Video Links

Many journalists and writers have been inspired by The Schmidt’s story, including John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, who featured the family’s compelling journey in their book, Obsession. Additionally, several high school and college students have also created worthwhile, professional videos documenting their research, with the hopes of raising awareness and saving lives. Please visit the links below to learn more.

July, 2013. This story, with reporter Lara Wilinsky and videographer Matt Hayward, won a national Emmy award.
May 2020 – Gorillas for Safety, Party 1: Stephanie Schmidt: This two-part documentary was created by Pittsburg State University student, Hunter Simoncic for a sociology project about campus safety. While researching the history, Simoncic discovered Stephanie’s story from 1993 and reached out to the Schmidt family. Stephanie’s sister, Jeni agreed to be interviewed for the project. Part 1 features Stephanie’s story. Part 2 features the story PSU student, Carrie Williams.
May 2020 – Part 2 – Gorillas for Safety: Carrie Willams, created by Hunter Simoncic

June 9, 2005 – The Schmidts made a series of videos to help others who were grieving. This clip addresses the difference between homicidal death and other deaths.

The Schmidt family’s painful journey also brought many helpful and inspiring people into their lives. Several months after Stephanie’s story appeared on America’s Most Wanted, the family spent the day with John Walsh, connecting on grief and the justice system. They appeared on the Maury Povich Show to discuss Victims’ Rights Advocacy (1994). Mary Lou Henner interviewed Gene and Peggy about their mission work. The Schmidts were featured on 60 Minutes with Ed Bradley to discuss the laws they had successfully changed. The family was honored to work with former FBI profiler, John Douglas, and documentary filmmaker, novelist, and co-author, Mark Olshaker on the book, Obsession (currently available through Amazon.) Visit Mindhunters to learn more about the impressive work of Douglas and Olshaker.