Oddities, Curiosities & Solutions in Forensic Casework

Explore "unusual" cases within forensic science from DNA to anthropology, and learn how practitioners navigated these atypical challenges.

New Jersey Association of Forensic Scientists (NJAFS) presents our 2026 Spring Seminar:

The Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ

May 1, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:30AM Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Topics Include:

• DNA/Chimerism
• Toxicology Challenges
• Mass Fatality Training
• Forensic Anthropology
• Unusual Drug Smuggling Medium

Early Bird Registration (before March 25):

NJAFS MEMBER: $110

NON-MEMBER: $140

STUDENT member: $60

STUDENT non-member: $75 (Must have valid student ID)

GUEST luncheon: $50

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REGISTRATION FEE after March 25

NJAFS MEMBERS: $130

NON-MEMBERS: $160

STUDENT MEMBER: $75

STUDENT NON-MEMBER: $95 (Must have valid student ID)

Students presenting posters will receive the student member early-bird rate. Contact Amanda Gonzalez (njafs.media@gmail.com) with your poster title and abstract to receive the discount code.

(Registration fee includes president's reception; continental breakfast and lunch during the seminar. Certificate of attendance will be provided.)

QUESTIONS? Contact Peter Murphy, pfmurphyiv@gmail.com

President’s Reception for all attendees—Thursday, April 30, 7-9pm at the VUE (the Claridges' amazing rooftop bar)

Rooms must be booked by April 15; Special rate: $61 + tax & resort fee; Book using this link.

Speakers include:

Matthew Reimer, Forensic Scientist 1, Nassau County Crime Lab: “Things that make you go Hmmm….” Identifying issues with the Drug Chemistry Instrumentation.

Lisa Mundy, Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office & Dr. Michelle Carlin, Professor, Rutgers University: “A Discussion of interesting Toxicology cases and solutions to unique problems.” Actual title is forthcoming.

Kimberly Michalik, New Jersey State Police DNA Laboratory: Chimera findings in a Sexual Assault Case. An exploration of a criminal investigation involving a suspect with two distinct DNA profiles and the advanced protocols necessary to navigate this profound biological oddity.

Detective John Menafra, New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit: A study in cold case resolution detailing the 2023 breakthrough that utilized Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) to solve a 26-year-old mystery where all other leads had been exhausted.

Erik J. Mickelsen, Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator with the Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department in Somerset County, New Jersey, “How to collect Arson Evidence: It’s not what you think!”

Anna Delaney, New Jersey State Police Forensic Anthropologist: Solving the "Freezer Girl" Case: A Study in Atypical Decay. A deep dive into a decades-long identification effort, highlighting the anthropological mastery required to analyze mummified remains found in conditions that defy standard patterns of decay.