University News

Henry C. Lee Institute’s Annual Symposium to Address Investigations of Police-Related Shootings

The program, which will take place virtually and in person on Saturday, December 11, includes national experts in forensic legal aspects and investigation, and physical evidence analysis.

December 10, 2021

Dr. Henry Lee speaking in front of students at the University of New Haven.
Dr. Henry C. Lee and students at the University of New Haven in 2018.

The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven will hold its annual Arnold Markle Symposium on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EST. The symposium, which will examine investigations into police-related shootings, will take place in person in the Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation as well as virtually. It is co-sponsored by the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut.

Connecticut’s U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy as well as Connecticut’s Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo will each provide a virtual address to the attendees.

Dr. Henry C. Lee, one of the world's foremost forensic scientists and founder of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, will lead the presentation on the investigation of police-related shootings, including the preservation of physical evidence and interpretation. Other presenters include:

  • Dr. Mario Gaboury, University of New Haven Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs – Welcome Address
  • Dr. James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut – Medico-legal investigation of police-related shootings
  • Judge Charles Gill (ret.) – A view of the impact of a police-involved shooting
  • Attorney Bernie Grimm – Legal issues in police-involved incidents
  • Dr. Brooke Kammrath – Valuable physical and chemical traces in shooting cases
  • Dr. Angie Ambers – DNA transfer evidence
  • Prof. Kenneth Zercie – Examination of pattern evidence

The program will be moderated by Professor Timothy Palmbach, chair of Forensic Sciences, an attorney, and a former major in the Connecticut State Police.

About the Event:

Held annually for the last 44 years, the Lee Institute’s Advanced Homicide Symposium brings together nationally recognized experts in law enforcement, forensic science, and the medical and legal professions to create a dialogue and work toward creating exceptional procedures and technology in those fields. Since 1992, it has been named after Arnold Markle, who was the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven and an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven from 1968 until his death in 1987. Markle, a native of New Haven, was known for his feisty nature and his skill as a prosecutor. He strongly believed that training and continuing education were important for police officers and for all members of the criminal justice system to ensure a just outcome. Over the past 44 years, there have been thousands of police offers, investigators, lawyers, forensic scientists, students, and members of the community from all 50 states and 39 countries who have attended the Advanced Homicide Symposium offered by the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.

Seats at the live event are limited. The event is also available via Zoom. Those interested in attending this symposium can register through the link here. The fee for the event is $150 in-person, $25 virtual. Students are offered the discounted rate of $25 in-person, $10 virtual.

Due to COVID restrictions, those attending the indoor event must show proof of vaccination OR proof of a negative PCR or viral antigen COVID-19 test with 72 hours prior to coming to campus. Per current university policy, all individuals must wear face coverings while inside university buildings to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests.