Gather. Learn. Investigate.
May 15–16, 2026 | Jacksonville, Oregon
Unmasking the Darkness. Honoring the Light.
Welcome, fellow truth-seekers and armchair detectives, to the inaugural Southern Oregon True Crime Summit. My name is Melynda, and like many of you, I’ve spent countless hours meticulously examining evidence, delving into case files, and pondering the ‘whodunits’ that captivate our collective curiosity.
We are here because we share a fascination with the darker side of human nature and a relentless drive to understand the ‘why’ behind the unthinkable. This event is a unique opportunity to step beyond the headlines and explore the real stories, the victims, the investigators, and the justice system that works to bring clarity to chaos.
Over the next 2 days, we will hear from experts in forensics, psychology and victim advocacy. We will examine famous cold cases, discuss modern investigative techniques, and explore the ethical considerations of our shared obsession. We will learn, we will question, and perhaps, we will even find a few answers.
Even though we find true crime content compelling, we want to always ensure our interest is rooted in deep respect for the victims and their stories.
Meet the Experts
Hear directly from a lineup of elite professionals whose work has shaped some of the most compelling investigations in modern criminal justice.
These are the people who answer the call, follow the evidence, and bring truth to light.
Crescent City PD Volunteer
missing person k9 unit
Volunteer K9 Search,
Rescue & Recovery Team
The Crescent City PD Volunteer missing person k9 unit is an all-volunteer team dedicated to saving lives across rugged and remote terrain. With highly trained K9 units (air-scent and trailing dogs) and specialized ground teams, they tackle large-area searches, support missing-person investigations, and work alongside law enforcement and mutual-aid agencies. This demo offers an exclusive look at how teamwork, canine skill, and tactical coordination bring hope when every moment matters.
Laura Brand
The Siren of San Quentin,
Criminologist • True Crime Author • Victim Advocate
Laura Brand brings a powerful, investigative-driven perspective shaped by more than a decade of work inside San Quentin’s death row. A criminologist and true crime author, Laura has conducted extensive interviews with serial offenders as part of the largest collective study of serial murderers ever undertaken. Her work centers on victim recovery, identifying unknown victims, and pursuing justice beyond convictions — including efforts to locate missing remains connected to long-unsolved cases. Featured in national media and documentary projects, Laura’s work bridges forensic psychology, ethical investigation, and advocacy for the victims too often left behind.
Kirsten Snowden
Assistant District Attorney
– Multnomah County
With nearly three decades at the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Kirsten Snowden serves as First Assistant and second-in-command to the District Attorney. She oversees a team of more than 90 attorneys and 20 investigators, and previously spent 10 years as a Chief Deputy supervising one of the office’s major trial divisions. Kirsten has led approximately 250 criminal trials, including numerous homicide cases, and served as the office’s liaison for cold case homicides for seven years.
Lt. Colonel Carl Weitzel (Ret.)
Illinois State Police Department – Forensic Services
One of Carl’s cherished assignments was as the Lieutenant Colonel in the Division of Forensic Services, where the ISP operates the third largest crime lab system in the world and has a nationally recognized crime scene services command. Accreditation, training, benchmarking, and succession planning are just a few of the ways this division stays abreast of current technologies and methodologies. This continues to earn the Forensic Sciences and the Crime Scene Services Commands international accolades.
Adam Knight (Former)
U.S. Secret Service & Army Intelligence Officer
Adam Knight brings a rare blend of military intelligence and federal investigative experience. He served six years as a Strategic and HUMINT Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army, with assignments in South Korea and the 82nd Airborne Division, including a deployment to Iraq. After his military service, Adam became a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, working undercover operations in San Francisco and Oakland and supporting protective missions for the President, Vice President, and visiting heads of state. He now applies his operational expertise in the tech world.
Officer Fuhrman (Active)
Jacksonville Police Department – Sexual Assault Awareness
Officer Fuhrman brings frontline experience from the Jacksonville Police Department, specializing in sexual assault awareness and community response. With a focus on victim support, investigative coordination, and public education, Officer Fuhrman offers insight into how small communities address sensitive cases with care, diligence, and professionalism.
Jackson County SART Team
Sexual Assault Response & Victim Support
The Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team brings together medical professionals, advocates, and law enforcement specialists who coordinate the critical first steps after a sexual assault report. Their work focuses on trauma-informed care, evidence preservation, and supporting survivors with compassion and professionalism. This session offers an inside look at how coordinated response protects victims and strengthens investigations from the very first call.
Oregon Cold Case Collective
Non-profit Investigative Team
The Oregon Cold Case Collective is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to reopening unsolved cases across the state. With a mission of collaboration, innovation and tenacity, their work brings together volunteers, forensic researchers and law enforcement liaisons to uncover the truth one case at a time. This session offers insight into how persistent investigation and community engagement can bring resolution long after the trail seems cold.
🎙️ Podcast Listening Party:
Macabre – A Dark History Podcast
From arsenic to zombies, the hosts of Macabre: A Dark History Podcast bring their signature mix of research, humor, and gothic charm to Jacksonville.
Join Halley and Blaire for a live podcast session exploring the strange, sinister, and surprisingly human side of true crime and historical horror.
🎧 Listen ahead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeart Radio.
Exclusive Book Signing with Lindsay Wade — Limited Add-On Event
Meet renowned cold-case detective and author Lindsay Wade in an intimate, add-on book signing experience.
We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay Wade, celebrated cold-case detective, author of In My DNA, and fan favorite from the Small Town Dicks podcast, to the Southern Oregon True Crime Summit.
For true-crime fans who want a closer, more personal moment with Lindsay, we’re offering a special Book Signing Add-On:
🎟️ Limited to 40 attendees
📖 A signed copy of her memoir, In My DNA
✍️ Entry to an intimate book-signing session at Bigham Knoll
Malice in the Mist
A Dark History of the Pacific Northwest
Malice in the Mist is a special evening add-on experience that explores the darker history of the Pacific Northwest through an interactive true crime event led by Sarah Cailean of Cailean Investigations.
Drawing from real cases, regional history, and investigative research, this immersive experience invites attendees to test their knowledge, uncover lesser-known details, and engage with true crime in a dynamic, social setting.
Join us at Remotion Winery for Malice in the Mist a fun interactive way to experience true crime — thoughtful, engaging, and designed to spark conversation.
🎟️ Limited-capacity add-on event
📍 Saturday evening, May 16
Remotion Wine Tasting Room
105 W. Main Street jacksonville, OR 97530
👉 Add it to your summit experience.
Get Tickets
Your Access to an Unforgettable
True Crime Experience
Join us for two incredible days of real stories, rare insights, and unforgettable moments in historic Jacksonville, Oregon.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, an investigator at heart, or simply fascinated by the psychology of justice — this summit was designed for you.
Every ticket includes full access to all sessions, Q&A panel, and presentations — no overlapping tracks, no missed moments. Just two seamless days of storytelling, science, and community.
🍷 Plan Your Stay
Immerse yourself in Southern Oregon’s charm — where history meets hospitality.
Explore local restaurants, wineries, and inns offering exclusive discounts for summit attendees.