Meet Kelly O'Donnell
- By Website Editor
- •
- 27 Aug, 2018
This week, CSI Kelly O'Donnell took over the Insider community. She shared some "Dos and Don'ts" to keep in mind if you encounter a crime scene and tips about how to be a good witness. Luckily, she's sticking around and will continue her expert takeover next week. I had a chance to speak with Kelly, and she's a true crime enthusiast just like us!
CCI: Why did you decide to go into Crime Scene Investigation?
I was originally going to school to be a Paralegal. During my general classes, I took an Introduction to Criminal Justice class and in one of those classes, the instructor played a 911 call of a young mother whose home was being broken into. She was eventually killed. I will never forget the feeling of helplessness and anger I felt. I wanted so badly to help. I went to the admin office that day and changed majors to Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement. Although law enforcement was the main component to my studies, I was very drawn to investigative work. The more I researched where careers in law enforcement could take me, the more I kept coming back to Crime Scene Investigation.
CCI: Tell me about your decision to retire so early and how that affected your path going forward.
My decision to retire was devastating. I had been injured on duty (a traffic accident) and it caused permanent injuries restricting my ability to work as a police officer or Crime Scene Investigator. I LOVED working as a Crime Scene Investigator and am so thankful that I was able to have that time to work in my dream job. Because of my love for all things true crime, I wasn’t ready to leave it just because I had retired.
I was talking with my friend Erin (who is also a true crime junkie) about recent cases. We get so excited about these things and have such passion for it, we wondered if there were others out there like us. I put some feelers out there and sure enough, there were several people in our social circle who loved true crime, too! I started a True Crime Club. We get together once a month to discuss unsolved cases. We have such a great time talking about the cases, getting to know each other and general bonding over true crime. Selfishly, it helps me feel like I am still part of that world.
CCI: Is there anything you wish people better understood about the job?
What we see on a daily basis is sometimes the worst thing anyone could see in a lifetime. It is an incredibly demanding job, not just physically, but mentally as well. Understand that we may want to talk about the case, but we can’t. And when we can, being a good ear is always much appreciated.
CCI: What’s your most memorable case?
My most memorable case was the Eddie Sole homicide. I'll be posting more about that case on the app next week, so stay tuned to see why it stuck with me.
CCI: What’s the best way that citizen detectives can help an investigation?
The best way to help, in my opinion is not letting the cases that you care about go away. Talk to people: the Attorney’s Office, the Police Department, other entities involved in the case. Keep it relevant!
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
