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Truman State University will host its first-ever Tru Crime Day on March 26. The event is open to both the campus and the Kirksville community.
It will provide a multidisciplinary approach to crime and criminal justice through engaging panels, workshops, discussions, and activities.
Attendees will explore real-life cases, investigative science, and the legal, social, and psychological aspects of crime. Some sessions will be particularly beneficial for current and prospective students.
True crime is a widely popular genre, especially among Gen Z,” said Elizabeth Wiles, assistant professor of criminal justice studies and chair of legal studies and pre-law programming at Truman.
“This event is not just for criminal justice or pre-law students. It is open to anyone, aged teen or older, who wants to learn about true crime from different perspectives.” Most events do not require registration, though it is recommended. However, activities marked with an asterisk require prior registration. To sign up, visit truman.edu/events/tru-crime-day.
Special Presentation by Anthony Ray Hinton
Participants can also attend a presentation by Anthony Ray Hinton, who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1985 and spent nearly 30 years on death row in Alabama. The Equal Justice Initiative, led by Bryan Stevenson, took up his case and fought for his release for 16 years.
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction.
Since then, Hinton has become a well-known speaker and the author of the bestselling book “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row.”
“His memoir carries themes of faith, hope, perseverance, and justice. It will resonate with a diverse audience,” Wiles said. “This event promises to be a transformative experience.”
Hinton’s presentation will take place at 6 p.m. on March 26 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public as part of the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series.
Tru Crime Day Events
Registration required
Anatomy of an Autopsy: Virtual Cadaver Lab
Experience Truman’s advanced virtual anatomy lab. Participants will use digital dissection tools to examine 3D cross-sections of a cadaver and uncover key clues in a mysterious murder case.
Voices of Justice: Conversations with Criminal Justice Professionals
Listen to experts from the criminal justice field as they share insights into their careers. From crime scenes to courtrooms, learn how professionals handle high-stakes decisions and ensure justice.
Crack the Case: Mock Crime Scene Investigation
Step into the role of a detective in this hands-on crime scene investigation. Work with forensic science and criminal justice students to analyze evidence, lift fingerprints, and solve a staged mystery.
Hometown Horrors: True Crime Writing and Podcast Workshop
Explore the art of true crime storytelling in this workshop. Learn to craft compelling narratives and experiment with podcasting at the Villhard Innovation Lab’s studio in Pickler Memorial Library.
Prison Break Escape Rooms
Test your problem-solving skills in this interactive escape room challenge. Solve puzzles, crack codes, and race against time to break free and win fun prizes.
From Script to Scream: Indie Filmmakers Reveal Their Secrets
Join Truman alumni and indie horror filmmakers Nick Toti and Rachel Kempf as they discuss how they create suspense and fear in their films. Learn about their low-budget horror projects and their independent publishing work.
Killer Psychology with Sal Costa
Discover the minds of serial killers with Sal Costa, the former Truman professor who taught the university’s famous “Serial Killers” course for nearly 30 years. Learn about the psychology and history of infamous criminals.
Laundered Lies & Dirty Money: Exposing Financial Crimes
Uncover the truth behind financial fraud and white-collar crime. This session highlights forensic accountants’ role in exposing corruption and bringing corporate criminals to justice.
Criminal Law: From Courtroom to Classroom
Engage in an interactive session on real-world criminal law. Learn how laws are created and applied through case discussions and legal activities. Ideal for aspiring lawyers and anyone interested in the justice system.
