In the age of social media and podcasting, individuals from various non-law enforcement backgrounds – from investigative journalists and historians to regular people – have taken an interest in solving cold murder cases. NEARA’s 2024 Symposium presents four examples of cold-case investigations from Arkansas history, in which independent historians and true-crime researchers have achieved impressive results. They will share their fascinating stories at an all-day event on September 28th, 2024, in the Methodist Church of the Powhatan State Historic Park.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. A complimentary lunch will be provided to all registered attendees and invited speakers. The event is co-sponsored by the Powhatan State Historic Park. Professional development hours are available to teachers.
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 3:45 pm
Registration Deadline: September 20th
Registration limitations: 80 registrants
REGISTER TODAY
Guest Speakers:
Rodney Harris is an assistant professor of history at Williams Baptist University-Walnut Ridge, and he will talk about the curious case of John Kizer, a Pocahontas-based, Depression-era veterinarian, turned serial killer.
George Jared is a well-known crime journalist and podcaster from Walnut Ridge, who helped solve the 2004 murder of Rebekah Gould in Izard County.
Janie Nesbitt Jones is an independent researcher and author of the book, Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern “Red” Hall, and she will talk about this case.
Erik Wright is an award-winning historian and Paragould resident, who discovered what happened to murder suspect James Henry Trammell after he seemingly vanished in 1911 following the murder of Charles Gragg.
Event Schedule:
8:30: Check-In
9:00: Welcome Address by ASA director David Ware
9:45: Rodney Harris, “The Strange Case of John Kizer”
10:45: Break
11:00: George Jared, “The Rebekah Gould Murder Case”
12:00: Lunch
1:30: Janie Nesbitt Jones, “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer Red Hall”
2:30: Break
2:45: Erik Wright, “The Fast and Dangerous Life of James Trammell”
3:45: End of Symposium
Tour of Historic Powhatan with Zachary Elledge, Park Interpreter