Free program explores famous criminal cases

By Chloe Browne
Marketing and Community Engagement Manager, Ritter Public Library

VERMILION — Ritter Public Library will host its second annual Elementary, My Dear Ritter forensics day Friday, Nov. 13, featuring presentations on famous Ohio criminal cases, including solved and unsolved investigations.

The free, daylong event will feature expert lectures, case studies and interactive displays. This year’s theme, “Famous Ohio Cases,” will highlight notable investigations from across the state.

The program follows the library’s inaugural event in 2025, which featured local forensic specialists.

Featured speakers include retired Ashland police detective Kim Mager, author of “A Hunger to Kill”; retired forensic psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Smalldon, author of “That Beast Was Not Me”; and Wendy Koile, author of “Love, Lies, and Murder in Northeastern Ohio.”

Event schedule

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The schedule includes:

• 10 to 10:30 a.m. — Welcome and opening remarks.
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — “3 Famous Ohio Case Studies,” presented by Ritter Public Library staff members Angela Plant, adult services associate, and Emily Uterhark, public services manager.
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Lunch on your own and an opportunity to explore the interactive Ohio case studies display.
• 1 to 2 p.m. — “33 Hours,” presented by Mager.
• 2 to 3 p.m. — “Conversations with Killers,” presented by Smalldon.
• 3 to 3:30 p.m. — Interactive Ohio case studies display.
• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — “Love, Lies, and Murder in Northeastern Ohio,” presented by Koile.
• 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. — Interactive Ohio case studies display.

Registration required

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required because seating is limited.

Participants do not need to attend the entire program and may register for individual sessions that interest them.

To register, visit ritterpubliclibrary.org/events or call 440-967-3798.

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