Detective Shares Career Experience at Texas Wesleyan

A veteran Fort Worth homicide detective addressed students at a local university criminal justice event.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Financial Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a worn leather notebook on a dark surface, evoking the gravity of criminal investigative work. — Fort Worth homicide detective Jerry Cedillo shared career insights and case study details with students at the Texas Wesleyan Criminal Justice Club event. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Fort Worth homicide detective Jerry Cedillo spoke to the Texas Wesleyan Criminal Justice Club at an event held at Lou's Place. He shared insights from his career to help students understand the realities of working in the field.

Why it matters

The presentation aimed to provide students with a realistic perspective on criminal justice careers while encouraging them to pursue similar professional paths. By offering firsthand accounts, the detective sought to better prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Detective Jerry Cedillo has spent 15 years as a homicide investigator in Fort Worth. Throughout his tenure, he has led investigations into nearly 100 separate homicide cases.

The players

Jerry Cedillo

He is a veteran Fort Worth homicide detective and a 2000 graduate of Texas Wesleyan University.

Texas Wesleyan Criminal Justice Club

This student organization at Texas Wesleyan University facilitates professional development events for those interested in law enforcement careers.

The details

Attendees at the Texas Wesleyan gathering heard specific case details and reviewed crime scene photos provided by the detective. The event was coordinated after the club president contacted the alumnus for the speaking engagement.

Jerry Cedillo graduated from Texas Wesleyan in 2000.
NBC Dateline aired the Black Friday episode featuring the Ashlea Ann Harris case on November 18, 2017.
The Criminal Justice Club event took place on October 22, 2026.

Legal Context

This speaking event reflects a continued public interest in investigative work, notably stemming from the visibility surrounding the NBC Dateline episode titled Black Friday. It illustrates how high-profile cases can serve as educational tools for students entering the legal field.

Residents in the Fort Worth area gain insight into the investigative standards maintained by their local police department through such professional engagements. This interaction helps demystify the investigative process for the local community and aspiring law enforcement professionals.

The takeaway

Engaging with experienced professionals provides students with a clearer picture of the challenges and responsibilities found in public service. Learning about specific historical cases helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world investigative demands.