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2018 Archives


Trump's First State of the Union and the Rise of Totalitarianism


Blythe CA Ehrenberg AZ

January 30, 2018


Donald Trump will delivery his first State of the Union this evening. I will respond to his speech within the first week of February. The lack of apperception and volition of the past six Presidents Reagan Trump has increased the strength of Totalitarianism in the United States and abroad. Over 30 years of Chemical Assault and Scorched Earth have transpired. An informant based population signals the death of the nation then the state. The Syrian Civil War has killed perhaps 300,000 and counting with very little stability in view. Afghanistan is week as the Taliban regroup. Separatists in Yemen have seized the capital today.


If the police fall the population will fall. Over 63,000 persons were killed by opioids last year. Thirty years is a generation and there is no end in site in the United States.


Mass Murder: Broward County Florida


Blythe CA Ehrenberg AZ

February 24, 2018


Alleged shooter Nikolas Cruz's family argues there were no warning signs that he would strike with an AR 15 rifle killing 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas school in Florida. The recent crescendo of mass murders has parties of all sides seeking solutions. No one is intelligent or brave enough to point on that there is a Chemical Assault Scorched Earth in continuo for over 30 years.


Conversely in Syria, Assad is siding with Kurds near Afrin against the Turks. Assad has struck Ghouta with bombings as raoid as one per minute killing at least 250 in what is some of the most intense shelling of the Syrian Civil War.


Don Quixote is like a child who cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. His magical world is so enchanting that he has difficulty leaving it and others are drawn into it unaware (Strickler 2003).


In this setting I will need to be more goal orientated. I do not see that MOEC will back when there is a near infinite supply of Informants willing to take up the fight.


I should have a complete Chapter 1 of Fall of the Anglo American Paradigm Part IV online in April, 2018.


Totalitarianism


Blythe CA Ehrenberg AZ

March 26, 2018


It is very clear that Totalitarianism is flourishing as MOEC spreads into it's second generation. The Syrian Civil War is grinding to an end after 8 years. What is clear is that those whom are falling behind as technology escalates may not sit well with a lower status. The education of police officers is poor. The work is dangerous. Many large cities pay $55,000 to start after two years of college. There is no excuse for corruption. In contrast the Obama's have reported to have signed a $60 million dollar book contract.


Persons are not deliberating over their legal status. Amnesty, Pardons, and Statute of Limitations will be in effect. However informal punishments also are in play. There were 164,000 opioid deaths in 2016. Many would have not even known if it were not for the news.


I should have a Fall of the Anglo American Paradigm Chapter 1 online in April, 2018.


Proximate Cause


Big Pine CA

May 4, 2018


proximate cause


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Financial, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.


Proximate Cause


An act from which an injury results as a natural, direct, uninterrupted consequence and without which the injury would not have occurred.


Proximate cause is the primary cause of an injury. It is not necessarily the closest cause in time or space nor the first event that sets in motion a sequence of events leading to an injury. Proximate cause produces particular, foreseeable consequences without the intervention of any independent or unforeseeable cause. It is also known as legal cause.


To help determine the proximate cause of an injury in Negligence or other tort cases, courts have devised the "but for" or "sine qua non" rule, which considers whether the injury would not have occurred but for the defendant's negligent act. A finding that an injury would not have occurred but for a defendant's act establishes that the particular act or omission is the proximate cause of the harm, but it does not necessarily establish liability since a variety of other factors can come into play in tort actions.


Some jurisdictions apply the "substantial factor" formula to determine proximate cause. This rule considers whether the defendant's conduct was a substantial factor in producing the harm. If the act was a substantial factor in bringing about the damage, then the defendant will be held liable unless she can raise a sufficient defense to rebut the claims.


West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.


proximate cause


n. a happening which results in an event, particularly injury due to negligence or an intentional wrongful act. In order to prevail (win) in a lawsuit for damages due to negligence or some other wrong, it is essential to claim (plead) proximate cause in the complaint and to prove in trial that the negligent act of the defendant was the proximate cause (and not some other reason) of the damages to the plaintiff (person filing the lawsuit). Sometimes there is an intervening cause which comes between the original negligence of the defendant and the injured plaintiff, which will either reduce the amount of responsibility or, if this intervening cause is the substantial reason for the injury, then the defendant will not be liable at all. In criminal law, the defendant's act must have been the proximate cause of the death of a victim to prove murder or manslaughter. (See: negligence, intervening cause)


Copyright © 1981 2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.


proximate cause


noun causation, derivation, immediate legal basis, immediate legal cause, immediate legal genesis, proper cause, proximate causation, sufficient legal basis, sufficient legal causation, sufficient legal cause, sufficient legal factor, sufficient legal genesis, sufficient legal inducement, sufficient legal source


Associated concepts: contribution efficient cause, contributory negligence, immediate cause, intervening cause, proximate consequence, proximate result


Burton's Legal Thesaurus, 4E. Copyright © 2007 by William C. Burton. Used with permission of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.


Proximate Cause (2012). Proximate Cause. The Free Dictionary. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/proximate+cause


Michael Moore is New LAPD Chief


Lake Shastina CA

July 26, 2018


Michael Moore, a 37 year veteran has been chosen Chief to replace Charlie Beck on June 28, 2018. "He's listened to the people of this city for three decades. He's learned the ins and outs of every facet," Mayor Eric Garcetti told city officials and LAPD officers at the Police Academy in Elysian Park. "Our next chapter is not something he'll need to learn on the job. He’s already been busy writing it."


"A department that once operated with the mentality of policing a neighborhood by force has embraced the understanding that our true strength is shown by our ability to partner and collaborate," said Moore, 57. "To the people of Los Angeles, I am committed to deepening your trust by ensuring we are a department that is highly visible, accessible and responsive, policing with purpose, compassion and partnership."


In his speech, Moore also promised to reduce the use of deadly force by his officers, who in 2017 fatally shot 17 people, despite training that teaches them to step back from dangerous encounters and to use Tasers and beanbag shotguns when possible.


Moore had already been sworn in the previous day at City Hall, after the City Council voted unanimously to confirm his appointment. The oath taking and pinning of the chief's four stars were reenacted Thursday in front of about 600 spectators. That next chapter, Moore said in his swearing in speech, will include deepening the community's trust in the LAPD as well as listening to the concerns of the department's 10,000 sworn officers and 3,000 civilian employees.


Moore enters as Barack Obama and I both approach our 57th birthdays in early August. If Moore serves out his term he will preside over a massive transition into Totalitarianism and Artificial Intelligence begins to transform our society. This is a unique situation. I will be patient as my writing becomes more direct and robust.


http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-lapd-chief-swearing-in-20180628-story.html


Daubert Factors in the State of Delaware


Blythe CA Ehrenberg CA

December 24, 2018


The State of Delaware Rule (D.R.E.), Rule 702 is intended to track the Federal Rule of Evidence (F.R.E.), Rule 702. If expert testimony will "assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue" such a witness may testify based on education to experience. The trial judge is the gatekeeper to determine whether the expert testimony meets the Daubert Standards.


Judge Gebelien has been charged with determining whether latent fingerprint analysis meets the Daubert Standards as: 1) whether it can be (and has been tested; 2) whether the theory or methodology has been peer reviewed and publicized 3) is there known or potential error and are there existing maintenance of standards controlling the methodology and 4) whether the theory or technique has obtained general acceptance in its scientific community.


He argues that:


1) Fingerprint analysis is a theory that can be and has been tested. Numerous studies supports conclude that fingerprints are unique.


2) Fingerprint analysis has been subjected to peer review and publication. Experts have had the opportunity to examine fingerprint analysis and develop relevant standards through peer review, cross examination and expert training.


3) The error rate in identifying latent fingerprints is extremely low. An opinion of one expert can be tested by other qualified experts. This is a check on human errors.


4) Fingerprint analysis has been accepted in the judicial trials for almost 100 years as an approved methodology.


After considering the defendant's motion to suppress the judge denied by affirming that latent fingerprint analysis supports the Daubert Factors in D.R.E 702.


State of Delaware vs. Donald Cole; ID# 0110006694


Year Decided: May 13, 2002


Facts: It is alleged that Donald Cole entered a dwelling on or about August 22, 2001 under the cover of dark with the intent to commit robbery. It is also alleged that Cole or his companion or both shot a man and assaulted a woman.


Main issue: Does the reliability of latent fingerprint analysis satisfy the suggested standards set forth in Daubert? Yes.


Court's Decision: The defendant's motion for suppression of evidence is DENIED.


Holding: Latent fingerprint analysis has been tested and proven as a reliable science for judicial purposes for almost 100 years. The reliability of latent fingerprint analysis is supported by it's ability to meet the suggested criteria in Daubert.


My Thoughts: Judge Gebelien was very thorough in his knowledge of the Daubert Trilogy and the relevant standards that were to be applied in this motion. He clearly understood the criteria in F.R.E 702 and D.R.E 702. His incisive treatment of the latent fingerprint analysis was very lucid and helps greatly in comprehending Daubert Motions. As seen this clearly establishes this case as precedent setting concerning Daubert Factors and latent fingerprint analysis.


Works Cited


State of Delaware vs. Donald Cole. State of Delaware vs. Donald Cole; ID# 0110006694. Delaware Superior Court. Retrieved from: http://www.onin.com/fp/de_v_donald_cole_decision.pdf



2019 Archives


Hair Analyses


Blythe CA Ehrenberg CA

January 29, 2019


Hair analysis is still based on the science of microscopy. However recent advances in mitochondrial DNA have established the complementary use of the two techniques. The goal of hair analysis is "establish a common origin between known and recovered samples linked to a suspect in a criminal case" (Kiely 2006).MtDNA lacks the inclusionary features of DNA, however it is a very strong exclusionary tool. It is finding increasing use in complementing phenotype characteristic comparisons in criminal caseloads. Hence forensic sciences basically operate in a context of providing data on class characteristics and individual characteristics.


In hair analysis these class characteristics can be confirmed:


Is the sample hair or fiber?


Human or animal hair?


Male or female?


Race?


Was the sample forcibly removed? Is there root tissue for DNA sampling?


Head, body, or pubic source?


Discovery issues are a concern. Criminal rules usually place a burden on the party seeking discovery to what is to be requested. In Hoffman v. State, the Florida Supreme Court held that the prosecution must produce all exculpatory hair analysis and it's refusal to do was a reversible error.


Hair analysis is a point of departure for the investigation of other trace elements as fiber, soil, glass and paint, ballistics, fingerprints, and foot prints. The increased use of mtDNA has thrown more focus on the use of DNA in criminal cases.


In forensic science matching statements are rarely permitted. Terms used in forensic analysis may include:


Match (reversible error in most states)


Compatible with


Consistent with


Similar in all respects


Not dissimilar


Same general characteristics


Identical characteristics


Could of have originated from


Cannot be eliminated


In Buie v. McAdory, Buie main issue was that the trial judge violated his due process rights by permitting the prosecutor to overstate the strength of her conclusion (Kiely 2006). Pulling, the state's expert argued, "With a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, I would state that the hair came from Joel Buie" (Kiely 2006). Buie claimed the Constitution forbids expert witnesses to overstate scientific conclusions. The court did not agree and argued that expert statements are meant for cross examination under adversarial conditions.


Hair is class evidence and it is impossible to state that a questioned hair came from one exact individual.


Qualifications are a very powerful issue under Daubert or Frye Standards.


In McGrew v. State the concerns of lawyers were addressed. McGrew was charged with deviate sexual assault. He had met his victim and forced her to perform oral sex in his vehicle. Hairs were recovered from near the center of the seat. Head and pubic hairs were compared to the defendant and victim. The defense requested a separate hearing to determine the admissibility of police DNA analyst Carl Sobieralski. McGrew argued the unreliability of hair analysis. The trial court denied. Sobieralski testified one hair was similar to the victim's head hair placing her in the vehicle. The other hair was a pubic hair similar to McGrew.


In the appellate case the court found that the trial court erred in that the evidence did not meet the three prongs of Daubert. The court argued that the conviction rested on the victim's credibility. Here the court is asking for proof of the reliability of the scientific principles at hand that yield the expert testimony.


Prosecutorial treatment of hair characteristics was extensively treated in People v. Linscott. Three experts testified and stated that visual characteristics of hair and the comparisons was conclusive if at all to negate suspects. Tahir and expert stated he looked at 7 to 12 characteristics and found that hairs found in the victim's apartment were similar to defendant Linscott. Tahir testified that a person can not be identified by the hairs he leaves behind.


At closing statements the prosecutor "he left eight to ten hairs of his in that apartment; his pubic hairs were found in her crotch; and his hairs are found in the most private parts of the woman's body" (Kiely 2006).


The court found that the prosecutor improperly argued. There was no court testimony to support the claims.


mtDNA is the future of hair analysis. The leading case is State v. Pappas. mtDNA is only present in the mitochondria and will reflect the matrilineal line, hence females only. Such contains 16,569 base pairs. It can not establish positive identification.


In Pappas two hairs were recovered from a sweat jacket from a robbery. A FBI test revealed that the sample and the defendant were similar and he could not be excluded. The FBI presented FBI agent Wilson who described the agencies methodology in detail countered by defense expert Shields. The Connecticut Supreme Court upheld the FBI techniques on mtDNA based on it's scientific bases.


Reid v. State focuses on the exclusionary nature of mtDNA testing to request a new trial. Reid is a sexual assault kidnapping case. The victim was a Caucasian was grabbed in a park and assaulted. Reid is black. The victim picked Reid in a photo array.


Three pubic hairs were recovered from the victim. Under physical analysis expert Settachatugal stated the hairs did not come from the victim but were similar to the defendant.


Reid at the trial for his petition presented a three page report by Dr. Terry Melton. She stated that her firm Mitotying Technologies was requested to develop mtDNA profiles on three samples. She found the samples matched each other but the sequence of 2212K1 did not match Mark Reid.


The court found that the criminal trial found circumstantial evidence if accepted proved defendants guilt. However in the civil motion mtDNA found that the hairs were not the petitioners.


Hence the emergence of mtDNA evidence may set the tone for other forensic sciences as technology and appeals emerge.


Expert and Scientific Evidence: Tool Marks


Blythe CA Ehrenberg CA

February 26, 2019


Ballistics and Tool Marks


The murder and robbery trial of anarchist Sacco and Vanzetti in 1921 provides proof of the early uses of ballistics in American legal history. The visual inspection of ammo under the microscope at this time provided compelling evidence to link material to a defendant.


The 14th Interpol Forensic Science Symposium Literature Review divides their analysis into four main areas: 1. firearms 2. ammunition 3. equipment and technique 4. professionalism. These authors emphasize the primary focus of ballistics experts is to identify the firearm. The next is subtype followed by absolute identification of the weapon.


In this consideration, understanding the internal mechanism of the firearm is salient with one third of papers in 2001 on this subject.


In the area of ballistics and forensic evidence are three distinct areas: 1 internal ballistics: the striations imparted to a projectile from the barrel of the weapon 2. external ballistics: the flight and angle of the shot, ricochet, suicide, sniper, homicide 3. terminal ballistics: the effect on the target as wound.


Computers have increased the interest in ballistics data outside the field by other disciplines. Internally digital images and software are increasing in accuracy in complementing visual analysis. An an example is DRUGFIRE, a digital association system and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).


Ballistic expert qualifications are integral to reliability. In Morgan v. State expert forensic pathologist Dr. Halwley testified that a wound on deceased Mr. Wiley's head indicated that the weapon had to be placed against his skull. The Indiana Supreme Court held the trial court did not abuse it's discretion in permitting the testimony.


In United States v. Hicks, significant contestation under Daubert Standards were at issue. Hicks challenged state expert John Beenes credentials and methodology as if the technique: 1. had been tested 2. had any published peer review 3. studies calculated to demonstrate error ratios 4. if standards existed for making shell to firearm comparisons.


The Court held that Beene had a 28 year career, a chemistry degree, and had performed thousands of examinations. Beene testified at the Daubert hearing that he relied on the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners literature.


The Court held that Beene was an expert and his methodology was reliable.


Tool Mark studies identifies the striations and imprints that tools made with harder materials may leave permanent identification marks on softer materials that they cut or clamp. These identification marks are viewable under magnification.


In People v. Gingrinch, the defendant was convicted of using explosives to commit assault and two counts of indifference homicide. The state expert stated three pliers were used in explosive making. One set of pliers of the defendant cut wire, another were wire strippers used on wire, and a third was used to fasten the cap on a pipe. He also testified that wires in two bombs came from the same batch.


Gingrinch attacked that the evidence was nonscientific, not based on an accepted theory, no techniques used created reliable results, and the expert did not use tests that followed scientific techniques.


The Court held the trial judge did not error in admitting testimony. The expert did not need a degree. Tool Mark analysis did have a record of proof at trial. The defendant addressed issues at weight for the jury and no pre trial evidentiary hearing was needed.


The future of ballistics is still centered on firearms identification. New techniques as lasers and casting parts are salient. Material science is advancing with composite materials and polymers on the rise.


Soil, Glass, and Paint


The subject of soil, glass, and paint can be treated with a degree of confidence in which to link a sample to a defendant at trial.


Glass evidence usually involves crushed glass found at the crime scene and transferred by some manner to the suspect linking him to the crime scene. Many class characteristics may be yielded from glass. Here are some types of glass that are identifiable:


Window glass


Plate glass


Safety glass


Auto glass


Auto headlight glass


Tinted glass


Eye glasses glass


Antique glass


Architectural glass


Glass beads


Pyrex


Clay and fired surfaces


Crystal


Class characteristic information includes the type of glass, nature of impacting projectile, the direction of impact (in or out), type of glass cutters, and comparisons for matching jigsaw pieces.


As with the majority of forensic scientists that courts will admit statements over comparisons as similar dissimilar and so forth.


State v. Ceja reveals the use of science to link glass fragments from a crime scene to an article of clothing in this instance Ceja's shoe. The crime included a carjacking and crash site. Ceja argued that state expert Lukas did have a scientific basis for his opinion. The sample recovered from the shoe was so small that only a refractive index was available. Lukas conducted the refractive index by grinding a sample, placing it on a slide, and then into an oven. He then compared the results to the Illinois State Police Crime database which contains 2087 samples. Lukas argued that the sample had a frequency of occurrence of between 1 in 22 to 100 which is a middle range.


Ceja did not challenge this data in his instant trial and the appellate court sustained his conviction.


Paint analysis is useful in hit and run and vehicular homicide cases. It also has applications in burglary. The matching of automobile paints is rising worldwide. The color, make and model may be ascertained by paint analysis. Paint examination is also concerned with non commercial issues as case requirements, crime scene collection, chain of evidence, and environmental factors.


In State v. Kandies, the defendant was charged with murder. Sergeant Wilson's discovery of paint in the cab of the truck contradicted the assertion that the victim was hit accidentally, was bleeding and placed in the truck. The officer spotted peculiar red spots in the cab. He sanded then down and found them to be red oxide primer not blood which contradicted the defendant's statements.


The court held that Wilson's part time experience as a car body man supported his perceptions.


In Commonwealth v. McEnamy the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, burglary, and robbery. Kathryn Bishop, 82, was found dead. A forensic expert determined she had been stomped to death. Paint chips were found in her hand. Her basement window had been broken open. Trooper Stansfeld obtained search warrants for McEnany's van and residence. Paint chips were found on the clothing he wore on the day of the crime. The chips were consistent with those in Bishop's hands and the peeling paint near the broken window.


The court found the evidence sufficient to uphold defendant and fellow chimney sweep's presence at the murder scene and convict.


In Clark v. State the defendant was convicted of second degree murder. He appealed that the testimony of the soil and cadaver dog's handler was insufficient to establish expertise and also it did no support interpretation of the dog's actions.


The defendant was accused of a child murder 11 years prior and having buried and removed the body to another location.


Bruce Hall, FBI expert soil comparison examiner testified that samples from the undercarriage of appellant's truck contained the same minerals as rust marks left on a cemetery marker on the Clark family plot. This location also was an asterisk on a map in the appellant's truck.


Two cadaver dogs Dan and Panzer both gave alerts near the Clark plot at different dates. Dan was the first dog to react and Panzer on a later date. Trooper Barret of the Massachusetts State Police Department testified that Dan gave an alert on January 3, 1993. Trooper Zarella of Rhode Island State Police testified that Panzer gave an alert on the same spot in September of 1995.


Clark argued that admission of the dog expert's testimony was a reversible error. The court denied holding that the circumstances of the site had been disturbed, the appellant was present, and there were two alerts by trained dogs that supported the admission of expert testimony.


Case Briefs


Ivron G. BUTLER, Appellant, v. STATE of Missouri, Respondent. No.WD 61053. (2003)


Facts: Ivron Butler was convicted by a Clay County MO jury of forcible sodomy, §566.060, RSMo Cum.Supp.1993; and felonious restraint, §565.120, RSMo 1994; two counts of armed criminal action, §571.015, RSMo 1994. Butler was found to be a prior and persistent offender under §§558.016 and 557.036, RSMo 1994, and was sentenced to consecutive terms of life imprisonment for forcible sodomy, §566.060.2, RSMo Cum.Supp.1993; He was also convicted to seven years for felonious restraint, §558.011.1(3), RSMo Cum.Supp.1993; plus 100 years each for the two counts of armed criminal action, §571.015.1, RSMo 1994. Butler's convictions were affirmed by this court on direct appeal. State v. Butler, 24 S.W.3d 21 (Mo.App. W.D. banc 2000).


Butler filed a Rule 29.15 motion for post conviction relief. An evidentiary hearing was held, the motion court denied his pleading's finding that trial counsel's decision not to challenge inadmissible statements by State's forensic chemist i.e. a hair sample comparison was a reasonable trial strategy and did not prejudice Butler. The motion court found that counsel was not ineffective for failing to retain a hair analysis expert for Butler. Butler appeals challenge those findings.


Main issue: Did the trial court error in finding that counsel's decision not to challenge the positive identification and quantification testimony was a reasonable trial strategy? Yes.


Court's Decision: The motion court's judgment is reversed. Butler's trial counsel did not comport to the level of skill, care and due diligence of reasonable counsel and Butler was prejudiced.


The case is remanded to the motion court with and ordered to sustain the Rule 29.15 motion. Butler is granted a new trial.


If not for unsound strategy of trial counsel in failing to not object to the inadmissible testimony of the State's expert witness, it is reasonable that Butler may not have been convicted. See Butler, 24 S.W.3d at 60. Indeed en banc six of the ten judges, in Butler's direct appeal concurred that without the forensics expert's inadmissible testimony, the evidence presented by the prosecution during the instant trial was insufficient to make a admissible case. Butler's counsel's failure to object permitted Butler to be convicted.


Ms. Duvenci, state expert testified that Butler's pubic hair sample and the unidentified pubic hair found in J.L.'s underwear had spots on the medulla. She could not remember finding such spots in her examination of over 1200 hair samples. She could not recall finding two unidentified hairs from different body regions of a person that both matched hairs from those same parts of the body of another individual. She stated this was a double significance. She acknowledged that forensic scientists in general were not able to positively identify individuals based on hair comparison.


Ms. Duvenci went stated there was a very strong probability that the two unidentified hairs from J.L. came from Butler. The prosecutor questioned her if the unidentified hairs were from Mr. Butler. Ms. Duvenci answered affirmatively.


In briefs and oral argument before this court en banc, Mr. Butler's counsel stated that failure to object to Ms. Duvenci's positive identification and quantification testimony was part of a trial strategy. Mr. Butler's counsel mistakenly believed that the proper challenge to bases for Ms. Duvenci's testimony was to object that the evidence was reliable to permit submission of the case to the jury. Counsel did not dispute the admissibility of the evidence. Mr. Butler's counsel decided not to object to Ms. Duvenci's testimony by strategy and believing he could discredit expert testimony on cross examination.


The rule of law established by the Supreme Court in Washington, is an affirming of the conviction based upon all of the evidence because there was no objection to the incompetent evidence, as a matter of trial strategy. Mr. Butler pleads that a conviction upon incompetent evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt violates his rights. The constitutional rights of a defendant are adequately protected by post conviction relief under Rule 29.15. Mr. Butler has the right to assert a claim of ineffective assistance of his trial counsel for not objecting to the admissibility of Ms. Duvenci's testimony. Any determination if Butler would have a valid claim for post conviction relief is properly left to future proceedings.


Holding: The trial counsel's failure to object permitted Butler to be convicted. A proper and timely objection would have prevented a conviction based on the evidence as presented at trial. This is prejudicial to petitioner.


My Thoughts: The competency of both counsels to consider grounds for their appeals if need be should be part of the instant trial strategy. At times the defense states it is not challenging certain issues reserving such for appeals if permitted. State expert here clearly overstated the evidence. What is unique is the prosecutor lead her into this error in part.


The fact that all the judges in the appeal en banc were used states the importance of the case. The defense for certain must be assertive in presenting objections at trial to exhaust the process towards appeals to be effective.


UNITED STATES of America, v. Darryl GREEN, et al. No. CRIM. 02-10301-NG. (2005)


Facts: Defendants are charged with racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, and firearm offenses. Green moved to exclude expert ballistics testimony. The Court is motioned to review expert testimony to evaluate its relevancy and to determine if it meets requisite standards of reliability. Federal Rules Evidence. Rule 702, 28 U.S.C.A.


For expert testimony to be admissible, the conclusion must have been derived in scientifically sound and in a methodologically reliable manner. The state bears the bears burden of proving it's admissibility by fair preponderance of evidence.


A. Expert Had No Certification


The government's expert, Sergeant Detective O'Shea, worked in the Boston Police ballistics unit for seven years (since 1998). He received armorer's training in a Smith & Wesson revolver and two types of Glock pistols. He was an apprentice for six to twelve months.


While the Association of Firearm and Tool mark Examiners (AFTE) certifies ballistics examiners he has never been AFTE certified. The AFTE has established for examining ballistics in United States v. Monteiro. O'Shea did not follow them in his initial examination. The Boston Police Laboratory, is not certified by any organization.


B. That the Markings on Each Firearm Are Unique


The defendants have contested the premise that the surface contours of each firearm are unique (Daubert Hr'g Tr. 29, Nov. 2, 2005). The issue is how a qualified expert can distinguish one from another, which to negate, and the reliability of the conclusions.


C. The Examination: Class, Subclass, Individual, and Accidental Characteristics


O'Shea did not systematize his own experience. There are no written record of the characteristics of the guns he has examined. He compares the image in front of him to what he remembers from prior examination to discern a subclass or class characteristic. (Daubert Hr'g Tr. 38-40, Nov. 2, 2005.)


D. No Documentation, Notes, Drawings, Photographs


O'Shea used a comparison microscope. There are no pictures, no notes of his work during examination of the evidence in 2001. He measured the striae with a reticle on the microscope, without recording measurements. He did not measure three dimensional contour. (Daubert Hr'g Tr. 75, Nov. 2, 2005.) O'Shea finally took pictures in part a week before this motion, five years after to prepare for the Daubert hearing.


E. The Examination: Observer Bias and Lack of Blind Testing


O'Shea indicated that he did not know the origin of samples or firearms at the time he did his examination. He was presented one firearm. (Daubert Hr'g Tr. 85-86, Oct. 5, 2005.) He had test fired from three guns in Boston Police custody. He used these test fires to provide a sample of Hi Point casings, not as alternative matches. The examination was an evidence show up (are casings come from this gun?), not an evidence line up (these casings come are from which gun?).


F. The Examiner: No Data on Error Rates


The trier of fact should have some data to determine how much reliability to place in O'Shea's powers of observation as proficiency testing, error rates, or certification. O'Shea testified that for false positives there is less than a 2% error with no factual backing.


H. Defense Expert David Lamagna


Defense expert David Lamagna had limited insight into the problems with O'Shea's methodology.


His testimony confirmed several features of the field which confound identification: first, wear on a firearm may affect the marks it leaves. Second, marks on two shell casings from the same gun may vary. Third, no three dimensional analysis of the tool marks. Fourth, and most problematic there are no standards in for differentiating class and subclass from individual characteristics. Lamagna explained that a scientist must be able to have his methodology be replicated by other scientists. Lamagna cast doubt on O'Shea declaring a match excluding all guns in the world reasoning that a responsible scientist would not hold such a claim.


Main Issue: Was the reliability of the expert's methodology in the case valid for the purposes for which it is being offered? Yes, with limitations.


Court’s Decision: The defendant's motion is granted in part and denied in part. The case is a precedent with the evidence and suggests admission but with limitations. O'Shea is a seasoned observer of firearms and tool marks: O'Shea may testify to his observations, he is not permitted to conclude the match he found by the specific methodology defines the exclusion of all other guns as the origin of the shell casings. Defense will be permitted adversarial procedures.


Defendants suggest that a match to the exclusion of every gun in the world overstates from O'Shea's data. O'Shea was given a single firearm that suggested it was the incriminating weapon, equivalent to an evidentiary show up, not a line up. The Supreme Court held in Manson v. Brathwaite, a show up raises reliability concerns because it reflects a suggestive procedure. 432 U.S. 98, 107, 97 S.Ct. 2243, 53 L.Ed.2d 140 (1977).


O'Shea reexamined evidence, photographed some of it in preparation for with knowledge that the defendants had been indicted for these crimes. His examinations were being questioned, and that he would be re testifying over his original conclusions. The defense counsel or the jury would not be in a position to evaluate the methodology.


There was no credible testimony about error rates of this examiner or in the field as a whole. O'Shea could not produce peer reviewed documentation of statistics.


These factors, absence of error rates, certification, or proficiency testing, argue against the admission of the testimony.


State objections to defendant's motion are met with court opinions that rely upholding standing recognition of ballistics. United States v. Hicks, 389 F.3d 514, 526 (5th Cir. 2004).


Holding: The state expert's tool mark testimony was admissible, even under consideration of subjective testing methods and lack of evidence concerning error rates in field. The testimony is limited to expert's observations.


My Thoughts: This was a very complicated ruling. It demonstrates the liberal standards for journeyman expertise which I believe have validity but are coming to pass. The need for a more standardized protocol for ballistics and tool mark expert testimony was developed. The AFTE standards are meeting Frye or Daubert and I find it hard for an agency not to internally adopt their methodologies at this stage.


STATE of New Jersey, Plaintiff Appellant, v. Judel NOEL, Defendant Respondent (1998)


Facts: In the trial case FBI expert Peters was permitted to testify on the composition of lead bullets recovered from murder of Antoine Hargrove. He was shot in the back. Two bullets were recovered from him. Police recovered six 9mm Speer casings and four spent bullets. Two eyewitnesses saw Noel flee the crime scene.


The police arrested Noel at a pre parole halfway house. His locker contained a pouch with 18 9mm bullets nine of which were made by Speer. Charles Peters, a expert witness employed by the FBI examined 15 bullets, four form the crime scene, two from the victim's body, and nine from Noel's belongings.


The bullets were studied using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP). ICP determines the proportions of six elements other than lead: copper, antimony, bismuth, arsenic, tin, and silver. Speer mixes these elements to each batch of lead. The proportions in a batches and bullets is variable.


Peters had visited the Speer manufacturing plant in Lewiston, Idaho. His testimony was limited to the manufacturing process and explained that each bullet is produced from a billet, or seventy pound cylinder of lead. A batch of lead produces a number of billets. A billet yields about 4,300 bullets. Five billion bullets are manufactured in the United States each year. Fifty thousand bullets may have the same composition.


The Appellate Division held that the trial court had committed reversible error in admitting Peters to testify without foundation evidence of statistical probability and about the identical composition between the bullets from the crime scene and the victim's body and those found in Noel's pouch. 303 N.J. Super. 435, 445, 697 A.2d 157 (App.Div.1997). The Appellate Division held Peters's testimony depended on the statistical probability that the two sets of bullets would have the same composition.


Main issue: Did the trial court error in admitting expert testimony in the absence of statistical probability evidence concerning the composition of lead bullets at crime scene, victim's body, and defendant's belongings? No.


Court's Decision: Reversed. The Noel's conviction is reinstated. Statistical evidence has not been a prerequisite to the admission of matching samples. In cases involving matching blood samples statistical evidence of the probability of a match has not been held to establish a blood stain. Historically, statistical evidence has not been a prerequisite to the admission of matching samples. For example, in cases involving matching blood samples, statistical evidence of the probability of a match has not been required to establish a blood stain as a link in the chain of evidence. State v. Beard, 16 N.J. 50, 58-59, 106 A.2d 265 (1954); link in the chain of evidence. State v. Beard, 16 N.J. 50, 58-59, 106 A.2d 265 (1954).


In the present case, the expert's testimony established a match from the bullets found in defendant's belongings, crime scene, and the victim's body. Noel contends the large quantity of bullets produced by Speers yields the match among the bullets as inconclusive. Similarly, in the present case, the expert's testimony established a match among the bullets found in defendant's belongings, at the crime scene, and in the victim's body. As with the matching fiber samples, however, the production of a large quantity of comparable samples affects the weight, not the admissibility, of the evidence.


The Appellate Division relied on State v. Spann, 130 N.J. 484, 617 A.2d 247 (1993) regarding the incidence, frequency and distribution to reverse Noel's conviction. Spann, however, is distinguishable from Noel's case.


In Spann, the expert testimony usurped the role of the jury which lead to a guilty verdict.


The State sought to prove that Spann had sexually assaulted the victim, who gave birth to a child. The State's expert relying on DNA from the child and defendant testified to a 96.55% likelihood that the defendant was the father.


This data assumed a 50 percent paternity. The flaw in the assumption is that the prior probability of paternity will vary with the facts of each case. No one informed the jury of the effect that a different probability would have that the defendant was the father. The jury was unable to calculate the probability of paternity based on DNA evidence. The expert testimony usurped the role of the jury and compelled a verdict of guilt.This Court reversed. Here, the jury received the guidance it needed to discharge it's duties. The expert explained the chemistry of lead analysis. He also discussed the origination of bullets of the same chemical composition generally were from the same box. A single box may contain several bullets of different materials.


The jury was left the determination whether the bullets at issue came from the same box.


The jury in the present case could evaluate the expert's testimony without recourse to mathematical calculations (Bayes Theorem). Similar to juries assessing samples of blood, soil, and fibers, the jury here did not need statistical data to deliver it's verdict. Peters's testimony was straightforward. The Court concludes that Peter's opinion as an expert did not create an enhancement of probative weight. 303 N.J. Super. at 445, 697 A.2d 157.


Holding: 1. Statistical probability evidence in itself has not been a requirement to the admission of expert testimony on the composition of lead bullets. 2. Plasma atomic emission spectroscopy of lead bullets is accepted by the scientific community and produces reliable results to warrant the admission into evidence of expert testimony.


My Thoughts: As seen the Court attempted to address the issues on the minimum of grounds, I agree with this principle. The best science is one that has a conclusion that is accurate and delivered with the least complexity. Not that I am against complexity. The reality principle here are that juries as triers of fact and the judges themselves are not experts. The bullets recovered strongly corresponded to the prosecution's claims.


Works Cited


Ivron G. BUTLER, Appellant, v. STATE of Missouri, Respondent. Ivron G. BUTLER, Appellant, v. STATE of Missouri, Respondent. FindLaw.com No.WD 61053 (2003). Retrieved November 16, 2011 from: http://caselaw.findlaw.com/mo-court-of-appeals/1450683.htm


Kiely, T.F. (2006). Forensic evidence: Science and the criminal law. Boca Raton FL. USA. Taylor and Francis Group.


STATE of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Judel NOEL, Defendant-Respondent (1998). STATE of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Judel NOEL, Defendant-Respondent (1998). findlaw.com. Retrieved November 16, 2011 from: http://caselaw.findlaw.com/nj-supreme-court/1340159.html


UNITED STATES of America, v. Darryl GREEN, et al., Defendants. No. CRIM. 02-10301-NG. (2005). UNITED STATES of America, v. Darryl GREEN, et al., Defendants. PACER. Retrieved November 16, 2011 from: http://pacer.mad.uscourts.gov/dc/opinions/gertner/pdf/greenjuryvenire.pdf


Expert and Scientific Evidence: Hair Analyses


Blythe CA Ehrenberg CA

March 26, 2019


Hair Analyses


Hair analysis is still based on the science of microscopy. However recent advances in mitochondrial DNA have established the complementary use of the two techniques. The goal of hair analysis is "establish a common origin between known and recovered samples linked to a suspect in a criminal case"(Kiely 2006). mtDNA lacks the inclusionary features of DNA, however it is a very strong exclusionary tool. It is finding increasing use in complementing phenotype characteristic comparisons in criminal caseloads. Hence forensic sciences basically operate in a context of providing data on class characteristics and individual characteristics.


In hair analysis these class characteristics can be confirmed:


⦁ Is the sample hair or fiber?


⦁ Human or animal hair?


⦁ Male or female?


⦁ Race?


⦁ Was the sample forcibly removed? Is there root tissue for DNA sampling?


⦁ Head, body, or pubic source?


Discovery issues are a concern. Criminal rules usually place a burden on the party seeking discovery on what is to be requested. In Hoffman v. State, the Florida Supreme Court held that the prosecution must produce all exculpatory hair analysis and it's refusal to do was a reversible error. Hair analysis is a point of departure for the investigation of other trace elements as fiber, soil, glass and paint, ballistics, fingerprints, and foot prints. The increased use of mtDNA has thrown more focus on the use of DNA in criminal cases.


In forensic science matching statements are rarely permitted. Terms used in forensic analysis may include:


⦁ Match (reversible error in most states)


⦁ Compatible with


⦁ Consistent with


⦁ Similar in all respects


⦁ Not dissimilar


⦁ Same general characteristics


⦁ Identical characteristics


⦁ Could of have originated from


⦁ Cannot be eliminated


In Buie v. McAdory, Buie's main issue was that the trial judge violated his due process rights by permitting the prosecutor to overstate the strength of her conclusion (Kiely 2006). Pulling, the state's expert argued, "With a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, I would state that the hair came from Joel Buie" (Kiely 2006). Buie claimed the Constitution forbids expert witnesses to overstate scientific conclusions. The court did not agree and argued that expert statements are meant for cross examination under adversarial conditions.


Hair is class evidence and it is impossible to state that a questioned hair came from one exact individual.


Qualifications are very powerful issues under Daubert or Frye Standards.


In McGrew v. State the concerns of lawyers were addressed. McGrew was charged with deviate sexual assault. He had met his victim and forced her to perform oral sex in his vehicle. Hairs were recovered from near the center of the seat. Head and pubic hairs were compared to the defendant and victim. The defense requested a separate hearing to determine the admissibility of police DNA analyst Carl Sobieralski. McGrew argued the unreliability of hair analysis. The trial court denied. Sobieralski testified one hair was similar to the victim's head hair placing her in the vehicle. The other hair was a pubic hair similar to McGrew.


In the appellate case the court found that the trial court erred in that the evidence did not meet the three prongs of Daubert. The court argued that the conviction rested on the victim's credibility. Here the court is asking for proof of the reliability of the scientific principles at hand that yield the expert testimony.


Prosecutorial treatment of hair characteristics was extensively treated in People v. Linscott. Three experts testified and stated that visual characteristics of hair and the comparisons was conclusive if at all to negate suspects. Tahir an expert stated he looked at 7 to 12 characteristics and found that hairs found in the victim's apartment were similar to defendant Linscott. Tahir testified that a person can not be identified by the hairs he leaves behind.


At closing statements the prosecutor stated, "... he left eight to ten hairs of his in that apartment; his pubic hairs were found in her crotch; and his hairs are found in the most private parts of the woman's body" (Kiely 2006).


The court found that the prosecutor improperly argued. There was no court testimony to support the claims.


mtDNA is the future of hair analysis. The leading case is State v. Pappas. mtDNA is only present in the mitochondria and will reflect the matrilineal line, hence females only. Such contains 16,569 base pairs. It can not establish positive identification.


In Pappas two hairs were recovered from a sweat jacket from a robbery. A FBI test revealed that the sample and the defendant's hair were similar and he could not be excluded. The FBI used presented agent Wilson who described the agency's methodology in detail countered by defense expert Shields.The Connecticut Supreme Court upheld the FBI techniques on mtDNA based on it's scientific bases.


Reid v. State focuses on the exclusionary nature of mtDNA testing to request a new trial. Reid is a sexual assault kidnapping case. The victim was a Caucasian and was grabbed in a park and assaulted. Reid is black. The victim picked Reid in a photo array.


Three pubic hairs were recovered from the victim. Under physical analysis expert Settachatugal stated the hairs did not come from the victim but were similar to the defendant.


Reid at the trial for his petition presented a three page report by Dr. Terry Melton. She stated that her firm Mitotying Technologies was requested to develop mtDNA profiles on three samples. She found the samples matched each other but the sequence of 2212K1 did not match Mark Reid.


The court found that the criminal trial found circumstantial evidence if accepted proved defendant's guilt. However in the civil motion mtDNA found that the hairs were not the petitioners.


Hence the emergence of mtDNA evidence may set the tone for other forensic sciences as technology and appeals emerge.


Expert and Scientific Evidence: Fiber Analysis


Chester CA

June 18, 2019


Interpol has been at forefront is standardizing best practices for forensic sciences. In the 2001 the European Fibers Group EFG, also published the Manual of Best Practice for the Forensic Examination of Fibers.


Efficient and correct fiber recovery from the crime scene is crucial for any examination. The manual notes the difference between using tweezers, tape lifting, vacuuming, and scraping along with the differences in European and American practices.


The worst results were found with scraping.


What type of evidence van fiber provide in the courtroom? Fibers are either natural or manmade. Natural fibers consist of animal, vegetable, and mineral sources. Artificial fibers may be made of acetates, acrylics, aramid, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, PBI, PBF, rayon, spandex, Sulfar, and Vinyon. The FBI updates data on FBISWGMAT on the web.


Two important case in fiber are State v. Sutherland, and State v. Dawkins. In Sutherland significant fiber evidence was introduced from the suspect's car and linked to the child victim in the case consisting of circumstantial evidence to a conviction of murder.


In the latter, the defendant lost claims of insufficiency of evidence related to fiber evidence used against him in a murder conviction.


In Fox v. State, the defendant lost an attack on a fiber expert's qualification in a rape and sodomy case. The expert had a BS in science and a nine month training course in hair and fiber.


Discovery issues were addressed in Broeckel v. State. A discovery issue was claimed when state expert Fair had found fiber from defendant's bathrobe on every item of the victim's clothing, but not on the inside of the pants. Later Fair stated that on re examination of the tape lifts some of the fiber came from inside the victim's body.


The misstatement of evidence to did not prejudice the conclusion that the bathrobe had come into contact with the victim's clothing by the Court.


Wayne Williams and the Atlanta murders over 22 months beginning in July, 1979 form the most important fiber case to date.


Integral are the green nylon carpet fibers from Williams' bedroom and green black rayon fibers from a 1970 Chevy Station Wagon Williams was driving the night he was discovered by the Jackson Parkway Bridge. The evidence would link Williams to two men.


The fiber in the bedroom exhibit #616 was a Wellman 181-b fiber according the state expert. FBI agent Deadman testified there was a one in 7792 chance of finding such a carpet in Atlanta. The car's sample was from one 620 cars out of two million in the Atlanta area.


In the end the Williams was convicted of the murders of Payne and Carter.


The transference of fibers is routinely found in appellative decisions worldwide. The issue of whether defendant's lawyers should call their own fiber experts to attack may rise to the Strickland level for ineffective counsel.


Crawford v. Head held that the presence of fiber and the limitations of fiber evidence could only establish the victim had contact with the car or Crawford.


The fiber issue may include the path of distribution and it's persistence on remaining on surfaces.


In Barfeld v. State the appellative court argued the centrality of whether Barfeld had driven a stolen car or was a passenger in a car permitted an expert to testify that 77 fibers on a towel and it's placement supported the argument that when the vehicle crashed and overturned that fibers had been transferred that indicated that Barfeld was a passenger and not the driver as state had indicated.


In the future technologies as Raman Spectography, the specificity of fiber dyes, and chemical imaging of fibers will come to the fore in forensic science.


 

Expert and Scientific Evidence: DNA IX - XIV


Chester CA

August 19, 2019


In State v. Beverley the issue of mtDNA emerges as well as expert certification and probabilities. Beverley and four associates were indicted for multiple bank robberies. Beverley claimed at trial mtDNA was not reliable. The Circuit Court found the district did not abuse discretion by admitting evidence. It was presented that less than 1% of the population would be expected to have the mtDNA pattern at issue.


Beverly stated that the lab that did the test was not certified by an external agency and therefore unreliable. Dr. Melton who worked at the lab had considerable credentials. Overall the court held that the probative value of the evidence outweighed any prejudice that Beverly raised about reliability or contamination and that Dr. Melton's protocols were sufficient. The government also presented statistical evidence in support and the District Court had considered these issues.


Non human DNA have not been directly addressed however it is noted that in People v. Sutherland that a dog hair on the victim was matched to a pet of the defendant.


Kiely presents Post Conviction DNA testing as a one of likely issues in the 21st century. Currently the Innocence Project has exonerated persons and the issue in New York State is in the press this month of December 2011.


• What rights do convicted prisoner's have to test DNA?


• How long should biological evidence be retained?


• What are issues with emergent technologies that are yet to be examined under Daubert or Frye Standards?


Post Conviction Testing: Most states have statutes requiring that newly discovered evidence must be able to alter the conviction in a favorable manner. This issue is being conducted on a state by state basis.


The Innocence Project recommends these provisions in legislation (Innocence Project)


• The retention of all items of physical evidence secured in connection with a felony for the period of time that any person remains incarcerated, on probation or parole, involved in civil litigation in connection with the case, or subject to registration as a sex offender


• Sanctions for parties responsible for the improper destruction of evidence and provisions enabling courts to determine the appropriate remedy when evidence is improperly destroyed


• If biological evidence is destroyed, the Court may vacate the conviction, grant a new trial, and instruct the new jury that the physical evidence in the case, which could have been subjected to DNA testing, was destroyed in violation of the law


In Pace v State the defendant was convicted of several aggravated crimes. A DNA expert testifies that Pace's profile matched a DNA profile in four other murders: McAfee, Martin, Lendon, and Britt homicides. Pace had signed a consent form that stated to provide hair samples for the Hudson murder. His profile did not match Hudson but the four other cases. The court here held that the police did not have to inform Pace his DNA could be matched against other cases.


In light of this issue, convicted felons have samples taken that are provided to CODIS. This data can indeed link them to other criminal activity.


Forensic Anthropology and Entomology


There is a difference between the discipline areas of anthropology and forensic anthropology. The capabilities of each specialization are important as more direct science is needed for the courtroom. Issues as to whether an object is a bone or other material, whether the bone is animal or human, is a total skeleton and have scavengers acted upon such all are pertinent problems.


In Commonwealth v. Baker the defendant was convicted of killing his seven year old son. The state held the son's head was smashed against a wall. Money was provided to the defendant to hire a mechanical engineer to test the assertion of the state.


The Commonwealth brought in Dr. Ann Marie Mires a forensic anthropologist. She compared a plaster replica of the son's head with indentations in the wall. The model was not exact. The state had made a pledge not to introduce such evidence at trial. A single hair was also present in the wall.


The defense did not hire an expert to challenge this evidence. Based on this fact a new trial was granted because mtDNA could have exonerated the defendant.


In Robedeaux v. State the defendant was convicted of first degree murder and sentence to death. The victim had been beaten and dismembered. Dr. Larry Balding was that of the decedent. A leg was recovered and an arm. Balding testified there was no exact manner of determining the cause of death. Because of dismembering he believed the case was homicide.


Cultural Anthropology has been attempted with limited success to explain the different socialization of persons from other cultures. In State v. Haque the defendant was in a blind rage when he killed a victim over a spurned romance. The defense argued he did not form the mens rea or criminal intent of murder but manslaughter.


The court excluded defense expert Dr. Caughey who attempted to explain that Haque's Indian Muslim upbringing stated that Haque's relationship would be a lifelong experience and not the on and off relationship with the deceased. Hence the multicultural difference should be relevant.


Entomology is the study of insects and their relationship to the environment. The time of death of a person may be indicated by populations of various insects invasive to the body.


In State v. Hart the defendant was convicted of murdering an 90 year old woman and aggravated burglary. The case was reversed due to prosecutorial misconduct by focusing on photographs of insect damage to the deceased body. The use of such evidence had just begun and it's use as a prosecutorial ploy was not conforming to it's evidentiary value.


The prosecutor focused on the emotional effect on the jury. The court held that such photographs are not to be used to create emotional decisions from the jury.


Charlie Beck to be Chicago Interim Superintendent


Desert Shores CA

November 17, 2019


Charlie Beck 2019

Charlie Beck

By Hannah Fry, Mark Puente


Former LAPD Chief Charlie Beck has been appointed as the interim police superintendent in Chicago.


Beck, who retired from the LAPD last year after a career that spanned four decades, will oversee the Chicago Police Department. Beck, 66, will oversee about 4,000 more officers in Chicago than he led in Los Angeles.


"Even though my stay here will be brief, I look forward to working with the residents and people who work in Chicago, meeting them, learning about their needs and making this a better place, because at my core, I believe that policing is a key, fundamental piece to making a successful city, he said.


The announcement came during a morning news conference the day after Supt. Eddie Johnson announced his retirement as leader of the second largest municipal police force in the country, a job he held for more than three years. Johnson came under scrutiny in recent weeks as city Inspector General Joseph Ferguson continues to investigate an incident in which police officers found Johnson asleep in his car last month.


Beck praised Johnson's efforts to tackle violence that has plagued the Windy City for years. He joined the LAPD during a strikingly different era of policing, becoming an officer just a year before Daryl F. Gates, a name that for many is synonymous with the LAPD's aggressive, racially charged past was sworn in as chief.


As Beck rose through the ranks, he made his mark by rehabilitating the scandal plagued Rampart Division and forging better relationships with residents as he oversaw officers in South L.A.


Beck was sworn in as LAPD chief in 2009, an appointee of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. It was the capstone of an unexpected career for Beck, who initially aspired to be a professional motocross racer before becoming a police officer.


As does Los Angeles, Chicago has large groups of gangs notorious for gun violence. As of last week, Chicago's 436 homicides were twice the toll in Los Angeles.


Beck Chief in Chicago


Trump Impeached, More Articles Possible


Desert Shores CA

December 24, 2019


The Impeachment of Donald Trump on December 18, 2019 may not be finished. The Democratically controlled House Judiciary Committee signaled the possibility Monday of recommending additional articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump regarding the possible testimony of former White House counsel Don McGahn.


The Committee wants a federal appeals court to order McGahn to testify as it examines more potential obstruction of justice articles of the president concerning special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. The committee says McGahn's testimony could also be useful for any Senate impeachment trial.


McGahn has been ordered to comply with the House Judiciary Committee subpoena, and a Washington based appeals court is scheduled to hear arguments January 3, 2020.


In a court filing Monday, lawyers for the Committee said McGahn's testimony remains essential even after the House has already voted to impeach Trump on two charges related to his interactions with Ukraine.


If McGahn"s testimony produces new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses that are not covered by the Articles approved by the House, the Committee will proceed accordingly inclusive, if necessary, of considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment, lawyers for Committee wrote.


If this transpired it is difficult to predict the effectiveness of Congress during 2020 and the remainder of Trump's first term. This would be a serious venture into uncharted territory.


Trump Impeached