How police are using digital forensics to solve crimes

Forensic investigations seek to uncover evidence and then analyze it in order to get a proper understanding of the crime. As computers and digital devices have become a part of our daily lives, the cyber realm contains all sorts of potential evidence for all types of criminal investigations.

Technology is volatile and we’ve seen technology advancements in the last five years, probably like no other period in time.

So, how are police using digital forensics and what crimes have they solved?

BTK KILLER

BTK was a serial killer in Wichita, Kansas who named himself after his method – Bind, Torture, Kill.

He killed at least 10 people over a period of 30 years. After he killed, he would then taunt police with letters detailing his crimes.

The Evidence

- By posting ads through the local newspaper, BTK asked police if he could communicate with them via floppy disk without being traced back to a particular computer.

- The police lied and said yes. The floppy disk was quickly traced to a computer at the church where Dennis Rader was president of the congregation.

- DNA tests matched radar to the BTK murders.

The Outcome

- Sentenced to 175 years in prison

SCOTT PETERSON

Laci Peterson, who was 8 months pregnant, was reported missing by her husband, Scott Peterson. That same morning, Peterson claimed to be on a solo fishing trip near Brooks Island.

The bodies of Laci and her unborn son washed up on a beach a few months later. The patterns of water currents make it possible that Laci’s body was dumped near Peterson’s fishing spot.

The Evidence

- Peterson searched ads for used boats, fishing information, and boat ramps in the area.

- On the morning of Laci’s disappearance, Peterson made a call from his home to his voicemail after he claimed to have already left for his fishing trip.

- Wiretaps suggest that after Laci’s disappearance, Peterson lied about his whereabouts to friends and family.

The Outcome

- On death row

THE CRAIGSLIST KILLER

“Craigslist Killer” was the nickname given to the man who bound and robbed three women, killing one.

The Evidence

- Police used video surveillance to find images of the killer.

- Traced the phones he used to call the victims to disposable phones.

- Traced the email used to respond to the Craigslist ads to the IP address of Philip Markoff.

- Police followed Markoff, gathered fingerprints, which matched those on the crime scene.

The Outcome

- Committed suicide while awaiting trial

CASEY ANTHONY

Cindy Anthony, Casey’s mother called the police to report that her two year old granddaughter, Caylee, was missing.

Digital forensic experts found several suspicious searches on the Anthony home computer.

The Evidence

- Casey told police that her daughter had been abducted by her nanny a month before. Casey was arrested for child neglect.

- FBI lab results show that chloroform was found in Casey’s car.

- Caylee Anthony’s remains were found ¼ of a mile from the Anthony home.

The Outcome

- Sentenced to 4 years in prison

Digital forensics and forensic investigations seek to uncover, analyze and preserve evidence to be used in criminal proceedings.

DLA is based in Cape Town and combines the experience of two seasoned investigators with both criminal and civil backgrounds with the latest technologies to achieve the digital forensic results that you require.