True Crime remains a popular genre of entertainment and continues to pique the interest of society. However, in today’s connected world, platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and social media make it even easier for anyone to have a worldwide audience.
The lack of established ethical guidelines surrounding true crime content leaves interpretation up to the creator and consumer, often leaving out the wishes of the families and those directly affected by the crime. While most in the industry do not set out to exploit victims and families, often it is clear that the consequences of their content for victims’ families and loved ones are not truly explored or understood.
Season of Justice is thrilled to be able to continue our discussion of Navigating Ethics in True Crime. Join us on October 11, 2023, for the second part of this conversation. We’ll pose thought-provoking questions to our panel of industry leaders who are directly involved in family advocacy, law enforcement, and podcast research – providing their unique insights on navigating and valuing the ethical obligation to give back to families and victims.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 7:30PM ET
Panelists
Ryan Backmann
In 2009 Ryan’s father was tragically killed in a robbery, and his case remains unsolved to this day. Throughout his own journey for justice, Ryan discovered a passion for helping others. As a victim advocate, Ryan has traveled across the US, speaking with law enforcement, victim family members and advocating for change in the US Senate and Congress. In 2014, Ryan, along with other cold case advocates, spoke with members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees urging mandatory reporting of unsolved murders to the FBI for inclusion in the Unified Crime Report. In 2015, Ryan founded Project: Cold Case with the mission of providing resources and advocating for families with law enforcement. Ryan’s efforts have been instrumental in his home state of Florida, establishing the FL Cold Case Advisory Commission and a statewide Cold Case Database. Ryan regularly provides training for advocates and law enforcement, as well as informational presentations to schools, universities, and civic groups. Ryan has been recognized by numerous agencies, organizations, and publications for his cold case advocacy work.
Haley Gray
Since 2016, Haley Gray has been a renowned true crime researcher and writer for over 20 podcasts, including Voices for Justice, Southern Fried True Crime, and Detective Perspective. She is the Co-Founder and Research Specialist for True Crime Podcast Training, which provides online instruction and coaching for people learning to research and write for true crime podcasts. She is also the Secretary for The Bridegan Foundation. Today, Haley specializes primarily in researching and writing about unsolved crime cases. In her contributions to true crime podcasts, and in her daily life, Haley prioritizes ethics, integrity, and helping others above all else.
D/Sgt. Dan Janson, Ret.
Dan has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, including as supervisor of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Cold Case, Homicide, and Missing Persons Units. Dan has served as a member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association Cold Case Advisory Commission, was elected City Councilman At-Large for the City of Jacksonville Beach in 2020, and is also a member of the Police Council of Jacksonville.
Dan is an outgoing and systematic Public Safety Leader with extensive experience in creating processes and procedures that prepare organizations for the future by using state-of-the-art technology. He has proven his expertise in enhancing and executing sound operational plans and decisions that provide calm and safe communities.
Kim Beasley
Kim Beasley is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts but moved to GA to attend Spelman College in Atlanta where she earned her B.A in Literature. Additionally, Kim earned her Master’s of Education in School Counseling from State University of West GA. Kim settled in GA permanently after marrying. She’s been married for 35 years and has one child. Kim worked as a public school educator in various roles including teaching high school English and counseling middle and high school kids. She worked in the DeKalb School system for 32 years before retiring. She loves kids, career planning and college prep lessons. Her current hobbies include quilting, reading, and learning.
thank you to our generous hosts
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