Author Profile

DNA Evidence Sets Man Free After 29 Years on Death Row
March 16, 2020
After he pled no contest to second degree murder, the Court ordered Hildwin released with time served. He spent nearly 30 years on Florida’s death row for a murder he always maintained he did not commit. read more
Wisconsin, Louisiana Forensic Labs Now Using STRmix
March 16, 2020
The addition of crime labs in Wisconsin and Louisiana brings to 53 the number of forensic laboratories in the United States now using STRmix to resolve DNA profiles in criminal investigations. read more
DPAA Scientist Recognized for Isotope Research to ID Missing Military
March 13, 2020
Berg earned this year’s award for his research in intraperson variation in isotopic values, which is directly linked with the establishment of the first DoD ANAB-accredited isotope laboratory. read more
Mobile Forensic Lab Brings New Dimension to Outdoor Crime Scenes
March 13, 2020
The stocked van was designed by and purpose-built from the ground up for forensic scientists in a project that took more than two years to complete. read more
Survey: Public Wants More Compensation, Security for Their Genomic Data
March 12, 2020
A recent survey finds that once people are aware of issues surrounding the use and security of genetic information, people become more concerned. read more
Next-gen 911 Services are Highly Vulnerable to Cyberattacks
March 12, 2020
The next-generation of 911 systems that now accommodate text, images and video still have severe issues and vulnerabilities. read more
Study: Layoffs Lead to Higher Rates of Violent Offenses, Property Crimes
March 12, 2020
The study is one of the first to establish a causal link between individual job loss and subsequent criminal activity. read more
Solved: 23-year-old 'Baby Hope' Cold Case
March 11, 2020
Sheriff's Detectives solve the 1996 cold case homicide involving infant girl whose body was found in the Arkansas River. read more
Opioid Trial Postponed Due to Virus Outbreak
March 11, 2020
The next trial scheduled over the drug industry's liability in the opioid crisis has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. read more
Florida House Passes Forensic Reform Bill for Felons
March 11, 2020
On Tuesday, the Florida House unanimously advanced to Senate a bill featuring forensic analysis reforms that gives convicted felons more post-conviction options. read more
Map Helps People in Crisis Locate Temporary Firearm Storage Facilities
March 10, 2020
A new interactive map is now available to help people in crisis find temporary firearm storage facilities in their community. read more
Some Arizona Police Agencies Getting Hybrid Patrol Vehicles
March 10, 2020
Some Arizona police departments are starting to buy hybrid patrol vehicles, with a Flagstaff official saying the recent purchase of five all-wheel-drive hybrids puts the city on a course to save money on fuel while helping the environment. read more
Forensic Analysis of 3D-printed Firearms: Beyond Traditional Traceology
March 10, 2020
Forensic scientists and crime science investigators need to recognize that the traditional traceology approach must be adapted when investigating a scene where a 3D-printed firearm is suspected. read more
FBI Working to 'Burn Down' Cyber Criminals' Infrastructure
March 09, 2020
To thwart increasingly dangerous cyber criminals, law enforcement agents are working to “burn down their infrastructure” and take out the tools that allow them to carry out their devastating attacks, FBI Director Christopher Wray said. read more
Seeking Trial Delay, Sheriff Makes False COVID-19 Claim
March 09, 2020
With Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely set to go on trial on felony charges, his attorneys told a judge in a court document filed Friday he was hospitalized and being tested for COVID-19. read more
Genetic Genealogy Firm Selects Non-profit Intermountain Forensics as Lab Services Provider
March 09, 2020
This collaboration allows Innovative Forensic DNA to provide law enforcement and victim advocacy groups the highest quality, cutting-edge lab services in a timely, affordable, and transparent way during the course of investigative genetic genealogy cases. read more
DOJ to Publish Final Rule to Comply Fully with DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005
March 09, 2020
The Department of Justice issued a final rule to implement the Attorney General’s authority provided by the bipartisan DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 to authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect DNA samples from certain non-United States persons it detains. read more
Time-of-Flight Method Helps Forensic Analysts Halt Trafficking of Rhino Horns
March 09, 2020
Forensic lab analysts examine, identify and compare evidence using traditional instrumentation to link suspect, victim and crime scene with physical evidence. The only caveat here is that the victim is an animal, not a human. read more
Research Program Seeks to Validate Unique Hand Identification
March 06, 2020
Are our hands as unique as our fingerprints? If so, can that be proven beyond a reasonable doubt? A new program led by forensic anthropologist Dame Sue Black is asking 5,000 citizen scientists to help answer that question by uploading photos of their hands. read more
1,000 High School, Community College Students Take Part in Forensic Science Day
March 06, 2020
Event attendees listened to talks about forensic dentistry and crime gun intelligence, toured DNA and cadaver labs, spoke with the Phoenix Police Department’s Special Assignments Unit, analyzed blood spatter patterns and more. read more