Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Division Hosts Hope Conference for Victims' Families

Salt Lake County, September 26, 2024 — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office will host its third biennial conference for families of missing persons and unsolved homicides on Saturday, September 28th. 

 

The event will take place at the Salt Lake County Government Center County Council Chambers at 2001 South State Street in Salt Lake City. Registration is from 10:30 – 11 a.m. with the conference running from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

 

“The Hope Conference allows us to connect with the families of missing or murdered loved ones and assure them that we are still diligently working on their case,” said Detective Ben Pender. “It gives families the opportunity to share any relevant information that they may remember about their family member and their case. We also provide updates on new services and technology that could aid in their investigations.”

 

Guest speakers include Sheriff Rosie Rivera, Captain Dustin Fowler, and Detective Ben Pender. In addition, attendees will hear from Kathy Mackay, a Cold Case Crime Analyst from the Utah Statewide Information & Analyst Center, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, as well as Rebekah Kay from the Utah State crime Lab about DNA Technology: The Basics and Advancements.

In addition to the presentations, families will have the opportunity to meet with Detective Pender and schedule appointments for individual case reviews.