Tru Crime Day Events Include Keynote Address by Convicted Murderer Turned Attorney and Advocate

Truman will host Tru Crime Day, Nov. 6, complete with presentations on various aspects of the justice system and a keynote address from a survivor of childhood abuse who eventually received a pardon following a first-degree murder conviction. 

“Journey Through the Justice System,” with speaker Stacey Lannert, will take place at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Violette Hall 1000. At age 18, Lannert was convicted of the first-degree murder of her father and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She maintained she was repeatedly raped and abused as a child, starting at the age of eight, and she feared for the safety of her younger sister. After serving 18 years, Lannert’s sentence was commuted and she later received a full pardon. In the process of rebuilding her life, she has focused on transforming her experiences into a career devoted to justice and advocacy.

Today, Lannert is an accomplished attorney and nationally recognized advocate. She received the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s 2019 New Leader in Advocacy Award and was appointed to the Governor’s Parole Task Force in 2025. She is the author of “Redemption: A Story of Sisterhood, Survival and Finding Freedom Behind Bars.”

In “Journey Through the Justice System,” Lannert shares her story of survival, incarceration, transformation and second chances, challenging audiences to consider how trauma, accountability, punishment and redemption intersect.

Lannert’s presentation is free and open to the public. It is part of the larger Tru Crime Day event taking place on campus. Tru Crime Day is open to all. RSVPs are encouraged and can be found at truman.edu/events/tru-crime-day along with a complete schedule of events for the day. 

Tru Crime Day is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies programs, in conjunction with the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series. 



Virtual Cadaver Lab
9-11:30 a.m. (30-minute slots. RSVP is required for this event)
Magruder Hall 2077
Unlock the chilling secrets of the human body with Truman’s state-of-the-art virtual anatomy lab. Visitors will use virtual dissection tools in this truly “cutting-edge” educational tool to dig through 3D cross-sections of the cadaver and uncover crucial clues about a mysterious murder.

“Secrets of the Mafia,” with Sal Costa
9-9:30 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Join Sal Costa for Secrets of the Mafia, a fascinating public lecture exploring the real history of organized crime and the Sicilian and Italian cultural context from which it emerged. This presentation examines the origins, structure, traditions and enduring influence of the mafia, while highlighting its most powerful leaders and the secrets behind one of the world’s most infamous criminal organizations.

“Forensic Science in Focus” with Brian Lamp
9:40-10:15 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Join Brian Lamp for an engaging introduction to the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Explore how forensic evidence is collected, analyzed and used in criminal investigations. The presentation will examine the strengths and limitations of forensic science, separating fact from fiction and addressing common myths and misconceptions often shaped by popular media. Whether you’re interested in science, law or criminal investigations, this session offers a practical look at how forensic science contributes to the pursuit of justice.

“True Crime in Young Adult Lit & Podcasts” with Rebecca Dierking
9:40-10:15 a.m.
Pickler Memorial Library Villhard Innovation Lab
True Crime used to be an adult only genre, examining the worst of the worst: serial killers, brutal acts and heinous crimes. However, with the rise of podcasts, true crime has opened to younger audiences, and, thus, true crime books and podcasts and other modes are looking at young adults relative to crime. This session will overview some true crime literature focusing on adolescents and crime and the adolescent roots of adults perpetrating crime. 

“The Real CSI: Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab Team”
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Magruder Hall 2001
Join Loraine Sperling-Jaiswar (’22) of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for a behind-the-scenes look at the science of crime solving. Drawing on her experience as a forensic scientist in the Trace Evidence Section, she will discuss how evidence such as hair, fibers, paint and ignitable liquids is analyzed to support criminal investigations. The presentation will also provide an overview of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory and its various divisions, offering insight into the many ways forensic science serves law enforcement and the justice system.

“The Future of Criminal Law: AI, Surveillance and Innovation” with Kat Albrecht
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Criminal law is at a pivotal moment where technological innovation is moving faster than the law can respond. Cybersecurity, AI and surveillance technologies pose interesting and novel problems for criminal law but also offer potentially innovative solutions. This talk considers some of the most interesting and difficult cases that the law has to offer.

Lunch Break
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Pizza and Brownies in the Student Union Building

Keynote Address
“Journey Through the Justice System”
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Stacey Lannert shares her story of survival, incarceration, transformation and second chances, challenging audiences to consider how trauma, accountability, punishment and redemption intersect.

Constitutional Law in the Trenches: Attorney Panel
1:35-2:20 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
What does it mean to stand between the power of the state and the rights of an individual? Join public defenders Walter Stokeley (’09) and Carol Janson (’94) for a conversation about law, justice and advocacy on the front lines of the criminal justice system. Through stories from trial and appellate practice, they will explore the realities of defending individual rights, advocating for clients and working to ensure fairness and due process for all.

“The Future of Criminal Law: AI, Surveillance and Innovation” with Kat Albrecht
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Criminal law is at a pivotal moment where technological innovation is moving faster than the law can respond. Cybersecurity, AI and surveillance technologies pose interesting and novel problems for criminal law but also offer potentially innovative solutions. This talk considers some of the most interesting and difficult cases that the law has to offer.

“In the Mind of Serial Killers” with Sal Costa
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Violette Hall 1010
Peak into the minds of serial killers with Sal Costa. In this captivating session, Costa will unravel the psychology and history of notorious serial killers, exploring the strange behaviors and dark motives behind their crimes. With his decades of expertise, Costa brings a fascinating, thought-provoking look at this chilling topic.