(Click on the image for the flyer pdf)
On Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, Truman will be hosting a Tru Crime Day, packed with activities, including:
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Anatomy of an Autopsy: Virtual Cadaver Lab
Unlock the chilling secrets of the human body with Truman’s state-of-the-art virtual anatomy lab! Led by Professor Michelle Boyd and a team of graduate students, visitors will use virtual dissection tools to peel back layers of skin, slice open organs, saw through a skull, and more. In this truly “cutting-edge” educational tool, students dig through 3D cross-sections of the cadaver to uncover crucial clues about a mysterious murder.
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Hometown Horrors: True Crime Writing and Podcast Workshop
Bring your hometown’s dark tales and dastardly deeds to life in this creative writing and DIY podcast workshop, led by Rebecca Dierking, Professor of English! Learn how to craft gripping narratives that capture the tension of your hometown stories through written words and your own voice. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Villhard Innovation Lab’s Podcast Studio in Pickler Library, where you’ll have the chance to experiment with the equipment and enhance your storytelling.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Broken Justice: Escape Room Challenge
Can you escape the clutches of the justice system before the clock runs out? In this brain-bending prison break challenge, you and your team will crack codes, solve puzzles, and piece together clues to break free. Race against time, outwit the system, and see if you can make it to freedom— no lawyer needed! Beat the clock and earn some “get-out-of-jail-free” prizes that will have you feeling like a criminal mastermind!
12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
Criminal Law: from Courtroom to Classroom
Explore real criminal law in this interactive class session with current students. Learn about the sources of law and discuss how the criminal legal system functions. Through engaging activities and discussions, you’ll gain a better understanding of how laws are made and applied in real criminal cases—ideal for aspiring lawyers or anyone curious about the justice system.
1:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Crack the Case: Mock Crime Scene Investigation
Step into the shoes of a detective in this hands-on mock crime scene investigation! Team up with current Criminal Justice and Forensic Science students to examine a staged crime scene, collect evidence, and piece together the clues. Use real investigative techniques to analyze fingerprints, track down hidden evidence, and solve the mystery before time runs out. Are you sharp enough to crack the case?
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
From Script to Screen: Indie Filmmakers Spill their Guts
Join indie horror filmmakers and Truman State University alumni Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti for a chilling discussion on how they craft suspense, fear, and thrills in their films. As founders of DieDieBooks, an independent publisher of horror film criticism, and DieDieVideo, a low-budget horror film production company, they’ll share behind-the-scenes secrets from their work. Hear about their debut movie, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, which premiered at TIFF’s Midnight Madness program and was called “horror’s hottest ticket” by Variety.
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
Laundered Lies and Dirty Money: Financial Crimes Exposed
Unravel the secrets of financial fraud and white-collar crime in this fascinating session! Dr. Michael Barnes, Professor of Accounting, will expose the truth behind the headlines about greedy elites who exploit the system while everyday people suffer. In this twisted world of lies and corruption, forensic accountants are modern-day Robin Hoods—using their skills to expose corporate crooks and high-powered con artists, bringing them to cold, hard justice.
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
Serial Killer Psychology: Sal Costa
Peak into the minds of serial killers with Sal Costa, the legendary Truman State University professor who taught the infamous “Serial Killers” course for nearly three decades. In this captivating session, Costa will unravel the psychology and history of notorious serial killers, exploring the strange behaviors and dark motives behind their crimes. With his years of expertise, Costa brings a fascinating, thought-provoking look at this chilling topic that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Voices of Justice: Conversations with Criminal Justice Professionals
Hear from dynamic panels of criminal justice professionals as they pull back the curtain on their challenging and rewarding careers. Get a firsthand look at the complex and high-stakes decisions they face every day, from courtroom drama to the chaos of crime scenes. Hear their expert perspectives and learn how each professional plays a unique role in the pursuit of justice. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in the field or just curious about the justice system, this panel offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at how justice is served.
Questions?
Contact Elizabeth Wiles, Criminal Justice Studies & Legal Studies, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies ewiles@truman.edu
A Holman Speaker Series Event
The Sun Does Shine with Anthony Ray Hinton
6:00pm
The incredible true story of Anthony Ray Hinton, an innocent man who survived 30 years on Alabama’s Death Row. Q&A and book signing to follow.