CASSOPOLIS – Last week’s CSI Junior Academy at Southwestern Michigan College culminated Friday afternoon with a mock trial at the Law and Courts Building in Cassopolis.

Behind mysterious and unusual deaths, there are always investigators trying to solve them.
TV shows such as “CSI” (Crime Scene Investigation) brought the world of forensic science into the mainstream. Now, many young adults aspire to be the next Horatio Caine.
SMC, in collaboration with Educational Talent Search, Dowagiac Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cass County courts hosted the academy Monday, Aug. 17-21, on SMC’s Dowagiac campus.

Students experienced everything from gathering evidence and processing a crime scene to presenting the case they assemble before a jury and judge.

Thursday, the cadets worked with real attorneys to interview witnesses at Mathews Conference Center.

Students completed their week with a graduation ceremony at Camp Friedenswald Friday evening.

Eighteen participants are middle schoolers in sixth, seventh and eighth graders from across Cass County.