One soul-shattering entry from forensic detective Karen Smith's journals
- By Website Editor
- •
- 06 May, 2020
Shattered Souls: A Forensic Detective's Diary
Karen Smith has been a CrimeCon superstar at nearly every CrimeCon event since she first joined us at CC18 in Nashville. She’s an engaging speaker who can’t hide the emotion in her voice; she’s a forward-driving force that inspires those around her to action; and now she’s a podcaster.
When Karen first told us about her idea for a podcast, we knew we wanted to help her bring it to life. But when we heard the series and understood how victim-focused the show is, we knew she had something special. The result: Shattered Souls: A Forensic Detective’s Diary. Shattered Souls debuted during our CrimeCon @ Home virtual streaming event on Saturday, May 9.
In the podcast, based on the detailed journals she kept during her eleven years as a forensic detective in Jacksonville, Karen describes the stories of overlooked victims in a way that will tug at the hardest of hearts.
“These are the cases and the victims that have--” Karen pauses and takes a deep breath, as if to find the right word, and when she does, she emphasizes, “haunted me. For years.” Indeed, episode one opens with a chilling description of a recurring nightmare that has plagued Karen since she arrived at the scene of a crime fifteen years ago.
The cases themselves are heartbreaking: a young woman who suffered a violent, prolonged, excruciating death; a promising young man gunned down in his family’s business behind what should have been bulletproof glass; a beloved retired cop murdered for money.
In Shattered Souls, Karen doesn’t shy away from the pain and emotion that forensic detectives feel while investigating these horrific crimes. In fact, while most investigators repress or deny those emotions, Karen embraces them and allows them to fuel her work. What results is a Golidlocks-esque balance of the victims’ stories, Karen’s often absurd or harrowing experience at crime scenes, and insight into the forensic process.
Throughout season one of Shattered Souls, Karen will tell the heartbreaking stories of six victims, the investigations, and the results of the cases. Karen graciously agreed to open her diaries and let us share an entry with CrimeCon readers:
Victim: Stacy Replogle
Date: February 2005
Stacy was murdered at a construction site in remote area of JAX. At a woodline. We had no idea how she got there, who she was, or who did it. Unidentified whodunnit = worst case scenario.
I got the call in the early morning hours of February. It was cold, raining. Arrived at scene to find evidence was being destroyed by weather. Since we could hardly reach her due to weather and mud, firefighters put me on the ladder and swung me over her body to photograph the scene. The ladder bounced and creaked. I was terrified.
Stacy’s body was discovered by a steamroller operator who called it in. Nobody had disturbed her body. Victim was lying on her back fully clothed with severe injuries to her head and neck. A small patch of hair had been pulled from her scalp. There was no evidence of sexual assault, but with such severed injuries, it doesn’t look like a one-off. Not the first time this guy has killed. Scares the fuck out of me.
Interesting about case: this is the first one that I’ve brought home. I had a nightmare about Stacy. Don’t know what that’s all about. I’ve worked lots of murders before but first time I’ve had this reaction. Sounds like almost everyone who worked it took it home.
===============
Today, fifteen years later, Karen says Stacy still visits her dreams on occasion. “It plagues me,” she says. “It’s the same dream, never changing.” She pauses and I can hear her choke back the lump that threatens to crack her voice. “And I never know when to expect it.”
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.
