Renowned Forensic Sketch Artist and Videographer Robert Exter Joins Shasta Unfiltered as Contributor

REDDING, Calif. — Robert Exter, one of America’s most accomplished courtroom and police composite sketch artists with a decades-long career assisting the FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement, has agreed to serve as a contributor to Shasta Unfiltered, the new online news publication dedicated to honest, unfiltered news and information coverage of the North State.

Now based in Redding in Shasta County, Exter brings a unique blend of artistic expertise, courtroom insight, and videography skills to the young publication.

Shasta County, California - Wikipedia Credit: en.wikipedia.org

A Self-Taught Pioneer in Forensic Art

Exter’s journey into forensic and courtroom art began in Sacramento in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The California native quickly earned a reputation for accuracy and speed as an independent contractor.

His most famous contribution came in 1987 when he created a detailed color watercolor composite of the Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) for the UNABOM Task Force.

Robert Exter’s 1987 Unabomber composite (left) compared to a later sketch by Jeanne Boylan. Credit: oddstops.com

Acclaimed Courtroom Sketch Artist

Exter has served as a courtroom sketch artist for major media outlets. In September 2025, he provided detailed sketches during the high-profile Tyler McCain preliminary hearing in Shasta County, where cameras were not allowed.

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Self-taught artist helps Northstate's News with courtroom sketches in Tyler McCain case

Portrait Artist, Videographer, and North State Voice

Beyond forensic work, Exter is a respected portrait artist and operates the ReddingPatriots YouTube channel, covering local government and North State issues.

His agreement to contribute to Shasta Unfiltered (shastaunfiltered.com) will bring courtroom sketches, original video reporting, composite illustrations, and visual storytelling to readers across Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, and Tehama counties.

Exter’s visual expertise is expected to significantly enhance engagement and help readers better understand local trials, events, and stories.

For more on Robert Exter’s career, visit robertexter.com or follow him on X at @ROBERT_T_EXTER.

Shasta Unfiltered continues to grow its team of local contributors committed to transparent journalism for the North State.