Putting the Heat on Cold Cases: Solving cold cases requires a meticulous blend of persistence, innovation, and collaboration. Investigators begin by re-examining old evidence with modern forensic techniques, such as DNA analysis and genetic genealogy, while revisiting witness statements and re-contacting families for new leads. Technological advances, like crime scene reconstruction and data mining, often uncover previously overlooked details. Collaboration with specialized experts and public appeals further aids the process, generating fresh insights. Each case demands patience, empathy, and dedication to uncover the truth and deliver long-overdue justice.

Detective Smugeresky is a distinguished member of the Montgomery County Police Department with over two decades of dedicated service. He is a key figure in the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit, where his expertise and relentless pursuit of justice have resolved some of the county's most challenging cases.

His accolades speak volumes, including the Medal of Merit from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Chief’s Award from Montgomery County Police. Beyond his investigative prowess, Detective Smugeresky is a respected educator and speaker, having presented at prestigious conferences like the American Academy of Forensic Science and the International Symposium on Human Identification.

Detective Smugeresky, a sworn Montgomery County Police Officer since 2002, is a cornerstone of the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit. With over 19 years in patrol-based units, he brings unparalleled expertise to his current role. As Co-Coordinator of the Peer Support Team, a Field Training Officer, and a Maryland Police Training Commission Certified Instructor, his influence extends across the department.

An accomplished genealogist with over a decade of self-taught experience, he leverages his skills to unearth critical links in cold cases. He holds certifications in homicide, death, CDS, and gang investigations, solidifying his status as a versatile and committed investigator.

Murder Mystery

A crime has been committed, and it is up to you to unravel the clues, interrogate suspects, and use your forensic knowledge to bring the perpetrator to justice in this interactive experience! On December 19 Jenn Karshner and Lydia Ringquist of the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory will lead us through crime scene investigation as it's really done.

Jenn Karschner is the Crime Scene Unit Supervisor with the Montgomery County Police Department Crime Laboratory. She has been a member of the Crime Scene Unit for 17 years and is also the Technical Leader for the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis group. Jennifer holds a masters degree in forensic science and a master’s degree in animal Physiology and is certified through the IAI as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst. She has been court qualified as an expert in both bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene investigations.

Jennifer is an adjunct professor in the Forensic Science graduate program at The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C. where she teaches Crime Scene Reconstruction. She is also a certified instructor through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Training Commission, which allows her to instruct Police Officers and Police Officer Candidates in the areas of Crime Scene and Evidence Processing. Jennifer is a board member and the Treasurer for the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) and serves as the Sgt at Arms for the International Association for Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA).

Lydia Ringquist is a Forensic Scientist II with the Montgomery County Police Department Crime Laboratory Crime Scene Unit. She has been a member of the Crime Scene Unit for 2 and a half years. Lydia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science from the University of West Virginia. She is also a certified instructor through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Training Commission, which allows her to instruct Police Officers and Police Officer Candidates in the areas of Crime Scene and Evidence Processing.

Lieutenant Miller spoke to us about the Special Events Response Team (SERT). Hehas been with the Montgomery County Police Department for over 21 years and has been Deputy Director of the Special Operations Division since November 2022. He managed the Canine Unit and the Operational Support Section which includes the Managed Search Operations Team, Special Events Response Team (Public Order Team), and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. Lt. Miller currently oversees the expansion of the program from 5 UAS pilots to 17 pilots and the related training needed to implement this program. Assisting with the creation and implementation of the department's Drone as First Responder (DFR) program as part of SOD. MCPD has been using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) since 2020 for various missions to include tactical operations, crime scene mapping, search and rescue, etc. Read about the Drone as a First Responder program on page 7 of the Autumn 2024 issue of the Informant. As as the Director of the Homeland Security Section, he participated in the Montgomery County Emergency Management Group. Acted as the primary leadership representative for Emergency Support Function #13 for the Emergency Operations Center run by Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.