Tiffin University’s Cold Case Fellowship is featured on “Culpable,” a national true-crime podcast, for its work investigating the unsolved 1998 homicide of 17-year-old Danny Violette of Willard, Ohio.
The first two episodes, titled “The Kid in the Cornfield” and “Still a Blur” are now available, with new episodes releasing weekly on Mondays over the next two weeks. Dr. Michael Curtis, Tiffin University Cold Case Fellowship Director, appears briefly in the first episode and three additional episodes highlight TU students’ work on the case.
The case centers on 17-year-old Danny Violette, who vanished in the fall of 1998. Eleven days later, his body was discovered in a cornfield in Huron County with signs of foul play. Despite extensive investigation, the case has remained unsolved for more than 25 years. Renewed interest, including the Fellowship’s investigation, could help uncover new leads.
“Our students bring fresh perspectives and a level of dedication that can make a real difference in cases that have remained unsolved for decades”
“Our students bring fresh perspectives and a level of dedication that can make a real difference in cases that have remained unsolved for decades,” said Program Director, Dr. Michael Curtis. “These cases are more than just files or statistics. They represent lives, families and communities seeking closure. Every lead our students uncover and every connection they make has the potential to move an investigation forward. Beyond solving cases, this experience teaches our students perseverance, teamwork and the importance of approaching challenges with both rigor and compassion.”
The Cold Case Fellowship at Tiffin University provides students with the unique opportunity to investigate real unsolved cases while completing coursework taught by faculty with professional experience in criminal justice. Fellows dedicate at least 10 hours each week to casework throughout the academic year, examining files, developing leads and making recommendations for further investigation. In addition to student learning, the Fellowship serves as a valuable resource for law enforcement agencies, offering an additional asset to assist with their backlog of cases that may not otherwise receive review due to limited time and manpower.
The cohort-based program is open to all majors, including business, leadership, accounting, forensic accounting and more. Fellowship experiences include travel to case locations, leadership opportunities, professional certifications and career readiness training. Graduates of the program receive special recognition at commencement, and the fellowship offers a seamless transition into TU’s graduate programs.
To listen to the podcast, visit podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culpable/id1466330985. For more information about the Tiffin University Cold Case Fellowship, visit tiffin.edu/academics/cold-case-fellow/ or contact Dr. Curtis at curtismt@tiffin.edu
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Dr. Michael Curtis
School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
Degrees & Certificates
Juris Doctorate, Duquesne University School of Law
BA, Criminal Justice, West Liberty University
Associate Professor Michael T. Curtis teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, trial preparation, and ethics. Mr. Curtis earned his B.A in Criminal Justice from West Liberty University and his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Associate Professor Curtis is a former police officer for the city of Weirton, West Virginia, where he was employed in many capacities from patrol to investigations. During this time, he was a head wrestling coach at Steubenville Catholic Central High School, in Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Curtis is a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy, where he received the honor of being selected as the “Most Outstanding Officer” of his class. Professor Curtis is a licensed attorney and has practiced law since 2006. He is a former founding partner of the law firm of Grishkevich and Curtis, P.L.L.C., specializing in general practice, bankruptcy law, criminal defense, personal injury, medical malpractice, and family law. Mr. Curtis is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served in the Persian Gulf and was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal.