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Journalist Frank Stanfield to speak about covering true crime case in Lake County

Journalist and author, Frank Stanfield, will be coming to Leesburg next month to discuss his time covering one of Lake County’s most notorious crime stories.

The event, “How to Cover the Craziest Crime Story Without Going Crazy Yourself (Allegedly),” will follow Stanfield’s time reporting on the murder of the parents of then 15-year-old, Heather Wendorf, in Eustis in 1996 by a vampire cultist group. The case sparked international headlines, especially after Wendorf left with the group.

Stanfield will take information from his book “Cold Blooded” to lecture on topics such as constitutional battles over free press versus a defendant’s right to a fair trial, mental illness, the treatment of juveniles in the justice system, the fascination with the occult, spiritual warfare, sex abuse and the influence of pop culture on vulnerable teens.

It will also dive into the process and challenges journalists must face to get a story, while managing to avoid further sensationalization of an already sensational story.

The discussion will take place at the Venetian Center (The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Cir, Leesburg, FL 34748) on April 13 at 7 p.m.

This lecture is presented apart of Beacon College’s Beacon Salon Speaker Series. The series focuses on bringing speakers, educators, and entertainers from Florida and around the world to discuss Florida history, poetry, politics and more.

This is a free event, and a boxed meal will be provided. Registration is requested at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fsja/event/853121/