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.

Crescent City PD Volunteer
missing person k9 unit 

Volunteer K9 Search & Recovery Team

The Crescent City Police Department (CCPD) operates a specialized Volunteer K9 Team that provides critical assistance to various law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon and California. This unit is frequently deployed to support investigations involving:

• Missing Persons: Locating individuals using scent-based tracking and trailing in diverse environments.
• Cold Case Homicides: Assisting with long-term unsolved cases, particularly those where a body has not been recovered or where human remains need to be identified.
• Mutual Aid: Partnering with regional entities such as the Oregon Cold Case Team and other sheriff’s offices to provide specialized search capabilities. 

The team, which includes volunteer handlers and their K9 partners, participates in public awareness events to discuss the role of K9 units in bringing justice and answers to victims’ families. Their efforts often focus on complex cases involving unidentified human remains and suspected foul play where traditional search methods have been exhausted.

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.