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

Course Overview:

This comprehensive two-day training program examines suspicious death investigations through the lens of real-world case studies developed from the professional experiences of a homicide detective and forensic pathologist. Participants will analyze critical scene findings, study actual cases, and learn how to correlate investigative discoveries with autopsy results. The course emphasizes strengthening collaborative relationships between investigating agencies and medical examiner offices to achieve improved case outcomes. Students will develop an appreciation for how distinctive case characteristics can influence investigative direction and will explore the ultimate resolution of each case examined, with practical lessons shared throughout the program.

What You Will Learn:

• Apply actual case studies to recognize and identify significant scene findings and establish connections or contradictions between scene evidence and autopsy conclusions
• Recognize how supplementary information either supports or conflicts with both scene and autopsy findings
• Enhance collaboration and communication practices between law enforcement agencies and medical examiner offices to achieve better investigative results
• Evaluate death scene characteristics to establish appropriate investigative protocols independent of initial determinations made by emergency responders
• Understand the medical examiner's methodology for establishing cause and manner of death and recognize how investigative work may influence these critical determinations

Training Details:

This 16-hour classroom-based course runs November 16-17, 2026, with sessions from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. The program is held at the Irving Police Training Academy, 2603 Esters Road, Irving, TX 75062.

Cost and Registration:

The registration fee is $350.00 and includes 16 hours of instruction, program materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, travel, and lodging. The registration deadline is October 5, 2026.

Intended Audience:

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals and tribal partners involved in death investigations.

Instructors:

David C. Winston, Retired Forensic Pathologist, MD, PhD brings 27 years of forensic pathology experience, including 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 currently works part-time at the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Winston holds board certification from the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic, Clinical, and Forensic Pathology and is a Fellow of both the National Association of Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

William "Bill" Hanson, Retired Detective, Tucson Police Department retired in November 2016 with over 26 years of law enforcement experience. His career included service as a Patrol Deputy in Arizona, followed by detective work in burglary, aggravated assault, and homicide units. He dedicated substantial time to homicide investigations and cold cases before retirement. Detective Hanson was named Officer of the Year in 2008 and served over 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard, retiring as a First Sergeant in 2002.

Lodging Options:

The following hotels are available in the Irving area:

• Marriott Dallas Las Colinas, 223 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX 75039
• Omni Las Colinas Hotel, 221 Las Colinas Blvd E, Irving, TX 75039
• Texican Court, Valencia Hotel Collection, 501 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039
• The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 400 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039

Additional Training Dates and Locations:

This course is offered at multiple locations and dates throughout 2026 and 2027, including September 21-22, 2026 in Clarksboro, New Jersey; March 15-16, 2027 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and May 4-5, 2027 in Denver, Colorado. All locations are priced at $350.00.

Contact Information:

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