Author Archives: csidds

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About csidds

Dr. Michael Bowers is a long time forensic consultant in the US and international court systems.

Federal court opens door for “new” DNA tests

Forensic science advances get another boost. This quashes DAs disingenuous arguments that appeal litigation for additional DNA testing is bound by a time “statute of limitations.” The rub are states’ laws that require a standard of proof of innocence that … Continue reading

Posted in criminal justice, criminal justice reform, exoneration, Forensic Science, wrongful convictions | 1 Comment

Bizzaro lawsuit claims ex crime lab tech driven to suicide.

I had no idea 1980s crime labbers used their own semen as referenced control samples. This one’s ended up found in a cold case murder investigation. http://www.cbs8.com/story/29569783/widow-of-ex-sdpd-crime-lab-employee-files-wrongful-death-lawsuit

Posted in criminal justice, CSI | 1 Comment

DC crime lab gets ex-FBI lab manager as its new chief.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/district-expected-to-name-new-head-of-embattled-dna-lab-officials-say/2015/07/16/e4379528-2bf5-11e5-a5ea-cf74396e59ec_story.html

Posted in criminal justice, CSI, DNA mixtures, DNA profiling | Tagged | Leave a comment

Forensics: Causes of death stranger than seen on CSI

Death by “microwave.” A Forensic Sci Int abstract of a paper on human carbonization by drug traffickers. Subscription needed 24 hour access costs $31.50. Strangulation homicide staged as a suicide by hanging. Cost the same as #1. For those so inclined … Continue reading

Posted in CSI, Forensic Science | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Frye Rule still lives in NY: Judge rules disagreement of DNA experts boots NYCME LCN DNA

New York justice is an amazing blend of wildcard judicial decisions about what are “scientifically” reliable methods in order to allow expert forensic testimony. I’m amazed that a NY judge in a 2 1/2 year (!!!) Frye hearing on the issue surrounding … Continue reading

Posted in Bite Marks, Bitemarks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Philippine Forensics: Dust-up over 1995 manner of death of a US Naval Officer

The officer’s family disputes suicide findings of multiple US and Phil criminal investigators. They brought in a “US forensic expert” who has an interesting pedigree. I wonder how much he charged the family for services? Full article A massive PR piece … Continue reading

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At what price, freedom? The moral challenges in forensic testifying. Some win and some fail miserably.

At what price, freedom?. An opinion article about expert witness integrity and examples of some total failures in the forensic science industry. From Dr. Mary Beth Hauptle, the most experienced forensic investigator dentist in the US. I am serious.

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bite Marks, criminal justice reform, CSI | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mini-police crime labs sprouting up all over thanks to the American Soc of Crime Labs

Originally posted on FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends:
Somebody needs to tell this Winston-Salem police chief how “speedy crime lab tests” (to avoid huge delays from the state lab) might not work out so well in…

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Mini-police crime labs sprouting up all over thanks to the American Soc of Crime Labs

Somebody needs to tell this Winston-Salem police chief how “speedy crime lab tests” (to avoid huge delays from the state lab) might not work out so well in some circumstances. The “speedy trial” reward for being “speedy” in that his … Continue reading

Posted in AAFS, CSI, Forensic Science | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Multiple US forensic pathologists run afoul of “hired gun” syndrome and double dipping

This associate ME in Montana thought he ran the entire show but found that overdoing it on SBS and overstating the same thing for private car companies all the time can catch up with you. A loose cannon.  And this CA … Continue reading

Posted in forensic pathology | Tagged , | Leave a comment