Victim Families

Missing Persons

A missing person is a person who has disappeared and whose status as alive or dead cannot be confirmed, as their location and condition are not known. A person may go missing through a voluntary disappearance or due to an accident, crime, death in a location where they cannot be found or many other reasons. Some missing person cases remain unresolved for many years. Laws related to these cases are often complex since, in many jurisdictions, relatives and third parties may not deal with a person’s assets until their death is considered proven by law and a formal death certificate issued. The situation, uncertainties and lack of closure resulting when a person goes missing may be extremely painful with long-lasting effects on family and friends. I take all of this into account when accepting a missing persons case. As the former supervisor of the Pennsylvania Missing Persons Clearinghouse, I understand the investigative process and what steps can be taken to move a case forward. I will never promise false hope, but I will promise to work as hard as I possibly can to locate your loved one and bring closure to this case.

Cause and Manner of Death

Cause of Death:  The underlying medical condition, disease or injury that begins a lethal chain of events resulting in death.

Manner of Death: Describes the way in which a death occurs, which may be Homicide, Suicide, Accidental, Natural or Undetermined.

With the loss of a loved one, families are often left with many unanswered questions. I have spent most of my career answering these questions. As a Pennsylvania State Trooper, I prided myself in ensuring the families understood the cause and manner of death no matter what this may be. Now, as an independent party, I find it even more important that families find peace and understanding in the conclusions drawn by the coroner’s office and law enforcement. 

I have investigated and reviewed hundreds of cases relating to death. Over the years I have developed courses on how to successfully investigate these cases which I continue to teach. In some unique cases, the cause or manner of death can be misinterpreted by investigators. In these cases, a second review of the investigation can help determine the true cause or manner of death. I will share all my findings with law enforcement to assist them in finding the truth. 

Family Laison

The death of a family member is tragic, the murder of a family member even more-so. I have been involved in hundreds of these investigations and continue to consult on cases of this nature nationally. I know what is expected of law enforcement as well as prosecution and understand what is needed to successfully prosecute a case of this nature. I will work on the family’s behalf to ensure that law enforcement is utilizing every resource at their disposal to bring the case to a successful conclusion.

Child Abuse

Child abuse or child maltreatment: The physical, sexual, and/or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child or children, especially by a parent or a caregiver. 

Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or a caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to a child, and can occur in a child’s home, or in the organizations, schools, or communities the child interacts with. I have dedicated my professional career protecting children from any form of abuse.  I continue to work tirelessly to protect our children. For years I have developed and presented courses on how to conduct these investigations. I understand the roles of Children and Youth Services, Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, and the Child Advocacy Centers. I am dedicated to helping families through the process of an investigation and understanding the outcomes