Suspicious Death Investigations: Finding the Right, Eliminating the Wrong, and Avoiding the Undetermined

This two-day classroom course examines real-world suspicious death investigations through case studies developed from the professional experiences of seasoned homicide detectives and forensic pathologists. Participants will analyze critical scene discoveries, study authentic case examples, and connect those findings with corresponding autopsy outcomes.

The training emphasizes strengthening collaboration between investigative agencies and medical examiner offices to enhance case resolution. Attendees will develop a deeper understanding of how specific case characteristics can influence investigative direction and decision-making. The course concludes by reviewing how each examined case was ultimately resolved and sharing valuable lessons applicable to real investigations.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Apply case study analysis to recognize significant scene findings and establish connections or contradictions with autopsy determinations
• Evaluate supplementary information to determine if it supports or conflicts with scene and autopsy conclusions
• Enhance inter-agency communication with medical examiner offices to achieve improved investigative outcomes
• Assess death scene characteristics to establish appropriate investigative procedures beyond initial emergency personnel determinations
• Comprehend the medical examiner's methodology for establishing cause and manner of death and recognize how investigative work influences these determinations

Training Details

Duration: 16 hours of instruction over two days

Schedule (September 21-22, 2026 session):

• September 21: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• September 22: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cost: $350.00 per participant

The registration fee covers 16 hours of training, course materials, and instructional expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, transportation, and accommodations.

Target Audience

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals and tribal partners engaged in death investigation work.

Instructors

David C. Winston, MD, PhD – Retired Forensic Pathologist

Dr. Winston recently retired from full-time forensic pathology practice in July 2025, bringing 27 years of professional experience. He served 22.5 years at the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson, Arizona, and 4.5 years as a Regional Forensic Pathologist for North Carolina at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He continues part-time work as a forensic pathologist at the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Winston holds a BS in Biology from Saint Louis University and earned both PhD and MD degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed anatomic and clinical pathology training at the University of Virginia and completed his forensic pathology fellowship in Albuquerque. He maintains board certification through the American Board of Pathology in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology and holds fellowship status in both the National Association of Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

William "Bill" Hanson – Retired Detective, Tucson Police Department

Detective Hanson retired from the Tucson Police Department in November 2016 with more than 26 years of law enforcement experience. His career began as a Patrol Deputy in Mohave County, Arizona, where he served as a Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator, and SWAT Team Leader. He transferred to the Tucson Police Department in 1993 and advanced to Detective in 1998, working in Burglary, Aggravated Assault, and Homicide units. Beginning in 2000, he assisted the Homicide Unit while maintaining his own cases, and transitioned to full-time Homicide work in 2005, continuing with cold case investigations through his retirement. Hanson is a decorated law enforcement officer who received the Officer of the Year award in 2008. He also served over 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard, retiring as a First Sergeant in 2002.

Available Training Sessions

• September 21-22, 2026 – Clarksboro, NJ (Gloucester County Fire Academy, 200 County House Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020)
• November 16-17, 2026 – Irving, TX – $350.00
• March 15-16, 2027 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – $350.00
• May 4-5, 2027 – Denver, CO – $350.00

Lodging Options (Clarksboro, NJ Session)

• Courtyard by Marriott Deptford, 1251 Hurffville Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
• Courtyard by Marriott Glassboro Rowan University, 325 Rowan Blvd, Glassboro, NJ 08028
• Hampton Inn and Suites Deptford, 1253 Hurffville Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Swedesboro Logan Township, 3 Pureland Drive, Swedesboro, NJ 08085

Participant Feedback

"The instructors were very knowledgeable. I learned so much from the actual case studies and the instructors' great field experience."

"The training taught me to collaborate more with the medical examiner during investigations—ask more questions!"

"I highly recommend this training to responding officers who arrive first to a death scene. They need to know what to look for."

"The instructors inspired me to be more thorough and more efficient at death scenes—I wish I had this knowledge sooner!"

For questions or additional information, contact Jessica Heimann at (855) 866-2582 or jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu.