When True Crime Meets Hope: NCMEC at CrimeCon 2025
NCMEC returned to CrimeCon this past weekend in Denver, Colorado, with a powerful reminder: every poster shared, every case remembered and every story told matters. Joined by thousands of true crime enthusiasts, advocates and investigators, NCMEC showed how awareness can turn into action in the fight to protect children.
The case of missing infant, Kevin Verville Jr., featured at NCMEC’s booth. (Credit: NCMEC)
CrimeCon, the world’s largest true crime event, brings together people from all walks of life who share a passion for justice. Throughout the weekend, attendees visited NCMEC’s booth to learn about missing child cases, explore resources and discover ways they can be the ones to help bring kids home, reminding attendees that these stories aren’t just unsolved mysteries; they’re real children who still need to be found.
The weekend opened Friday with NCMEC President & CEO Michelle DeLaune on a panel about violent online groups and AI-driven exploitation. Joined by Greg Schiller, CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition, journalist Chris Hansen and FBI Supervisory Special Agent Ash Thorne, Michelle highlighted how technology is fueling new dangers that didn’t exist just a few years ago—and how we can get ahead of these threats to keep children safe.
From left: NCMEC President and CEO Michelle DeLaune, journalist Chris Hansen, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Ash Thorne and Child Rescue Coalition CEO Greg Schiller. (Credit: NCMEC)
On Saturday, the spotlight turned to one of NCMEC’s most heartbreaking issues: infant abductions. In the session, “Stolen Babies: How Do You Find Someone Who Doesn’t Know They’re Missing?” NCMEC’s Angeline Hartmann led a powerful and deeply emotional discussion that combined real statistics with the realities faced by families. Featured was the family of Kevin Verville Jr., abducted in California in 1980 at just 17 days old. When the Verville family walked on stage, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, a moment that honored their courage and renewed their hope that Kevin could one day be found. Read more about Kevin on our blog, “Stolen at 17 Days: Can New Image Find Kevin Verville?”
Left: The Verville family, alongside NCMEC’s Angeline Hartmann. Right: The Verville family gets a standing ovation at CrimeCon Denver. (Credit: NCMEC)
That same day, John Walsh and Callahan Walsh took the stage for “A Family’s Fight for Justice.” Building on John’s moving debut at CrimeCon 2024, the father-son duo shared how their family turned tragedy into a lifelong mission, reminding attendees that even the darkest chapters can inspire generations of advocacy and action.
Callahan Walsh and John Walsh, left, speak to CrimeCon about their mission to catch fugitives and find missing kids. Panel moderated by NCMEC President and CEO, Michelle DeLaune, right. (Credit: NCMEC)
On Saturday night, John Walsh presented the 2025 Crimefighter of the Year Award. After receiving the honor last year, he passed it on to the families of Liberty German and Abigail Williams, whose 2017 murders in Delphi, Indiana, shocked the nation.
“Superheroes are not just the ones in capes and masks or the ones who change clothes in a telephone booth,” said Walsh. “A superhero is guided by a sense of duty, they are fearless in the face of danger, and they are endlessly resourceful, even when the weight of their own pain is too much to keep going.”
John Walsh presenting at CrimeCon’s Clue Awards. (Credit: NCMEC)
The Delphi case drew national attention not only for its shocking nature, but also for the families’ relentless fight for justice. Lieutenant Jerry Holeman of the Indiana State Police and Carroll County prosecutor Nicholas McLeland were also recognized for their key roles in the case.
“The heroes we’re honoring tonight may not have the superpowers that we see in the movies,” said Walsh. “But what they have is just as powerful: determination, courage and the commitment to uncover the truth and fight for justice.”
Walsh’s words captured the spirit of CrimeCon—a place where everyday superheroes come together. CrimeCon is really about advocating for victims and encouraging responsible reporting on these issues. It’s a safe space for survivors and victims to share their stories, find support and know they are not alone. Through powerful panels and moving stories from real families, CrimeCon 2025 highlighted yet again the strength of a community united.