Shots of Deception: Reconstructing Staged Suicides by Firearm presented by Dr. Kenny Kinsey and Dr. Laura Pettler equips investigators, death scene professionals, and forensic specialists with the skills to identify and deconstruct staged firearm suicides. While firearm-related deaths are often classified as self-inflicted, staged suicides present unique challenges that can obscure the truth and delay justice.

This course provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing these complex cases, combining shooting reconstruction techniques with forensic victimology and behavioral and psychological considerations of staging. Participants will learn to recognize telltale inconsistencies in wound ballistics, bloodstain patterns, weapon placement, and scene dynamics, while also examining the victim as the center of the investigation, offender motivation, manipulation tactics, and behavioral red flags.

Through real-world case examples and practical application, attendees will leave with the tools to:

• Differentiate authentic suicides from staged firearm deaths

• Apply forensic shooting reconstruction methods to ambiguous scenes using Dr. Pettler’s Kaleidoscope Shooting & Bloodstain Reconstruction System and other related equipment

• Interpret bloodstain and ballistic evidence in the context of staging

• Assess offender behavior and staging psychology

• Strengthen case documentation, testimony, and courtroom presentation

This training is designed for law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, forensic scientists, and criminal justice professionals who encounter firearm-related deaths and need advanced strategies for uncovering deception at the scene.