Tiffin University’s Cold Case Fellowship is receiving national recognition after being featured on Culpable, named one of Spotify’s Editor’s Picks Top 10 Best Podcasts of 2025.
All eight episodes highlighting the investigation into the unsolved 1998 homicide of 17-year-old Danny Violette of Willard, Ohio are now available to stream. The podcast features current TU students in the Fellowship, as well as Fellowship Director Dr. Michael Curtis. Earlier this year, Culpable was also named a True Crime Editors’ Pick and listed among the Best Podcasts of the Week by Amazon Music.
The case focuses on Danny Violette, who disappeared in the fall of 1998. Eleven days later, his body was found in a Huron County cornfield, showing signs of foul play. Despite extensive investigation, the case has remained unsolved for more than 25 years. The Fellowship’s involvement, now featured on the podcast, demonstrates how student-led investigation can contribute to real-world criminal justice efforts and potentially uncover new leads.
“We are thrilled that the Tiffin University Cold Case Fellowship is receiving national recognition and being featured on such a prominent platform,” said Program Director, Dr. Michael Curtis. “I am especially excited that our work has reached audiences coast to coast, bringing attention not only to our program but also to other cases that have long lacked recognition. This honor also highlights the dedication and hard work of our students, who spend countless hours investigating real unsolved cases. Through their efforts, we hope to provide answers for the Violette family and show the meaningful impact that academic programs like our Fellowship can have on the community and on the field of criminal justice.”
The cohort-based program is open to Tiffin University students of all majors. 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:
- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culpable/id1466330985
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19DWs1mOwfYEyzQ93CGFx3?si=a1a59299d5a74bb3
- Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2cb8221e-bcb9-49b2-a134-a27172eb52f6/culpable
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.