News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr (573) 840-9500

Larry.Plunkett@msph.dps.missouri.gov

#: 2005-04-01

Date: April 13, 2005



EMPHASIS: Upcoming Homicide Seminar in Sikeston





The Missouri State Highway Patrol is pleased to support the Semo Major Case Squad and the National Homicide Seminar to be held at the Clinton Building in Sikeston, MO on April 19-21, 2005. The seminar is designed to expose investigators from across the area to new innovations in the field of homicide investigation and broaden the knowledge and skills of those in attendance.



The seminar will highlight two nationally recognized experts in the field of homicide investigation, Senior Investigator Tom Martin of the New York State Police and Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman (U.S Army retired). Mr. Martin’s presentation will include an overview of the New York State Police’s response to the World Trade Center and a case study of serial killer Kendell Francois. Colonel Grossman will speak on the subject of conflict psychology, having helped train mental health professionals after the Jonesboro school shootings and assisted with the aftermath of Paducah, Springfield, and Littleton shootings. The seminar will also include the topics of human remains recovery and atmospheric conditions affecting human decomposition.



Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol commented, “Although the overall goal of law enforcement is to prevent all serious physical crimes, the fact remains that area investigators need these advanced training sessions to maintain their effectiveness. We should always be prepared when our help is needed, and unfortunately, that happens approximately thirty to fifty times, (death investigations), a year in Troop E. I commend the Semo Major Case Squad for the hard work and initiative required to put on an event such as this.”



Any department interested in attending this training or any business/individual interested in helping sponsor the event should contact Patrol Sergeant W.T. “Bud” Cooper at 573-472-5200 or Sikeston DPS Captain Mark Crocker at 573-471-6200.