Staff photo by Fritz Busch Forensic psychologist and true crime author Frank F. Weber of Pierz talks forensic psychology and 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, his previous books and his career at 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 from 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 motive for the crime after he knows the suspect’s background.

The web found that writing crime mysteries based on real cases was a good way to handle the job. He said a sense of humor is also important in his work.

Since 2016, Weber has started publishing one book a year.

in his last novel, “The Vandal Scandal” Weber writes about Debra Grant, wife of attorney Tug Grant. She was a Girl Scout leader, PTA member and Christian Women’s Ministry member who was brutally murdered in her home in Minnetonka. Police have not identified any suspects in the murder.

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

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

Outside prison, he recanted, saying he only said it to be accepted into the gang, but had the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reopen the case.

Weber said one of the reasons he writes about cases like this is to raise awareness about problems in the system that allow criminals to get away with crimes. He hopes writing about these issues will help the state set laws to avoid miscarriages of justice.

“Why do they kill people? The best answer is murderers and other criminals are very narcissistic. They are very self-righteous.” Weber said.

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 suspicious movement and pinpoint a person’s exact location.

“Newer cell phones can be tracked even when they are turned off. Everything can prove men guilty, it can also prove them innocent.” Weber said.

He said cellphones can be used to prove where a suspect was when a body was dumped.

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

“Nothing works as well as TV.” Weber said.

“Lie detector tests are not 100% accurate, but they are pretty good. They mark physiological changes. They cannot be used in criminal court, but they can be used in civil court.” he said.