DC Judge Orders Exoneration, Cites Hair Evidence DNA Test Rejected

51 year old, Santae Tribble, spent 28 years in prison for a murder that he did not commit.  In 1978, he was convicted for the murder of a Southeast Washington taxi driver after an FBI examiner claimed that he microscopically matched Santae Tibble’s hair to one in a stocking found at the crime scene.  However, it took almost 30 years for Tribble to finally be exonerated.  DNA testing proved that none of the hairs used as evidence actually matched Tribble’s genetic profile.  Judge Laura Cordero ordered Tribble’s exoneration and he became the second D.C. man in 2012 and the third since 2009 to be exonerated after serving a long sentence based on false hair matches.  As a result of these exonerations and mistakes in the FBI Laboratory, the Justice Department announced a nationwide  review of all cases in which were handled by the FBI Laboratory;s hair and fibers unit before 2000. Editorial note:  In 1978, they did not even have the technical capability to positively identify an individual from a hair sample.

Read the full article here and even watch a video of Sentae Tribble telling his story

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 19, 2012]

Citation

Hsu, Spencer S. “D.C. Judge Exonerates Santae Tribble in 1978 Murder, Cites Hair Evidence DNA Test Rejected.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2012. Web. 19 Dec. 2012.

County detective develops 3D crime-scene animation

When at a crime scene, detectives record measures from all angles so they can explain scientifically how the crime took place.  However, once detectives are in the courtroom they have to explain to a jury their findings and with the help of two-dimensional photographs they can explain the events a little better.  However, juries often need more visual presentations to truly understand what took place.  Then want more then just explanations and photographs and Berks County Detective Albert Schade discovered that he can use a free computer program to create a 3D model of a crime scene, all from the measurements and crime scene sketches.  With that 3D model, Schade made some modifications to gaming software allowing him to virtually take the viewer into the scene using a computer mouse.  Schade stated, “If I want to walk a jury through a crime scene I really can’t do it with animation because they’re all looking through one camera angle,” “Having an interactive way to walk through things and talk to people while doing it is very helpful.”

Read the full article here

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 19, 2012]

Citation

Henshaw, Steve. “County Detective Develops 3-D Crime-scene Animation.” Reading Eagle. N.p., 13 Dec. 2012. Web. 19 Dec. 2012.

Ohio Justices: DNA Proof Must be Kept

On Thursday, December 6, 2012, the state Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that all law-enforcement agencies must preserve all biological evidence in both rape and murder cases.  Prior to this ruling, agencies could have trashed any evidence that existed before the law’s enactment.  Supreme Court Justices stated that agencies and crime labs that believe they can destroy all evidence from cases before the law took affect in 2010 are wrong.  This ruling is important for innocent people who could have had their evidence destroyed.  Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor stated in the court’s opinion that “Because DNA and biological evidence play such significant roles in the judicial system, it is imperative that law-enforcement agencies handle all evidence with extreme care.”

Check out the full article here

Date of Article:  December 7, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 13, 2012]

Citation

Candisky, Catherine. “Ohio Justices: DNA Proof Must Be Kept.” The Columbus Dispatch. N.p., 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. <http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/12/07/ohio-justices-dna-proof-must-be-kept.html>.

Tonight on forensicweek.com

Tune-in this evening, Thursday, December 13, 2012 to episode 003 – when ForensIQ and host Tom Mauriello bring you another forensicweek.com webcast,  7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Simply click right here and watch the show LIVE or view the show recorded at your leisure: http://www.youtube.com/forensicweek/

This week’s show features special guest, Dr. Priya Benerjee (former student of Tom’s), Forensic Pathologist and Assistant Medical Examiner for the State of Rhode Island –  who will be discussing the world of forensic pathology and how a medical examiner assists the police in their death investigation to determine the untimely manner, cause and time of death of a victim.

Host-Tom Mauriello will also be discussing his visit to the National Law Enforcement Museum warehouse and the CBS 60 Minute story broadcast this past Sunday on the subject of  “False Confessions” and what causes them to happen.

Police Sketcher Turns Witnesses’ Memories Into Evidence

Detective Greg Bean of the Bellevue (Seattle) Police Department can draw from victims memories to create nearly identical computer sketches of suspects.  Bean, who could barely draw stick figures throughout his life, has become a successful forensic artist by learning how to use a computer program designed to assist law enforcement agencies in creating composite drawings of suspects.  Bean learned that art begins in the mind, not in the hand.  Bean became an expert on facial features and his last eight sketches have been identical to the suspects arrested, including Danford Grant, a Seattle attorney who was a suspect of several alleged rapes.  Bean stated, “All I’m trying to do is create the most accurate representation of that image – that memory – that I can so that the public and police can use that to hopefully catch, arrest and prosecute the bad guy.”

Read the full article here and also view a photo galley of Beans sketches and oil paintings.

Date of Article: November 25, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 6, 2012]

Citation

Thomas, Linda. “Police Sketcher Turns Witnesses’ Memories into Evidence.”MyNorthwest.com. 25 Nov. 2012. Web. 06 Dec. 2012.

Serial Killer’s Blood May Solve Old Murders

The blood of mass murderer John Wayne Gacy and other executed men will be entered into the DNA national database in hopes it will link them to the coldest of cold cases.  Detective Jason Moran said, “You just know some of these guys did other murders’ that were never solved.”  By qualifying executed men as homicide victims, officials were able to get Gacy and others in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System.  There are many unsolved murders going back to the 1970’s when Gacy was killing young men.  Other states should turn in the DNA of executed inmates in hopes it will link them to unsolved murders.  As of today, there have been no hits that link Gacy or others to unsolved crimes.  However, it is just a matter of time when further DNA is submitted that will solve these cold cases.

Check out the full article here.

Date of Article:  December 3, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 6, 2012]

Citation

Babwin, Don. “Serial Killer’s Blood May Solve Old Murders.” Forensic Magazine. N.p., 3 Dec. 2012. Web. 06 Dec. 2012.

What Lawyers and Judges Need to Know About Trace Evidence Examination

The scene of a crime frequently yields a large amount of trace evidence.  Trace evidence is left when different objects contact one another.  During a criminal investigation, trace evidence plays an essential role in establishing a connection between the crime scene, the victim, and the suspect.  Trace evidence includes human hairs, synthetic fibers, gunshot residue, and paint.  It is important for those unfamiliar with the science involved in trace evidence to understand the methods used to analysis said evidence, as well as the process involved in finding, construing, and testifying about the evidence.

The American Academy of Forensic will be holding their Annual Meeting taking place on February 18-23, 2013 in Washington, DC, where Gateway Analytical will be giving a presentation entitled, “What Lawyers and Judges Need to Know about the Science behind Trace Evidence Examination.”  Higgs stated that this presentation “. . .will help attendees gain a general introduction and exposure to the scientific method employed in the analysis of trace evidence, as well as the conclusions that can be expected from the various types of trace evidence examinations.”  In addition, the presentation will provide case studies in which trace evidence was vital in the investigation, as well as the trial.  Assuring judges and lawyers understand the science behind trace evidence; will assure the jury understands the significance of the results.

Check out the full article here.

Date of Article: November 12, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 5, 2012]

Citation

Higgs, Brittney. “What Lawyers and Judges Need to Known about the Science behind Trace Evidence Examination.” Gateway Analytical. 12 Nov. 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.

Supreme Court Will Decide on Collection of DNA

In 2013, the Supreme Court will decide whether it is legal for law enforcement to collect DNA samples from people under arrest, but not yet convicted of the crime.  There are currently 27 states and the federal government that have laws allowing these laws as they help to solve old cases and provide public safety.  But, justices will review a verdict made in Maryland court in which law enforcement could not collect DNA from suspects who have not yet been convicted of a crime.  In 2009, Maryland began collect samples from those arrested for violent crimes.  Alonzo King Jr. was arrested during that time for assault and police collected his DNA.  Kings DNA matched the DNA of a rapist from a rape, which took place in 2003.  As a result, King was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.  However, King stated that the collection of his DNA before conviction violated the Fourth Amendment.  The highest court agreed with Kings views and his conviction was overturned.  Jesse Holland of the Associated Press stated “The federal appeals courts have so far side with the police on this issue, who say the samples contribute to a database that helps law enforcement.”  State of Maryland has appealed the courts decision and the Supreme Court will review the case in 2013.

Check out the full article here.

Date of Article: November 12, 2012

[Abstract by David Miller, ForensIQ Intern, December 5, 2012]

Citation

Holland, Jesse. “Supreme Court Will Decide on Collection of DNA Samples.” Forensic Magazine. 12 Nov. 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.

Police Adopt Cellphone Forensic Technology

Local law enforcement agencies will now be equipped with mobile forensic technology in which allows them to instantly access information on cell phone calls, text messages, and photos of those suspected to be involved in criminal activity.  The device is called Cellebrite and will significantly assist officers during investigations.  This device allows officers to receive information immediately, which previously took weeks to receive.  Officer Joe Harris, member of the FBI Cyber Crime Task Force, said “the equipment will extract and decode digital evidence and download it using software into a readable report. He said the information can be obtained on existing, hidden and deleted phone data, including call history, text messages, contacts, images and geotags” (Ellis).  The device will be of assistance in various types of crimes and significantly helps in seizing, securing, and analyzing digital evidence.  Furthermore, it will be useful in the early stages of investigations and will be of assistance in the courtroom.  “According to Cellebrite, the device works on 3,000 phone models and even can defeat password protections. The analyzer allows visualization of both existing and deleted locations on Google Earth, as well, and location information from GPS devices and image geotags can be mapped on Google Maps” (Ellis).  You can learn more about this technology by going to www.cellebrite.com.

Check out the full article here.

[Abstract by David Miller, ForenIQ Student Intern, December 5, 2012]

Date of Article: November 12, 2012

Citation

Ellis, Cynthia M. “Police Adopt Cellphone Forensic Technology.” Officer.com. N.p., 12 Nov. 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.

The forensicweek.com Show – Episode 002 [Forensic Anthropology]

Tune-in this evening to episode 002 – when hosts Tom Mauriello and Kevin Dolan bring you another forensicweek.com webcast,  7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Simply click right here and watch the show LIVE or view the show recorded at your leisure: http://www.youtube.com/forensicweek/

This week’s show features special guest, Marilyn London, Forensic Anthropologist –  who will be discussing the world of forensic anthropology – the recovery, description, and identification of human skeletal remains.

Forensic Magazine mentioned “forensicweek.com” in their newsletter yesterday, 12/6/2012 and posted an item about it on their website. You can see it here: http://www.forensicmag.com/news/forensicweekcom-webcast-show .

The forensicweek.com Webcast Show – Thursday, 7:00 to 8:00 PM (EST) Schedule of Guests

The November 29th premier of forensicweek.com on November 29th was a success with over 200 views watching the first show.  The schedule of special guests and forensic subjects that will be discussed are as follows:

December 6 –  Marilyn London – Forensic Anthropologist – Forensic anthropology is concerned with the scientific recovery, analysis and identification of human remains.

December. 13 – Dr. Priya Banerjee, Assistant Medical Examiner for the State of Rhode Island – Forensic Pathologist – Forensic Pathology is the study of the causation of suspicious,  unexpected or unusual death.

Forensicweek.com is webcast every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST) with new and exciting guests each week.

To view The forensicweek.com Show  LIVE or watch a past recorded show, just go to forensicweek.com.

ForensIQ in the News, “Descendants seek clues in 1919 in Westmoreland double murder.”

ForensIQ’s Tom Mauriello and his University of Maryland student intern investigative team visited Westmoreland County PA this past week, November 19 and 20, 2012.  The Westmoreland County PA  Greensburg Tribune Review Newspaper published a feature story today, Sunday November 25, 2012, about the 1919 “cold case” and the efforts of ForensIQ and the University of Maryland Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Read the article here…

ForensIQ Co-hosting New Webcast – “The forensicweek.com Show”

ForensIQ wishes to announce the November 29, 2012 premier of an all-new webcast show, “forensicweek.com,” hosted by Tom Mauriello. The show will be broadcast LIVE, every Thursday evening, 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (EST), featuring worldwide guests from throughout the forensic sciences community—discussing “real” forensic topics, techniques, and criminal cases. The show is streamed LIVE on YouTube and the homepage of forensicweek.com. Each show is recorded and archived on the forensicweek.com website to be watched at your convenience.  Read more…