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Investigating Intent Webinar

You may not look at your next scene the same.


Tax exempt, or need to be invoiced. Please contact our support team before registering.


The webinar is scheduled for 2 hours

Autoerotic fatalities present some of the most complex and easily misinterpreted cases encountered by death investigators. What may initially appear to be a suicide can, under careful scrutiny, reveal the hallmarks of accidental death driven by autoerotic behavior. 

This two-hour webinar explores the physical, behavioral, and psychological indicators that help distinguish between intentional self-destruction and accidental death resulting from sexual gratification. Participants will examine real case studies, review scene indicators such as ligature type, clothing position, and environmental context, and discuss investigative approaches that ensure accuracy and professionalism when dealing with these sensitive and often misunderstood deaths. 

The discussion also covers documentation practices, communication with families, and how to present findings in a clear and defensible manner. 

This training is designed for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement investigators, and forensic professionals seeking a deeper understanding of intent determination in equivocal deaths. Attendees will leave with practical investigative strategies, improved confidence in differentiating accidental versus suicidal deaths, and an informed appreciation of the behavioral science underlying autoerotic fatalities.

Accredited Training

Expert Instructors

Multi-Platform Compatible

Discussion Points

After this two hour webinar you will be better able to determine key scene features and behavioral clues that will distinguish intent from accident.

  • Differentiate between autoerotic fatalities and suicides by identifying key scene characteristics, behavioral indicators, and forensic evidence unique to each.

  • Apply structured investigative techniques to accurately document, analyze, and interpret findings in cases involving suspected autoerotic behavior.

  • Evaluate psychological and situational factors that influence intent determination and understand how these contribute to investigative conclusions.

  • Demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity when communicating findings to families, agencies, and the public while maintaining investigative integrity and discretion.

Instructor

Instructor Bio:

Darren Dake is a nationally recognized expert in medicolegal death investigation with decades of experience in law enforcement and coroner operations. He is the founder of the Death Investigation Training Academy and host of the Coroner Talk podcast, providing accredited education to coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement professionals nationwide. Darren’s instruction focuses on evidence-based practice, investigative integrity, and accurate determination of cause and manner of death. Known for his practical and disciplined approach, he continues to elevate professional standards through teaching, consultation, and ongoing fieldwork in death investigation.

Darren Dake, D-ABMDI, CI, CCI

Senior Instructor

This webinar will change the way you look at your next scene!