Several local students win 1st place in the National Crime Scene Investigation Competition

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local student group took first place in a national crime scene investigation competition.

We spoke to the students and their advisor about how they managed to become the best in the USA

Three students from Kofa High School won gold at the Skills USA Championships in Georgia this year.

The students competed with 36 teams from across the country in tasks such as evidence collection, forensics and crime scene documentation.

Ayzia Ramos, a high school senior and winner of the competition, says, “When I look back, I am still in awe that my team accomplished this and took 1st place in the nation.”

Students participate in a dual credit program in law and public safety at Kofa High School.

They talked about what it means to become a crime scene investigation student.

Natalie Cordova, also in her senior year of high school and a competition winner, says, “During the summer, we came almost three times a week and just shot crime scenes and practiced our individual skills during school time. After school, we stayed until 5 or 6 p.m. and practiced and practiced and practiced and shot multiple crime scenes to make sure we perfected our skills.”

The students have finished fourth in the state championships for the last three years.

Irene Garcia, a Kofa High School graduate and contest winner, tells us, “We didn't make it here on the first try. We actually stuck with it and kept trying, even though we failed the first time. I think it's really important to realize that you don't get anywhere the first time. You just have to keep going and not get discouraged.”

All the girls say the best part is the bond they have built with each other.

Ramos adds: “You have the greatest success when you are with people who have the same mindset as you and the same goals. I think we were able to help each other through the difficult times and win together.”

Their supervisor Eric Frost, a former homicide investigator, tells us what the students take away from his classes.

“One interesting thing about my course is that I have 10 years of experience as a homicide investigator and we go through real-world scenarios in class. If they want to go to the YPD or the Sheriff's Office, they know the phonetic alphabet, they know the 10 codes, they know how to keep a crime scene entry log, they can set up and take down a crime scene. They actually learn real-world skills to go out and do that,” says Frost.

He talks about what he admires most about his team.

“These kids compete every day, they prepare, they help each other. We have multiple crime scene teams, and even though they compete against each other, they are constantly helping each other. We have people who only want the best for them, and to see the development of these students is amazing,” he adds.

All three winners say they are interested in a career in police work.

Congratulations to her!