Inside the Vortex: The Pursuit of Justice in High Profile Cases
- By Website Editor
- •
- 17 Jan, 2020
Dr. Michael Baden & Linda Kenney Baden join the CC20 lineup
Dr. Michael Baden is no stranger to headlines. The veteran Medical Examiner has investigated a staggering number of high-profile cases: the death of funnyman John Belushi; civil rights leaders Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King, Jr.; the grisly slaying of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman; and perhaps the most high-profile murder in modern American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
“I headed up the Forensic Pathology Panel for the House Select Committee on Assassinations,” Dr. Baden says casually. “There are a lot of old-timers still around with a lot of theories about the assassination.” Dr. Baden is soft-spoken but assertive, a no-nonsense kind of guy.
Dr. Baden, who many know from his prior work on the HBO series Autopsy, is now a forensic science contributor for FOX News and works regularly with the Innocence Project. He has also worked at the behest of human rights groups and private citizens to investigate deaths around the world, most recently the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
What you may not know is that Dr. Baden’s wife, Linda Kenney Baden, also packs a powerful legal punch, and you’ve probably seen her in action. A perfect complement to her soft-spoken counterpart, Mrs. Baden is vivacious and animated -- and she’s demonstrably thrilled to join the CrimeCon lineup. “My executive producer, Cathy, loves CrimeCon. She’s been trying to get me to go with her for almost two years,” says Mrs. Baden. “She doesn’t know yet that not only am I going this year, but that I’ll be presenting with Michael.” (Informant’s note: Now she knows! Hi, Cathy!)
Mrs. Baden began her career as Assistant Prosecutor for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office where she was the lead attorney assigned to the Sex Crimes Investigative Unit. Her work now focuses on criminal defense cases that involve forensic discrepancies and cutting edge social issues like LGBTQ discrimination and civil rights violations. Mrs. Baden, too, does not shy away from headline-grabbing cases: she has served on the defense teams of Jayson Williams, Phil Spector, Michael Skakel, Aaron Hernandez, Casey Anthony, and socialite Gigi Jordan. She also serves as a host on Dan Abrams’s Law & Crime Network and has appeared on countless networks as a legal commentator.
Together, Dr. & Mrs. Baden will put their combined 80+ years of experience under the microscope as they reveal what what it’s like to work some of the most highly-publicized and controversial cases in recent memory. " A forensic investigator has to stay strong in the law and resist being pulled into the surrounding emotional vortex of public opinion, competing interests, and the media," says Dr. Baden. "We have to keep our heads straight while everyone else is losing theirs."
The increasing and overwhelming public interest in criminal cases and trial watching is a double-edged sword, says Dr. Baden, noting that while public interest can make the pursuit of justice more difficult, it’s also a powerful tool for correcting injustice itself. “I worked the Attica Correctional Facility Uprising in 1971,” he explains, referring to the infamous rebellion in which 43 people died when prisoners rioted to protest inadequate healthcare, food, and living conditions. “Forty years ago nobody cared about prisoners dying. Now we see the conditions at [Mississippi State Penitentiary] and people care. They call out for change.”
The Badens will be scheduled as part of the main programming lineup for CrimeCon Orlando (May 1-3, 2020). All levels of badgeholders will have access to this session.
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.
