2023 Dr. David Avolt Memorial Training Conference




Download the 2023 CE Conference Brochure

June 22nd - 24th

Sheraton Hotel and Suites, Indianapolis



Welcome to the 2023 Dr. David Avolt In-Service Training Conference!

As the administrators of the Indiana State Coroner’s Association, Indiana State Coroner’s Training Board, and ISCA Board of Directors, we are excited to have you here! If you have any questions, please stop by the executive/registration booth and chat with us. We wish you and your families well!





The conference name refers to former Tippecanoe County Coroner, Dr. David Avolt, a veterinarian in Lafayette, Indiana. David died on August 16, 2012, as the result of an automobile accident in Dunedin, Florida. The Indiana State Coroner’s Association looked at the history of David’s dedication, love, leadership, and affiliation with the Association. After reflecting on the growth, positive changes, and guidance that David’s spirit still influences us today, we honor his service by recognizing him during this annual conference. He was a valuable part of making and molding the Indiana State Coroner’s Association and Indiana State Coroner’s Training Board from their beginnings into what they are today. David’s active involvement, encouragement, and forethought of the future and his drive for education and excellence are what we still strive for today.

David was elected as the Tippecanoe County Coroner in 1984 after serving as a Deputy Coroner under Dr. William Sholty. As Coroner, he was instrumental in boosting the professionalism of all Coroner’s and their offices throughout the state. David even helped write the current legislation, enacted in 1993, that requires all elected Coroners and their Deputies to become training, certified, and maintain their education as medicolegal death investigators. Striving for better recognition for our profession, he was the first veterinarian to be elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Science in 1979. After serving as President of the Association in 1992 and being a longtime board member, he also served as the Executive Director of the Indiana State Coroner’s Training Board from 1994 to 1998.

“Doc” is considered by many as the Dean of Indiana Coroners. His willingness to counsel, assist, or advise those seeking his wisdom or expertise as been a tremendous asset over the years, not only to Coroners, but to the families we all serve.





Conference Site
Sheraton Hotel & Suites
8787 Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN

You must make the reservations for yourself and roommate. Please tell the hotel that you are attending the ISCA 2023 Annual Conference, as there have been discounted rooms reserved specifically for this conference.

The Indiana State Coroner’s Training Board will cover the cost of lodging for any Coroner or Deputy Coroner whose home or workplace is 50 miles away or grater from the conference site. For this conference, the ISCTB has established a “direct bill” account with Sheraton Hotel & Suites. When making this type of reservation, please tell the hotel that you are on the “direct bill account.” The hotel staff might ask for a credit card to be used at check-in for any incidentals that may occur during your stay.

You must make your hotel reservations before the cutoff date of May 20, 2023.

If the ISCTB is covering the cost of your room, you must share that room with one (1) person of the same sex from your home county (unless you are bringing your family). If you are sharing a room with your co-worker, please have the hotel place both names on the bill.

In the instance that your family is coming, they must register at the executive/registration booth for the ISCTB to pay for your room.

Marriott Reservations
888-627-7814

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1674671623363&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Registration & Exhibitors Hours


The ISCA will provide a buffet-style lunch on Thursday and Friday for all conference attendees. Please indicate on the registration form the days you would like to eat the provided meals. You will be required to scan your ID badge to pick-up a meal.

Registration & Coroners Shop

Suites 8, 9, & 10
Thursday, June 22nd - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, June 23rd – 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 24th – 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Exhibitors Hours

Plaza Ballroom and Foyer
Thursday, June 22nd - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, June 23rd – 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 24th – 7:00 am - 12:00 pm



INDIANA DAY

Thursday, June 22nd


8:00 am - 4:00 pmRegistration

9:45 am – 10:00 am Welcome - Charity Banks, Decatur County Coroner, ISCA President
Welcome – Phil Zahm, Huntington County Chief Deputy Coroner, CTB Chairman
Welcome - Dr. Kris Box, IDOH Commissioner
Opening Ceremony - Gordon Becher, Knox County Deputy Coroner
Presentations of the Colors - Indiana State Police Color Guard
National Anthem - Voices of the Indianapolis Fire Department

10:00 am - 11:00 amIndiana Law, Tony Ciriello, CTB Director of Training

11:00 am - 11:30 amElectronic Submissions for Identification of Deceased Individuals
Marcus Montooth & Mallory Webb, ISP

11:30 am - 12:00 pmCoroner Panel

12:00 pm - 1:00 pmLunch (Sponsored by Valor Technical Cleaning)

1:00 pm - 1:30 pmCoroner Panel

1:30 pm - 2:30 pmDr. Phil O’Shaugnessy Case Studies

2:30 pm - 2:45 pmBreak

2:45 pm - 3:30 pmAwards Ceremony

3:30 pm - 4:30 pmBuilding a winning case for Dealing Resulting in Death – a team effort to combat a growing problem. SA Justin Brandt & Master Detective Chris Smith

6:30 pm - 7:30 pmHappy Hour (Sponsored by Valor Technical Cleaning)

7:30 pm - 10:30 pmCornhole Round Robin & Drive Alive Simulator
Gathering Room, Sponsored by ISCA and Exhibitors


Friday, June 23rd


7:00 am - 4:00 pmRegistration

8:00 am - 8:15 amAnnouncements

8:15 am - 12:00 pmThe First 48, Homicide Detective, Jason White

9:00 am - 11:00 amS.A.F.E. Training (for wives only)

12:00 pm- 1:00 pmLunch (provided)

12:00 pm - 1:00 pmGeneral Business Meeting for Paid Coroners Only or their Proxy (lunch provided)

2:30 pm – 2:45 pmBreak

2:45 pm – 3:15 pmExhibitors Recognition

3:15 pm – 4:15 pmThe First 48, Homicide Detective, Jason White

4:15 pm – 4:30 pmBreak

4:30 pm – 5:30 pmThe First 48, Homicide Detective, Jason White

7:30 pm - 8:30 pmMagician/Comedian, Daniel Lusk

8:30 pm - 11:00 pmGame Night & Gathering Room Sponsored by ISCA and Exhibitors


Saturday, June 24th


7:00 am – 10:00 amRegistration

8:00 am – 8:15 amAnnouncements

8:15 am – 9:15 amInside the Fence, Gordon Becher

9:15 am – 10:15 amThe Art of Finding Missing Persons, Samantha Molnar, Missing Persons Analyst

10:15 am – 10:30 amBreak

10:30 am – 12:00 pmAn Introduction into Forensic Entomology, Clayton Nolting, Bartholomew County Coroner



All Coroners and Deputy Coroners will be required to scan their ISCA provided identification badge at the beginning of each day, when returning from lunch, and at the end of the day. ID badges are available for purchase if lost or stolen in the registration room.

Breaks are given at the discretion of the speaker. Video and/or audio taping of any sessions or parts thereof is not permitted. Although precautions are taken to prevent schedule changes, speakers and program schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

All cell phones or devises must be turned off or placed in “silent” mode during all events where a speaker is present. If you must make a phone call, please step outside into the lobby area. Attendee phones sounding off during conference presentations will be fined $5.



A special thank you to the Indiana State Coroners Association Board of Directors and the Indiana State Coroners Training Board members for their continued foresight on behalf of the coroners of the state of Indiana.

Indiana State Coroners Association

Charity Banks, Decatur County CoronerISCA President
Ed Cripe, Clinton County CoronerISCA Vice President
Kristin Enoch, Carroll County CoronerISCA Secretary/Treasurer
Lisa Barker, Tippecanoe County Deputy CoronerExecutive Director
Dr. Jon Brandenberger, Allen County CoronerAt-Large
Dr. Donna McVay, Parke County CoronerAt-Large
Billy Scott, Clark County CoronerImmediate Past President
John Grolich, Marshall County Coroner2nd Past President

Board of Directors

Doug Banks, Decatur CountyGordon Becher, Knox County
Leslie Cook, Adams CountyMarian Dunnichay, Tipton County
Mark Franklin, Lawrence CountyRoger Lewis, Parke County
Dr. Steven Seele, Howard CountyPhil Zahm, Huntington County

ISCA Lobbyist

Rick CockrumCapitol Assets, LLC

CTB Representatives

Tony Ciriello, Marshall County Deputy CoronerCTB Director of Training

Indiana State Coroners Training Board

Phil Zahm, Huntington Co. Chief Deputy CoronerISDH Chairman
Major Sidney W. NewtonIndiana State Police
Dr. Jon Brandenberger, Allen County CoronerBoard Member (Republican) Vice Chairman
Chris Brown, Crawford County CoronerBoard Member (Democrat)
Jeri D. Good, Fulton County CoronerBoard Member (Republican)
Joani Stalcup, Monroe County CoronerBoard Member (Democrat)
Lisa Barker, Tippecanoe County Deputy CoronerExecutive Administrative Assistant
Tony Ciriello, Marshall County Deputy CoronerDirector of Training



Indiana Law - The presentation will discuss portions of Indiana Law as it pertains to the job of the coroner’s office. This will also include legislative updates from the 2023 legislative session. As the Director of Training, Ciriello has a vast knowledge of Indiana Law and as a member of the associations legislative team he has inside knowledge and experience collaborating with legislators on legislative activities that effect the coroner’s office.

Electronic Evidence Submissions - The Indiana State Police have been receiving evidence items electronically since 2017. This process significantly decreases the time it takes for body identifications. Exemplars can be taken at the coroner’s office and scanned or photographed, then sent to the lab by email or file sharing. Turnaround time is typically same day, or within a day for preliminary results. We will go through what items are accepted electronically, what equipment is necessary, and how to send in the submission. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a file sharing account to aid in submitting electronically.

Panel Discussion A panel discussion will be held utilizing 4 coroners from around the state from various size agencies. The purpose of this panel is to share information, discuss issues faced by coroners, to share problem solving techniques and to answer those questions of how someone else handles a situation. Sitting on the panel will be Tony Ciriello, CTB Director of Training, Cameron McCreary, Dearborn County Coroner, David Pastrick, Lake County Coroner, Greg Roution, Floyd County Coroner and Jennie Short, Dekalb County Coroner.

Dr. Phil O’Shaughnessy Case Studies - Unique cases that offers a challenge from other coroners and deputy coroners.

Building a winning case for Dealing Resulting in Death - a team effort to combat a growing problem. Methods and techniques used for investigations into instances involving individuals who have conducted distributions of controlled substance that have resulted in death will be discussed. The technological side of the investigations as well as the best translation of the evidence needed in these investigations from police work to prosecution to forensics will be touched on. TFO Smith and SA Brandt will also discuss a case study of an investigation for which prosecution was accepted and will be available to answer questions/have discussion from/with attendees.

The First 48 - This is going to be a presentation that will start with how the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit organizational structure, history, and their successful strategies which has led to a 95% homicide clearance rate over the past 7 years. In addition, Det. White will discuss their involvement with A&E’s show “The First 48”, to include reasons they participate in the filming of the program, and the ups and downs of being involved in this type of venture.

Furthermore, there will be a focus on the relationship between homicide detectives and medical examiner investigators/coroners in dealing with the various types of death scenes. There will also be a focus of interpreting crime scenes, identifying evidence, basics of blood spatter, dealing with family members, and discussing the importance of a cohesive working relationship between law enforcement and the Medical Examiner/Coroner’s office.

Detective White will include several case studies to include homicides, suicides, and an officer involved shooting. The presentation is intended for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement officers, investigators, and prosecutors.

Daniel Lusk, Magician - For over a decade, Daniel Lusk has been recognized as one of the most captivating performers in his field. Daniel Lusk started performing his unique style of comedy and magic in the Indianapolis Indiana area in 2002.

Since then, he has been seen across the United States, overseas, by celebrities, national sports teams, and on national TV. His magic has not only been seen by millions, but Daniel also lectures at conventions for other magicians teaching his trade.

Inside the Fence - is designed to provide you a glimpse from a much different setting from what you normally see at the Coroners Conference. Once you’ve gone through processing and body search, those prison doors slam closed securely behind you and you’re inside the confines of the facility, now, the term “life” takes on several meanings. There are so many situations happening, both good and bad going on constantly. The challenges that you may face during a prison death investigation is much different from your “normal” cases. Inside the Fence brings you an up-close view, from ways of staying alive in everyday prison life, to witnessing murder.

The Art of Finding Missing Persons - Thousands of missing persons reports are filed each year. Though most are closed, there are several that still sit open, leaving law enforcement stumped. Molnar discusses her role as a criminal intelligence analyst and forensic artist for the state of Ohio. She goes into detail on some of the missing persons and unidentified remains cases she has worked over the years and how forensic art and intelligence resources have been used to crack them. Molnar will address the resources and services available to Coroner’s offices through forensic art.

A brief introduction into Forensic Entomology - exploring Forensically Significant Dipteran Species, estimation of the postmortem interval, taphonomy, evidence collection and preservation, and case studies.

S.A.F.E - an unparalleled 2-hour educational awareness, crime-victim prevention program encompassing Strategies, Techniques, Options, and Prevention, that provides teenage & adult women with information that may reduce their risk of exposure to violence and introduces them to the physical aspects of self-defense.

The program consists of:

17-minute motivational video that is shown as part of every program.

1 1/2 hour familiarization with what physical self-defense is about.


Dress Code

The Board of Directors has established that the minimum requirement for attire will be “business casual”. (No holes – even if manufactured that way, profanity, or vulgar images on pants, shirts, shoes, or other visible item of clothing)

To maintain this standard, the Board of Directors will be monitoring attendees prior to scanning into the general session assembly. If you fail to meet the minimum standard, you will be asked to leave the conference and return in attire that meets the standard.

COVID-19

COVID-19 precautions are welcome to be observed by any attendee. However, this is not a requirement to attend.

General Business Meeting

Elected county Coroners are highly encouraged to attend the General Business Meeting on Friday, June 23rd from Noon-1:00 pm with lunch being served. This meeting is open to coroners who have paid their membership for 2023. Each county coroner with a paid membership shall have one vote in the general business meeting. Any proxy is due by 4pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

General Session Attendance

In the “general session”, only elected Coroners and Deputy Coroners (who hold an active certification of MDI and ID badge) will be allowed inside the session.

Dr. Phil O'Shaughnessy Case Study

If you would like to share a unique case that offers a challenge, please consider presenting during the Dr. Phil O'Shaughnessy Case Studies on Thursday, June 22nd from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm during the general session. Each presentation will be 15 minutes long. An electronic presentation copy must be delivered to Lisa Barker at Barker.incoroner@gmail.com by May 1, 2023. Presentations will be selected and scheduled based on perceived and interest to the audience and in the order in which the completed submissions are received. (Contact Lisa Barker for the application)

The audience will vote on the best case/presentation and the winner will receive a monetary prize donated by Clean X-Treme.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion will be held utilizing 4 coroners from around the state from various size agencies. The purpose of this panel discussion is to share information, discuss issues faced by coroners, to share problem solving techniques and to answer those questions of how someone else handles this situation.

Questions should be about real issues: such as problems with law enforcement agencies; problems with prosecutors; problems with funeral homes or hospitals; and what if the deceased is from out of state or country. This list is not inclusive as to topics but is used as a general guideline to establish the type of questions sought by the panel.

All questions should be submitted to Barker.incoroner@gmail.com by May 20, 2023 so the panel will have time to review all questions, and time will be allowed at the end for open questions from the floor.

The panel will consist of: Moderator, Tony Ciriello, CTB Director of Training, Cameron McCreary, Dearborn County Coroner, David Pastrick, Lake County Coroner, Greg Roution, Floyd County Coroner and Jennie Short, Dekalb County Coroner

Gathering Room

ISCA & Exhibitors will host the Gathering Room with Cornhole and Drive Alive Simulators on Thursday, June 22nd from 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm.

ISCA & Exhibitors will host comedian/magician, Daniel Lusk on Friday, June 23rd from 7:30-8:30 pm. Following with game night and Drive Alive Simulators from 8:30-11:00 pm.

ID Badges

All Coroners and Deputy Coroners will be issued a new ID card this year with a QR code and will be required to scan their ISCA provided identification badge at the beginning of each day, when returning from lunch, and at the end of the day. ID badges are available for purchase if lost or stolen in the registration room. Send a new photo with your registration.

A/V Recording

Audio and/or videotaping or recording is not permitted in any session, class, or general session assembly (except with the expressed consent of the speaker prior to the start of the event).

Awards Ceremony

The Crowner Awards and Dr. David Dennis Scholarship Awards will be announced on Thursday, June 22nd from 2:45-3:30 pm

Exhibitor Door Prizes

We encourage you to visit the exhibitors in the ballroom and foyer during the conference. Door prizes will be given away during the exhibitors’ recognition on Friday, June 23rd from 2:45-3:15 pm.

Brain Bucket Bingo

Don’t forget your dollar bills! Bring your dollar bills and win daily door prizes donated by the Indiana State Coroners Association Board of Directors, Exhibitors, Coroners and Deputy Coroners. You are encouraged to bring prizes to be given away from you and your county. All proceeds will be donated to the Dr. David Dennis Scholarship fund.

Sheraton Restaurant

The Sheraton Hotel will offer a 20% discount in the restaurant for dinner during your stay.

Cell Phones

All cell phones or devises must be turned off or placed in “silent” mode during all events where a speaker is present. If you must make a phone call, please step outside into the lobby area. Attendee phones sounding off during conference presentations will be fined $5.

Educational Hours

Coroners/Deputy Coroners/Medicolegal Death Investigators – 18 hours for the full conference.

Law Enforcement Professionals – 18 hours for the full conference.

EMS/Paramedic – 18 hours for the full conference.


Conference Registration


The Indiana State Coroner’s Training Board will provide the registration fee for any Coroner or Deputy Coroner that is in good standing with their agency and a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator.

Other attendees are welcome to attend - $300.00 full conference, $100.00 – 1 day pass and ½ day pass - $50.00


Download fillable for Email or Postal Mail (DOC file)Download Fillable Form (pdf file)






Email registration forms to Barker.incoroner@gmail.com or mail to the Indiana State Coroner’s Association at 3501 E 1000 S Lafayette, Indiana 47909.

Contact Lisa Barker at Barker.incoroner@gmail.com if you have questions or need to update an existing registration.

Click to contact


General Directions to the Sheraton Hotel & Suites



From Interstate 69 (North)
Take Interstate 465 West to Exit 33. Proceed south to the next Exit (86th Street). Turn left on 86th Street and turn left at the second light. The hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

From Interstate 65 (South)
Take Interstate 465 East to Interstate 465 North. Follow I-465 North to Keystone Avenue (Exit 33). Turn left and go under the road. Take the 86th Street Exit and turn left at the light. Turn left again at the second light. The hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

From East
Take Interstate 74 or Interstate 70 to Interstate 465 North. Continue on I-465 North to Keystone Avenue (Exit 33). Turn left and go under the road. Take the 86th Street Exit and turn left at the light. Turn left again at the second light, the hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

From Interstate 31 (North)
Take Interstate 31 North to Interstate 465 East. Continue on I-465 East to Exit 33. Proceed south to the next Exit (86th Street). Turn left on 86th Street and turn left at the second light. The hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

From Indianapolis International Airport (West)
Take Interstate 70 West to Interstate 74 West. Continue on I-74 West to Interstate 465 North. Proceed on I-465 North to Interstate 465 East to Keystone Avenue (Exit 33). Turn right and continue to the next exit (86th Street). Turn left at the second light. The hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

From Interstate 65 (North)
Take Interstate 865 East to Interstate 465 East. Continue on I-465 East to Exit 33. Proceed South to the next Exit (86th Street). Turn left on 86th Street and turn left at the second light. The hotel is located behind the mall on the right.

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