving it the business (*&^%$#@) cause we’re having to shift around to fit the weight requirements. I took out a couple of extra WOD books out of one suitcase, set it up on the counter to transfer it (and its weight) to the next suitcase. 

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Hats Off To The 100TH Anniversary Of The American Dental Hygienists Association!

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Hats Off To The 100TH Anniversary Of The American Dental Hygienists Association!

When the invitation to speak at this prestigious meeting arrived almost a year ago, I had no idea the magnitude of this honor. Of course most all dentists have dental hygienists, those professionals in charge of keeping your pearly whites completely white. But the 100th anniversary for ANYTHING is a big deal!

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Boston Unplugged

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Boston Unplugged

Having only visited Boston one other time in my life, I was really looking forward to refreshing my memory of the city’s layout. After checking into the Marriott Hotel Copley Place, my wife Karen and I wandered aimlessly down to Boylston Street. This street was world famous already, boasting the finish line of the 116th annual Boston Marathon. Now, it had gained additional notoriety, with the recent bombings during this year’s race.

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