Staff photo by Fritz Busch Forensic psychologist and true crime author Frank F. Weber of Pierz talks about forensic psychology and writing true crime mysteries at Schell’s Brewery Sunday.

NEW ULM — A forensic psychologist who doubles as a true crime author talked about his latest book, earlier books and his career at the Schell’s Brewery Sunday.

A forensic psychologist specializing in homicide, sexual assault and domestic abuse cases, Frank F. Weber of Pierz said he has interviewed victims and offenders to profile criminal cases for more than 30 years and has worked in nearly every prison and jail in Minnesota.

His method of getting suspects to confess to crimes is by having a simple conversation with them about their childhood and relationships. Often he learns the reason for the offense after he know’s the suspect’s past.

Web found writing murder mysteries based on real cases was a good way to cope with the work. He said having a sense of humor in his work is important too.

Since 2016, Weber began publishing one book a year.

in his latest novel, “Scandal of Vandals,” Weber writes about Debra Grant, wife of attorney Tug Grant. She was a scout leader, PTA member and Christian Women’s Ministry member who was brutally murdered in her Minnetonka home. Police did not identify any murder suspects.

Another recent book, “Black and Blue,” is based on the murder of a police officer’s 19-year-old fiance in Minneapolis. The back story that inspired the case is about an African American man convicted of the murder based on DNA evidence.

The case was re-opened after the victim’s fiance was arrested for violent rape. In prison, the ex-cop tried to join a white militia by admitting to killing his fiance because she was cheating on him with the black man who was convicted.

Outside prison, he recanted, saying he only said that to be accepted into the gang, but it caused the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to re-open the case.

Weber said one of the reasons he writes about such cases is to raise awareness about system problems that allow offenders to get away with crimes. He hopes writing about the issues will help the state fix laws to avoid miscarriages of justice.

“Why do people kill? The best answer is murderers and other offenders are very narcissistic. They’re very self-centered,” said Weber.

He said cell phones are among the best evidence for solving crimes because cameras help catch criminals, many cell phones are equipped with GPS. Some are able to track suspect movement and pinpoint the exact location of a person.

“Newer cell phones can be traced even when they are off. Everything can can prove people guilty, also can prove them innocent,” said Weber.

He said cell phones can be used to prove where a suspect was when a body was dropped.

He said DNA is another interesting concept that is correct 99.99% of the time, but lasts only 13 days if it is exposed, but can last for years if it is sealed.

“Nothing works as well as it does on TV,” Weber said.

“Lie detector tests aren’t 100% right, but they’re pretty good. They mark physiological changes. They can’t be used in criminal court, but they can be used in civil court.” he said.