Journalist Shane Waters to Speak about Sister Cathy Cesnik Murder

It was 50 years ago that Sister Cathy Cesnik disappeared. While her body was discovered a couple of months later in January, her murder remains a mystery to this day, and has since become the basis for the Netflix series “The Keepers.” Shane Waters, crime journalist and investigator who has a podcast that focuses on her case, will hold a discussion with the public at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. The special event will take place on December 14, 2019, at 9 a.m. 

“It’s always a great opportunity for our visitors when we can bring in speakers from the true crime community,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “‘The Keepers’ shined a light on the life of Sister Cathy and we can only hope the attention it continues to bring will help solve the murder of both her and Joyce Malecki. We are looking forward to the insights Shane will bring about this ongoing investigation.”

Advance event tickets are required, but are free with a paid general admission ticket to the museum. Seating is limited and based on first come, first served. Museum doors open at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting at 9:00 a.m. Attendees must be ages 10 and up due to the nature of the discussion. 

Shane Waters is a true crime investigative journalist who combines his knowledge of private investigation with his education in forensic psychology. In doing so, he focuses on telling the victims’ stories and raising important questions. He has a popular podcast called “Out of the Shadows,” on which he and Gemma Hoskins, the grassroots investigator from “The Keepers,” cover the murder and provide additional in-depth coverage of the case. They also investigate the cover-up of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Baltimore. 

Waters will lead a discussion on the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a Catholic sister, she disappeared on November 7, 1969. Her body was found near a garbage dump in Baltimore on January 3, 1970. An autopsy revealed that she died as a result of a blow to her head that caused an intracerebral hemorrhage. 

“I cannot think of a case that has as many twists and turns as the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy. Gemma and I have been putting our all into finding the who and why – and to ensure it never happens again,” explains Shane Waters. “It seems a young, intelligent, kind teacher tried to stop the unspeakable evil happening under her nose. It has now been 50 years since the day she seemingly stood up for what’s right and was murdered for it.”

Those interested in attending the conversation with Shane Waters can go online to reserve their tickets: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/temporary-exhibits/speaker-programs/shane-waters/.

In addition to hosting guest speakers, the museum is always adding to its collection and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.