Digital evidence in criminal cases has changed how investigators solve crimes. Almost every case has some digital evidence linked to it that helps forensics teams, investigators and authorities find criminals and take them into custody.
As a digital forensics service provider in FL, we have used some real examples to explain how digital evidence in criminal cases is used.
Matt Baker
Matt Baker, a Baptist preacher, was found guilty of the murder of his wife with the help of digital evidence. Initially, he told the police that his wife, Kari, committed suicide by overdosing on pills. However, his computer provided substantial evidence linking Baker to his wife’s murder. He searched for pills that can cause fatal consequences upon overdose, and one of them was Ambien, the drug found in Kari’s body.
Mikayla Munn
Mikayla Munn was a student at Manchester University and was found guilty of killing her newborn child in 2016. Originally, Munn told police that she didn’t know she was pregnant at the time. She passed out during birth (while taking a bath) and found the newborn underwater and not breathing when she was conscious.
During the investigation, the digital forensics team found evidence that linked Munn to the newborn’s death. She searched for aborting a baby at home, cutting the umbilical cord, etc. Using this evidence, the police were able to establish that she drowned her newborn in a bathtub after giving birth, to which she pleaded guilty later. As a result, she was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Larry Jo Thomas
Larry Jo Thomas was found guilty of murder in an attempted robbery in 2016. He was meeting Rito Llamas-Juarez (the victim) to sell a cellphone via the OfferUp app, but his intentions were to rob them. Thomas then shot Juarez during the transaction, which was proved by the content he posted on his social media.
There were photos of Thomas carrying the assault rifle, the same ammunition used to kill Juarez. The images also showed Thomas wearing a bracelet found at the crime scene. As a result, Thomas was arrested for his crimes.
KrenarLusha
KrenarLusha was an illegal immigrant living in the UK who was caught by the authorities. Lusha downloaded data on making explosives, detonators, search belts, etc., from the internet, and the police were able to track it. He also corresponded with other people online and showed his ill intentions toward Americans and Jewish people.
After obtaining a search warrant for Lusha’s apartment, the police caught him downloading videos on making mobile detonators. They also found incriminating physical evidence, including petrol bomb components, firearm ammunition, and cell phones for detonating explosive devices. Thanks to digital forensics, the authorities were able to stop him before any violent and destructive crime.
At Eclipse Forensics, we offer a wide range of digital forensics services in Florida. Our services include forensic video analysis, cell phone searching, forensic image redaction, and more. Contact us for details.
