Conversations with Gabrielle Wimer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Wimer

Hi Gabrielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At a very young age I was always interested in science and solving puzzles. By the time I was in high school I had developed a passion for Forensic Science.

I completed my bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University and continued with an associates Degree in Forensic Science from Grossmont College in El Cajon CA.

During my time at Grossmont College I became an intern with The San Diego Police Department. In 2007
I started my internship with the Cold Case Homicide Team. During that time I helped the team solve the 36 year old homicide case of Gerald Jackson. I Eventually transferred into the Crime Scene Unit where I was able to intern with Crime Scene Specialist, being exposed to multiple homicide scenes.

In 2010 I got hired as Forensic Specialist with Torrance Police Department. As my career flourished, so did my family, When I was pregnant with our second daughter we decided to make the move to Ventura County.

In 2016 I got hired by Ventura Police Department as a Forensic Specialist. I am currently one of two individuals who run the Forensic Unit for the city of Ventura .

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of my career has always been filled with the excitement of the unknown. I would definitely say the beginning of my career was the most turbulent

I started my career with Torrance Police Department, with our oldest daughter Isabella growing in my belly. Within my first year as a Forensic Specialist I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl

Right off the bat I had to balance the unpredictable world of crime scene investigation with motherhood and myself and my husband building a support network to help with the kids ( Because it takes a village)

I remember trying to figure out how I was going break away to pump breastmilk while being knee deep in a homicide scene

getting called out in the middle of the night and not returning till the next evening, how physically and emotionally draining that was. Especially with small children.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Forensic Specialist I respond to major crime scenes (Homicides, bank robberies, sexual assaults shootings, stabbings etc.) My job is to document, collect and preserve all evidence at the scene.

I take photographs of the crimes scene,

I look for biological evidence ( blood, saliva, sweat etc.)

I looking for ballistic evidence ( bullets, shell casings, bullet holes, guns).

I looking for latent prints. Dusting different surface for fingerprints.

I process suspects for evidence ( photograph injuries, swabbing their hands for any DNA evidence etc.

As of recent I am most proud of my work on the 1991 Danielle Clause homicide case. It was a unique situation where although I am not a detective , I was able to work on the case very closely. After discovering untested evidence I requested that the case be reopened. I reached out to a non profit called Season of Justice and I was able to secure funding to use forensic genetic genealogy to help identify our suspect. After three years of working closely with the genealogist our team was able to identify her killer Larry Devon Welch.

What sets me apart from the rest is my heart and passion for storytelling. After 15 year of crime scene investigation it’s only made my heart grow. CSI has introduced me to people from all walks of life and shown
me how important it is to have love and compassion.

I specialize in storytelling.
People are so curious about our work as crime scene investigators. I created a podcast called “The Walls Do Talk”
I am able to share my true crime scene stories. I bring my listeners in so they know what its really like to be at a crime scene. What I’m feeling, hearing, smelling, and seeing. The listeners get to step into my world and into my heart. It’s also a form of therapy for me and often brings closure.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Summers by far.

I grew up in Watsonville CA ( Santa Cruz County)

Summers meant boogieboarding all day at the beach, bike ridding through the neighborhood with friends, catching polliwogs at a nearby pond, helping my mom pick fresh vegetables from our garden and hiking in the redwoods.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewallsdotalkpodcast?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-wimer-5b61aa221
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3dH3ORMMSnv7j98Ye4uK6i?si=656b92042b0e488c