Investigating and Prosecuting No Body Homicides

This specialized training program examines the unique complexities inherent in investigating and prosecuting homicide cases where the victim's body has not been recovered. Many of these cases originate as missing persons investigations, and the combination of the suspect's time advantage with the absence of physical remains creates substantial investigative obstacles. This course equips participants with a structured framework and practical tools needed to construct a viable circumstantial case—whether the case is recent or decades old.

Instructors with extensive experience in no-body homicide cases will guide participants through proven methodologies for establishing that a victim is deceased without physical evidence, including victimology analysis, witness and suspect interviews, examination of documents and records, digital footprint analysis, search strategy development, and best practices in case documentation. The training also addresses prosecution strategies designed to strengthen the likelihood of securing a conviction at trial. Participants will have the opportunity to present their own cases as part of interactive case study exercises.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this training, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize warning indicators in missing persons investigations
• Demonstrate how to prove a victim is deceased in the absence of a body
• Construct a persuasive circumstantial homicide case utilizing anecdotal information and documentation
• Properly document investigative findings to optimize prosecution success
• Adequately prepare for trial proceedings to achieve favorable outcomes when human remains are not located

Training Details

Format: Classroom and Live Online Instructor-Led options available

Duration: 16 hours of instruction

Cost: $450.00 (includes program materials and instructional expenses; participants are responsible for meals, travel, and lodging)

Scheduled Sessions

• October 26-27, 2026 in Everett, WA
• September 28-29, 2026 in Georgetown, TX
• February 22-25, 2027 as Live Online Instructor-Led (Virtual)
• May 3-4, 2027 in Benton, AR

Eligibility

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, and related court officials. Law enforcement personnel are strongly encouraged to attend with their prosecutor counterparts.

Instructors

Marianne Flynn Statz — NCJTC Associate and Retired Lieutenant, Madison Police Department. Marianne began her law enforcement career with the Madison Police Department in 1991, advancing to detective in 2000. Her investigative background encompasses sensitive crimes including sexual assaults, stalking, crimes against children, domestic violence, homicides, and missing persons cases. She notably investigated the 1976 disappearance of Jean Zapata, a flight instructor who vanished from her Madison residence. That investigation resulted in the arrest and murder conviction of her ex-husband despite the victim's remains never being found. Marianne has also served on SWAT and Cold Case teams, founded the Child Abduction Response Team, and later served as a Detective Lieutenant and academy director. Following her retirement, she participated on the Wisconsin MMIW Task Force and continues as a member of the Wisconsin Cold Case Review Team.

Robert Kaiser — NCJTC Associate and Retired Assistant Attorney General, Wisconsin Department of Justice. Bob is a 45-year veteran prosecutor who spent nine years in the Cook County, Illinois State's Attorney's Office before joining Wisconsin's Dane County District Attorney's Office in 1987 as an Assistant District Attorney. In 2014, he transitioned to the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Criminal Litigation Unit as an Assistant Attorney General. His extensive lecturing experience covers prosecution and investigation of murders, child abuse, sexual assault, gang crimes, strangulation, victims' rights, rules of evidence, prosecutor ethics, trial practice, witness preparation, and plea negotiations. He holds Trial Advocacy Instructor certification from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.

Registration Deadline

September 21, 2026