The inaugural Southern Oregon True Crime Summit has officially come to a close, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support, enthusiasm, and community that made this event possible.
A Day of Awareness, Education, and Connection
What began as a vision to bring together advocates, investigators, educators, ethical creators, and community members became something far more meaningful than we could have imagined.
Together, we spent a day exploring the realities of cold case investigations, victim advocacy, forensic science, law enforcement collaboration, K9 search and recovery efforts, and the ongoing pursuit of justice for missing persons and victims throughout our region.
Most importantly, we came together with a shared purpose: to create awareness, support meaningful organizations, and help keep important conversations alive.
A Day of Awareness, Education, and Connection
Because of your support, the summit raised funds benefiting the Oregon Cold Case Collective, Oregon’s Vanished, and the Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team. These organizations work tirelessly to support investigations, advocacy efforts, victims, and families seeking answers.
We are incredibly grateful to our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, podcast partners, vendors, and attendees who helped create such an engaging and impactful experience.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from an extraordinary group of professionals and advocates whose knowledge, passion, and dedication inspired thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections.
The Story Behind the Summit
One particularly meaningful connection that helped inspire this summit began in September 2025 when organizer Melynda Cordes met Gloria Bobertz while visiting the Oregon coast near Crescent City. Gloria serves with the Crescent City Police Volunteer K9 Team and has dedicated her life to helping families find answers through specialized remains-detection K9 work.
That chance encounter helped spark a larger vision: creating a place where advocates, investigators, educators, creators, and community members could come together to support awareness and justice.
Only months later, that vision became reality.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the City of Jacksonville for welcoming our attendees, speakers, and guests. Jacksonville provided the perfect setting for meaningful conversations, new connections, and a memorable inaugural event.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we reflect on this first summit, we are already looking toward the future.
The Southern Oregon True Crime Summit was never intended to be a one-time event. It was created to foster education, awareness, collaboration, and support for those affected by crime and loss. We look forward to continuing that mission in the years ahead.
Thank you for believing in this vision and helping us take the first step.
We can’t wait to share what comes next.
— Melynda Cordes
Southern Oregon True Crime Summit