Dixie State University’s Criminal Justice Program needs your help to solve a murder — a hypothetical one, that is — during its Masticate, Mystery, Murder event.

The event is set to take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, at Dixie State’s Stephen & Marcia Wade Alumni House, 684 E. 500 South. Tickets are $10 each and are available from the Social and Behavioral Science administrative secretary in room 226 of the McDonald Building on the DSU campus. Tickets are also available at the door. Dinner from Honolulu Grillis included.

During the event, participants will be grouped together to solve a murder set in the 1920s. Those participating will have the opportunity to view a crime scene and establish what crime was committed, who committed the crime, and the type of weapon used in the crime. Participants have the option of dressing for the era, however it is not required.

"It is incredibly useful anytime we can challenge students with unpredictable real-world scenarios," Dr. Gary Cantrell, assistant professor of Digital Forensics at DSU, said.

The event will raise funds for Criminal Justice and Digital Forensic students who are interested in attending and presenting at conferences both locally and nationally.

“This event will provide students with an opportunity to engage criminal justice curriculum in a student-centered learning environment," Dr. Robert C. Morris, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at DSU, said.

The Dixie State University Criminal Justice Program is one of a kind in the state of Utah, as it offers two unique bachelor’s degree emphases: Criminology and Digital Forensics. No other Criminal Justice programs in Utah offer a four-year degree with these specialized areas of training.

Additionally, the program hosts the Computer Crime Institute. The institute, which has garnered nationwide attention, has filled a previously unmet need in the law enforcement community by developing cutting-edge digital Chip-Off forensic techniques. The high-tech method of extracting and analyzing data stored on flash memory chips often allows the extraction of data from devices even if the devices are damaged or the data has been deleted.

For more information about the Dixie State University Criminal Justice Program, visit socialscience.utahtech.edu/criminal-justice.

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