JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida will host the 2024 Cold Case Symposium this Tuesday and Wednesday with local nonprofit Project: Cold Case.
Each year the symposium rotates locations to bring nationwide attention to the cause of cold cases.
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The event brings together families of cold case victims and provides them with the rare opportunity to engage directly with law enforcement, social workers, forensic scientists, journalists, and legal advocates.
“Hosting the year’s event in Jacksonville adds a deep sense of meaning to our mission of supporting families affected by unsolved homicides,” said Ryan Backmann, founder and executive director of Project: Cold Case.
Backmann’s father is the victim of an unsolved homicide from almost 15 years ago. He wants the event to bring the community together and make families of victims feel less alone in their search for justice.
“Cold case investigations need more than just forensic science; they require advocacy, collaboration, and compassion,” said Krystal Hans, assistant professor of forensic entomology at Purdue University.
Speakers at this year’s symposium will include leading forensic experts, law enforcement professionals, journalists, and advocates.
The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Wednesday at UNF’s Adam W. Herbert University Center.
In-person registration is available on-site Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on both days.