CrimeCon, an annual gathering of true-crime enthusiasts, content creators, investigators, advocates, survivors, and victims' relatives, has grown significantly since its inception in 2017. The event, which took place in Las Vegas, attracted 6,500 attendees this year, with some paying over $1,600 for a VIP experience. However, the convention has also raised concerns about the exploitation of victims' families, with many critics arguing that the true-crime genre prioritises the perpetrators over the victims.
Dr Maggie Zingman, a trauma psychologist whose daughter was murdered in 2004, has attended CrimeCon several times, using the platform to raise awareness about her daughter's case. Zingman recognises the event's inherent contradictions but believes that it can serve as a valuable resource for educating people about true crime. She notes that without CrimeCon, her story might not have reached 8,000 people.
Event co-founder Kevin Balfe acknowledges that some attendees may be drawn to the event expecting sensationalised content, but stresses that the convention has curated an audience of people who genuinely care about the victims and their families. Balfe points out that groups like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Black and Missing Foundation use CrimeCon to raise awareness for their advocacy work.
As the true-crime genre continues to grow in popularity, experts are weighing in on the fine line between profit and respect for victims' families. While some argue that events like CrimeCon can serve as a valuable resource for education and awareness, others contend that the true-crime genre prioritises the perpetrators over the victims, leading to exploitation.
The UK's true crime obsession has significant economic implications, with many Brits investing in true-crime podcasts, documentaries, and books. However, the exploitation of victims' families raises important questions about the ethics of the true-crime genre.