Beyond the Obvious: Advanced Skills in Death Scene Analysis

In today’s investigative climate, one mistake can cost a case—or a career. This advanced, two-day course is built for seasoned detectives who understand that the most dangerous threats to justice are often the errors we don’t see. From missed red flags and misinterpreted scenes to overlooked evidence and delayed action, this course will help you recognize the warning signs before they become consequences.

Unlike our course, "A Grim Look at Death: Death and Homicide Investigations", this advanced course focuses on the gray areas—where uncertainty lives and justice is most at risk. This course is taught by nationally respected experts Marisa Edelberg, Board-Certified Fellow with over 17 years as a Medicolegal Death Investigator, and William Simon, a decorated military veteran and retired NYPD Cold Case Homicide Detective, this course challenges you to elevate your work, strengthen your decisions, and protect the integrity of every investigation you touch.

You’ll dive deep into real-world case studies, uncover what others missed, and learn how to avoid costly mistakes that can derail justice. This course focuses on practical, advanced applications that save time, minimize risk, and increase investigative efficiency.

Key Topics Include:

• Learn how to quickly identify potential overdose scenes
• Differentiate between categories of illicit drugs and understand their physiological impacts
• Identify body positioning and critical evidence in suspected overdose cases
• Examine photographic case studies of overdose related fatalities
• Learn how to recognize and assess death scenes that present ambiguous or conflicting indicators
• Understand the procedures for comprehensive evidence collection at atypical or suspicious death locations
• Examine photographic case studies of equivocal deaths to evaluate potential causes and manner of death
• Differentiate between natural, accidental, suicidal, and homicidal death indicators in complex cases
• Explore current methodologies and investigative trends in resolving uncertain or staged death scenes
• Identify critical body positioning, scene dynamics, and forensic markers in out-of-the ordinary fatalities
• Conduct differential assessments to distinguish between equivocal deaths and clearly defined causes such as trauma, overdose, or asphyxia
• And Much More...

Prerequisite: Completion of Pinnacle TCI’s 3-day "A Grim Look at Death: Death and Homicide Investigations" course or an equivalent foundational death investigation course is required. This training is intended for experienced professionals who are ready to work at an advanced level.