Need some help with a question about DNA evidence in an elected official rape allegation case

originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: Rezlooper


If the (V)-victim feels that nothing is being done maybe go with a "Civil Trial" seeing that there are actually multiple victims, also the 'rules of evidence' is different in a Civil Trial so different things can be submitted.

I know the grandmother has said that another agency is investigating this yet. Not sure who, but maybe a state agency like the Department of Justice. I will pass this idea on to her that they may want to pursue a civil case.

originally posted by: Snarl

originally posted by: Rezlooper
Is there anyway the nurse could have screwed it up?

Yep.

could it be that he really is innocent?

He is innocent ... until proven guilty. You know that.

I'm no DNA expert and I was hoping that some of the smart folks here at ATS who are familiar with the science of DNA could help me out on this one. Thanks in advance.

IME, the Sheriff's office is rarely a wellspring of investigative talents. A LOT of them are simply flying by the seat of their pants. You should honestly consider this in your journalistic approach. What you're gonna want to look for is extensive experience. If it's not there ... what can you do about it? Sometimes, law enforcement simply isn't up to the task. Your Sheriff's office might have had this investigation thrown to them simply because they are known to be inept.

Sounds to me like there was no DNA evidence collected. If that's what it takes to make the case ... there's no case.

Also, you might not want to overlook an opportunity to engage JimNasium on this topic. I carried a badge just long enough to collect a pension. He went more than twice my distance (if memory serves).

-Cheers

I'm not too sure about this, but I was told that the lead investigator was just promoted to his position and that this case was the his first. Would explain a lot.

As a reporter, asking ATS for expert advice could hardly be considered due diligence.

"According to anonymous sources on a conspiracy based website..."

That'll look great in your article.

For example, some ATS expert might tell you to forgo conventional treatments and eat baking soda to cure your cancer.

a reply to: Phage

Just WOW. That was really low, even for you.

I find this thread interesting and civil, with the exception of your post.

a reply to: Witness2008
You think that asking people on ATS questions is a valid investigatory technique?
Better than, say, consulting with actual experts?

He's writing an article. Remember?

originally posted by: Phage
As a reporter, asking ATS for expert advice could hardly be considered due diligence.

"According to anonymous sources on a conspiracy based website..."

That'll look great in your article.

For example, some ATS expert might tell you to forgo conventional treatments and eat baking soda to cure your cancer.

Obviously I'm not going to write about my doubts on the DNA evidence. This is purely for my own benefit, because as a reporter, I'm still human and I have my own opinions about what happened. I know what happened, just trying to figure out how it could have been fudged.

But of course, as soon as I saw your name as a response on my thread, I knew you'd have some snide remark to make that has nothing to do with the topic at hand. That's your MO.

a reply to: Phage

What better place to get opinions or knowledge on a subject? I see a lot of brilliant takes on many subjects here.

Bad day today?

a reply to: Witness2008

What better place to get opinions or knowledge on a subject?

From an actual expert. That is what a diligent reporter who is working on an article would do.

I am a reporter working on a story and I have a question I thought I'd bring to the smart folks here at ATS.

And also to add to this thread, I will be posting a link to the story once its written. It will be published either tomorrow or the next day, not sure yet.

a reply to: Phage

And please Phage, just go away. You bore me.

This thread is of no interest to you.

a reply to: Phage

Do you have any idea as to the cost of expert opinion? Most won't give you the time of day unless they can get a retainer from you.

Seems you have a low opinion of the membership here.

a reply to: Rezlooper

I'm looking forward to that. My experiences with the Texas Justice system gave me an insatiable appetite for such things as what you are working on.

a reply to: Witness2008

Seems you have a low opinion of the membership here.

Not all. Not even most.

I just think there is more than enough crappy "reporting" going on out there.

Thanks guys for the posts. Appreciate the contributions and some of the suggestions here.

a reply to: Rezlooper

Just a couple of things that stand out after an initial glance over.

"the suspect lied several times during his interviews with the sheriff's department."

Would you not need to establish the above in a court of law before coming to that conclusion?

"had a cast on his left hand which he used to hold her back."

He must be a very persistent rapist if he's attempting to rape this poor woman with a broken arm!

I'm not suggesting it did not happen or that there was no foul play but if the DNA suggests he's innocent then maybe that's the case.

a reply to: Rezlooper

Remember OJ Simpson's 'criminal trial' when He 'walked'? How did He do in the 'Civil Trial'? You also have the chance that during the deposition/evidence gathering the (S)-suspect 'may' reveal new pieces of evidence that can then be used against Him in a later 'criminal trial'..

You might also see if a session with the 'Grand Jury' is in order (depending on which State/jurisdiction) and how it is handled there..

** Please Note ** I'm offering a 'general view' from My experiences as a Ca. police officer who has been retired for 12 years. The laws in the State where these alleged crime(s) occurred may differ. Ergo:
•Your Mileage May Vary

Watch the wet ink!

Proud member of LEAP•Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

P.S. If You can't get them to pay the 'time' Get them to pay the $$$

originally posted by: JimNasium
a reply to: Rezlooper

Remember OJ Simpson's 'criminal trial' when He 'walked'? How did He do in the 'Civil Trial'? You also have the chance that during the deposition/evidence gathering the (S)-suspect 'may' reveal new pieces of evidence that can then be used against Him in a later 'criminal trial'..

You might also see if a session with the 'Grand Jury' is in order (depending on which State/jurisdiction) and how it is handled there..

** Please Note ** I'm offering a 'general view' from My experiences as a Ca. police officer who has been retired for 12 years. The laws in the State where these alleged crime(s) occurred may differ. Ergo:
•Your Mileage May Vary

Watch the wet ink!

Proud member of LEAP•Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

P.S. If You can't get them to pay the 'time' Get them to pay the $$$

Very good points, thanks for that. I know that early on there was word that the grand jury was going to look at the evidence, but then it got tossed to the neighboring county's district attorney instead. The reason for the conflict and uproar in our community was because our county's district attorney is married to the daughter of a close political ally of the suspect, the suspect and the mother-in-law sit on the same council.

originally posted by: andy06shake
a reply to: Rezlooper

Just a couple of things that stand out after an initial glance over.

"the suspect lied several times during his interviews with the sheriff's department."

Would you not need to establish the above in a court of law before coming to that conclusion?

"had a cast on his left hand which he used to hold her back."

He must be a very persistent rapist if he's attempting to rape this poor woman with a broken arm!

I'm not suggesting it did not happen or that there was no foul play but if the DNA suggests he's innocent then maybe that's the case.

I'll reword it then... he gave two different versions of events in two separate interviews with police.

And actually, he failed at an actual rape. He sexually assaulted her, allegedly, by holding her back, tried to penetrate four to five times and gave up.

a reply to: Rezlooper

"I'll reword it then... he gave two different versions of events in two separate interviews with police."

People seldom recount the exact same story especially on separate occasions. Are we talking a few minor discrepancys or a complete change of the story and events?

If its the former then it may just be inconsequential, but if its the latter then why have the authorities not looked further in to his story?

Lets just be glad he failed at an actual rape, not that sexually assault is not just as bad. You need proof through and if the DNA evidence suggests innocence that's probobly why he's not being prosecuted.

Who is the alleged rapist in question?

Very good points, thanks for that. I know that early on there was word that the grand jury was going to look at the evidence, but then it got tossed to the neighboring county's district attorney instead. The reason for the conflict and uproar in our community was because our county's district attorney is married to the daughter of a close political ally of the suspect, the suspect and the mother-in-law sit on the same council.


Request a "Change of Venue" No way somebody gets a 'fair and impartial trier of fact' when there is a connection to any 'voting member'. Conflict-of-interest.

Maybe touch base with someone from the ACLU™ American Civil Liberties Union? Offer to buy them lunch and make sure You mention the other victims; inability to gather a 'jury of peers' etc. etc. They tend to really enjoy All-You-Can-Eat buffets...

Bon Appetite