February 16, 2005 Public Invited To Free BSU Presentation On Celebrity Crime Presented By CourtTV Reporter and Producer

The public is invited to attend a free presentation on “Celebrity Crime” by Court TV reporter Beth Karas and Court TV producer John Alleva from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Multipurpose Building Room 106 at Boise State University.   Karas and Alleva, who are in Boise to cover the Sarah Johnson murder trial, will discuss the behind-the-scenes developments in celebrity trials involving Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Robert Blake and O.J. Simpson.   Karas and Alleva are also meeting with BSU students enrolled in genetics and advanced DNA analysis courses taught by biology professor Greg Hampikian.  Hampikian is a nationally known expert on DNA-based forensics. Hampikian is also the co-author of Exit to Freedom, written with former inmate Calvin Johnson, which chronicles Johnson’s 16-year effort to prove his innocence. The book is the only firsthand account of a prisoner freed by DNA evidence.   Pay parking is available in the parking structure just west of the Multipurpose Building off of University Drive and Brady Street. For more information call 426-4992.     -30-   Contact: Greg Hampikian, Department of Biology, (208) 426-4992, greghampikian@boisestate.edu                                                               Media Contact: Janelle Brown, communications and marketing, (208) 426-1790, jbrown2@boisestate.edu