When Glenna Whitley walked into the classroom she had no digital slideshow, just a stack of papers and her true crime stories.

Whitley, an award-winning investigative reporter, specializes in crime and the legal system. Since November 2003, she’s been a staff writer for the Dallas Observer, and she’s been the executive editor and senior writer for D Magazine.

Whitley’s work has been featured in various publications such as Texas Monthly, the New York Times and many others.

In 1998, Whitley co-published the nonfiction book “Stolen Valor” that revealed the Vietnam War’s mental effects on veterans. Another one of Whitley’s stories, “Evil Eyes,” explains the history of serial killer Carl Eugene Watts.

During the workshop, she read aloud some of these awarded works and explained how each detail of the crime builds upon itself. Most of her stories and works are gruesome and graphic, however, this is done with a purpose to sink the reader into the story and to stay engaged.

As she was reading the more explicit parts of the stories, many of the kids in the audience had wide eyes and were leaning towards her to take in more of the story.

One story stuck with me the most , and I was entranced in the scene of the crime. I wanted every detail of the story. The article was titled “Murder in the Family,” and was published by D Magazine in 1993. Immediately I was sucked into what Whitley had to say.

The tale involves forged insurance policies and the murder of Sandy Dial.

Although her husband was the most obvious suspect, the actual culprit was one of Daniel’s friends, De Ellen Bellah.

Whitley wrapped up her presentation by summarizing the merits of pursuing a career of investigative journalism, encouraging students to chase after their passions. Overall, Whitley’s workshop kept me on the edge of my seat, and I hope she will return next year to inspire a new group of students.