Mikayla Munn had the classic tragic tale to tell: a poor mother loses her newborn. We are all, instinctively, inclined to sympathize with her and to feel for her. However, an investigation soon revealed that Munn had that within which passeth show.
And it was digital forensics that cracked the case.
The Case
In March 2016, the police were called by first responders to the room of a student at Manchester University. They found the dead body of a newborn in a bathtub. The student, 24-year-old Mikayla Munn, appeared to have given birth in the bathtub—a tragic birth, it would seem. The newborn had died either after being born or had been stillborn.
A Bathtub Tragedy or Deliberate Malintent?
What was odd was that Mikayla said she didn’t even know she was pregnant. The initial story—at least as far as Mikayla Munn tried to paint—was that she, unaware of her pregnancy, had just been taking a regular bath. During that bath, she gave birth—and the baby was stillborn.
On paper, it works. But in real life, the law enforcement agencies had access to Mikayla’s mobile devices, such as her computer and phone. Luckily for them, they didn’t have to dig deep.
All it took was one look at her browser history. She had apparently run searches for “at home abortions” and “ways to cut the umbilical cord of a baby.” These findings directly linked her to the homicide—and not accidental death—of her child.
Mikayla Munn was given 12 years in prison.
A Word on Browser and Search History
In Munn’s case, it’s imperative to say that deleting browser history can save you a lot of trouble—or can it? Is deleted browser history deleted forever?
Digital forensics says no.
Professional digital forensic service providers can actually recover deleted web history from any desktop device’s system restore points. Additionally, they can look at caches and reconstruct deleted browser history. This creates a map for investigators, revealing the state of mind of any person under investigation. Additionally, you have the advantage of time stamps, user location, and several other open source tools that can be used in an investigation.
Eclipse Forensic Services:
Eclipse Forensic Services, a prominent Florida-based provider specializing in digital forensic services, has earned acclaim for its adept extraction of both active and latent evidence from diverse digital devices. With a focus on computers, laptops, mobile phones, and more, their comprehensive services, advanced tools, and expert digital forensic professionals empower investigators to unravel intricate cases.
The Ever-Present Threat:
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital activities, the indelible marks left behind become increasingly apparent. The case of Mikayla Munn serves as a poignant illustration of the profound impact that digital forensic experts can have in separating fact from fiction and ensuring justice prevails. Understanding the permanence of digital footprints is paramount, especially in legal investigations where truth is often buried beneath layers of deceit.
Mikayla Munn’s tragic tale, once obscured in ambiguity, stands as a testament to the indispensable role of digital forensic experts in modern investigations. As technology continues to advance, so does the capability to uncover hidden truths, ensuring that justice is served and the guilty are held accountable. This cautionary tale underscores the enduring nature of digital footprints and the unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of deception, thanks to the expertise of digital forensic professionals.
Digital Forensic Services Offered in Florida
Eclipse Forensic Services is a Florida-based digital forensic services provider. We can help you extract active and latent evidence from digital devices such as computers, laptops, mobiles, and the like. With our services, tools, and expertise, you can crack any case wide open.