WHAT WE DO
The Homicide Investigators of Texas is an organization composed of City, County, State and Federal Police Officers, as well as Forensic Professionals and Prosecutors in and around the State of Texas actively involved in homicide investigations. Our organization is dedicated to providing training, education, collaboration, and commitment to seeking justice for homicide victims and their families.
As Homicide Investigators of Texas, our mission is to provide quality training designed specifically for members who investigate questionable death. The concept of Homicide Investigators of Texas, Inc. originated in June 1985 by Leland K. Wood, who at that time was the Program Director of the Texas Crime Prevention Institute, and Sergeant Dwain Johnson, Homicide Division, El Paso Police Department. There was no association in Texas specifically for Homicide Investigators at this time. The H.I.T. Articles of Incorporation were signed, and H.I.T. was established and recognized by the State of Texas on September 22, 1986. The original Board of Directors consisted of the following individuals: Dwain Johnson, Leland Wood, and Juan Gonzalez.
Our Mission & History
OUR CREED
No Greater honor will ever be bestowed on you as a Police Officer, or a more profound duty imposed on you than when you are entrusted with the investigation of the death of a human being. It is the moral duty and, as an Officer entrusted with such a duty, it is incumbent upon you to follow the course of events and the facts as they develop to their ultimate conclusion. It is a heavy responsibility. As such, let no person deter you from the truth or your personal conviction to see that justice is done, not only for the deceased, but for the surviving family as well.
A Message From Our President
Rusty Stillwagoner
HITX President
It is truly an honor to serve as the newly elected President of the Homicide Investigators of Texas. Having attended this conference for many years, this organization means a great deal to me, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the outstanding leaders who have served before me.
I would like to begin by recognizing the exceptional work of our Board, Committee members, and Training Coordinators. Their dedication and commitment continue to make our annual conference one of the premier training opportunities for homicide investigators. The success of the 2026 conference is a direct reflection of their hard work, and I extend my sincere appreciation to each of them.
I also want to thank our members and the departments that support them. Your continued participation and commitment to professional development are what make this organization strong. The growth in attendance and vendor participation is a testament to the value of what we are building together.
As we look ahead, our focus will remain on continuing to grow our membership while maintaining the high standard of training that our attendees have come to expect. We are committed to providing relevant, high-quality instruction while keeping costs as reasonable as possible. Planning is already underway for the 2027 conference, and we look forward to building on the success of previous years.
Additionally, we will continue to support the next generation through our scholarship program, encouraging eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
Serving this organization is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue to strengthen the Homicide Investigators of Texas.
Rusty Stillwagoner
President
Homicide Investigators of Texas​