University of Idaho victims' families ask judge to permanently block crime scene images
Share this @internewscast.com

DENVER — Kristen Mittelman, a top executive at the forensics firm Othram, met Stacy Chapin at CrimeCon two years ago in Orlando.

“Frankly, I’m not sure why I attended. Although I had received an invitation, it had only been ten months since we lost Ethan,” Chapin shared at this year’s CrimeCon conference held in Denver, Colorado.

She had reluctantly gone to CrimeCon that year, she said. Then she was invited to a group meeting with other families whose children were the victims of high-profile crimes. 

“What in the hell am I doing in this room?” Chapin asked herself. 

Ethan Chapin's family poses for a selfie.

Ethan Chapin’s family poses for a selfie. (handout)

She called Chapin, explained the overwhelming DNA evidence police had recovered and how she was confident almost immediately that the genetic material was enough to solve the case.

“We could finally talk to the person who is our ‘why,’” Mittelman said of the call, describing it as her “full-circle moment.” 

Families like Chapin’s are why she and her husband built Othram, she said. 

“Once the gag order was lifted, my first phone call was Stacy’s family. I had a chance encounter with her a few months into the investigation, and I could see the pain in her eyes. And I could see how much she needed certainty,” Mittelman said. 

“The phone call was the greatest thing,” Chapin recalled Saturday. 

Kohberger victim Ethan Chapin's family arrive at court.

The family of Ethan Chapin, including mother Stacy Chapin and father Jim Chapin, arrive at the Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal hearingJuly 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

She and Ethan’s father, her husband Jim, immediately flew to Houston to meet Othram’s team, she said.

They also wanted to use the high profile of their son’s case to boost their advocacy work, connect other victims’ families with Othram and bring more criminals to justice, she said.

Although Kohberger’s defense painted the DNA as controversial and tried to have it thrown out, his lawyers lost that argument. Then he pleaded guilty to avoid the potential death penalty at trial. 

Chapin and the rest of her family have turned to victims’ advocacy after the crime and created a student scholarship in Ethan’s honor through the Ethan’s Smile Foundation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
MLB news: Philadelphia Phillies invite young fan to meet Harrison Bader after dispute over home run baseball goes viral

Philadelphia Phillies Make Young Fan’s Day: Inviting Him to Meet Harrison Bader After Viral Home Run Ball Dispute

The Philadelphia Phillies offered a young fan the chance to meet Harrison…
Powerball: Someone could win $1.8 billion jackpot Saturday. Odds are their identity will remain a mystery

Who claimed the Powerball prize? Two tickets worth a $1.8 billion jackpot were purchased in Missouri and Texas.

Lottery players in Missouri and Texas managed to win the massive $1.8…
Randy Moss completes cancer treatment at Atrium Health

Randy Moss Finishes Cancer Therapy at Atrium Health

The Hall of Fame receiver announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024, which…
Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann loses bid to toss DNA evidence at upcoming murder trial

Gilgo Beach Defendant Rex Heuermann’s Attempt to Exclude DNA Evidence at Murder Trial Denied

Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, failed in his attempt…
Freeze! Police ice cream trucks seek to portray officers in a positive light

Police Use Ice Cream Trucks to Foster Positive Community Relationships

NORWICH, Conn. (AP) — Across the nation, police departments are getting creative…
Off-duty pilot who tried shutting down engines after taking psychedelic mushrooms pleads guilty

Off-Duty Pilot Admits Guilt After Trying to Turn Off Engines Under Influence of Psychedelic Mushrooms

A former Alaska Airlines pilot, who attempted to disable the engines of…
Scott Hanson's message for fans enraged by NFL RedZone adding commercials

Scott Hanson’s Response to Fans Upset About NFL RedZone Including Commercials

Scott Hanson had a heartfelt message for NFL fans before the first…
Biden faces uphill battle securing funds for presidential library

Biden Struggles to Raise Funds for His Presidential Library

Biden’s library team has the daunting task of raising money for the…
Shark kills beachgoer in attack at Sydney beach, authorities say

Shark Attack Claims Life at Sydney Beach, Officials Report

A man in his 50s tragically lost his life after being attacked…
Israel warns of imminent attack on Gaza City, urges residents to flee

Israel Issues Warning of Possible Attack on Gaza City, Advises Residents to Evacuate

Israel urged Palestinians to leave several areas of Gaza City as its…
DC police release name of third suspect in Capitol Hill intern murder, offer $50K reward

DC police identify third suspect in Capitol Hill intern’s murder; $50K reward offered

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced a reward of $50,000 for…
Chicago mayor calls Trump's federalization threats 'beneath the honor of our nation,' protests planned

Chicago’s Mayor Criticizes Trump’s Federalization Threats as Unworthy of Our Nation, Protests Anticipated

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday addressed President Donald Trump’s prospective plans…