Forensic Case Studies

This ongoing class will focus on real cases, both solved and unsolved.  In discussions of solved crimes, we will examine the investigative work, evidence, and witness statements that led to either convictions or solutions that warranted closing of case files.  For unsolved cases, we will examine the evidence that is available, details of investigative work, and hypotheses that have been put forward over time.

The case list will include well-known cases, as well as cases that largely go under the radar.  The case list will include:

The UnaBomber
Diane Downs case
D.B. (Dan) Cooper
The Lindbergh Kidnapping (new hypothesis)
Long Island Serial Killer
Ambrose Small Disappearance
Elisa Lam
The Staircase Murder
Sonoma County Homicides of the early 1970s
Ted Bundy
The Manson "Family"
Symbionese Liberation Army

This is only a partial list, and learners will be able to provide input about cases that interest them.

Four sample topics that will be covered in the first four sessions of this class are:

Week of April 29:  The UnaBomber:  We will cover the crimes, the investigation and arrest, and the life of Ted Kaczynscki.
Week of May 6:  Diane Downs:  We will examine the crimes and initial statement of convicted killer Diane Downs.  We will watch a short recording of Downs demonstrating to police what she claimed happened, and we will discuss body language and ways to detect lying.
Week of May 13:  Ambrose Small:  We will explore the early 20th century disappearance of Canadian theater-owner Ambrose Small and the bizarre twists in the investigation that followed.
Week of May 20:  The Staircase Murder:  We will cover the death of Kathleen Peterson and the subsequent conviction of her husband, which was later overturned due to improper testimony from a forensic scientist.  In one of the greatest twists in any case in history, investigators eventually discovered that the killer may actually have been an OWL!

I will announce in class and on the classroom page what case we will be covering in each subsequent session so that interested students can research the cases before our meetings.

This class will be taught in a "Socratic Discussion" style.  I will present background information and details on the investigation and evidence, and students will consider different hypotheses and provide their thoughts on each case.