None of this is possible with one important chance meeting, also taking place in October - this time in 1991. On a chance, Dean accepted an invitation to take a short motorcycle ride with his roommate. Stopping in a nearby small town, his roommate visited with his mom, and Dean was introduced to a friend. That friend would go on to share some of the most important things in life - now going on 27 years October 15th. Neither Dean or Karen knew what that day would become, and the memories are incredible. From two daughters who accepted Dean into their family, to four wonderful grandkids - it continues to be a journey like no other.
No matter the personal and professional successes a person has, none are possible without the right person. October is a very special month to us.

One of the most important and core tasks of investigators – from law enforcement to private, in civil and criminal litigation – is the witness interview. Witnesses can be victims or accusers, clients or defendants, those present at an event, and those not present who have information (hearsay). Generally, there are two sides to each witness – their own, and another’s; and the truth is the area between – which can lean more towards one person or another. It is the investigator’s duty – and skill – to assess the witness and fully inform their client (attorney, prosecutor, etc.) of the witness provided details. It is further important to empirically compare and contrast all details reported by witnesses, and also to other independent facts. Together these begin to tell the story, and determine the credibility of persons involved – including other investigators.
As noted in each of our books, the interview process is part of the fact gathering process – it is preceded by fact gathering, includes fact gathering, and is followed by more fact gathering. In Dean’s book, ‘Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases’ – (www.PracticalMethodsForLegalInvestigations.com) the process of legal investigation, including each interview, is Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document, and Report.
We have recently updated information on our primary agency website for services, forms, and CVs.
-- About Us - www.DeathCaseReview.com/about-us.html
-- Our Services - www.DeathCaseReview.com/our-services.html
-- Dean's CV - http://dab-cv.DeathCaseReview.com
-- Karen's CV - http://ksb-cv.DeathCaseReview.com
-- New Commentary - Fact Finding Investigations - Prepare
-- Reminder: Updates to Agency Information and Principal CVs
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
- Advantages of Social Media Sites
- The Necessity of Complete Backgrounds
- Gunshot Residue (GSR) and Testing
- Balancing the Financial and Resource Scales of Justice
-- Expert Affiliations - and NEW Expert Affiliations in Forensics
-- Book Available – ‘Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigation for the Professional Investigator’
-- Case Studies from AFI-LLC
- Criminal Defense - Child Sex Assault (Legal Investigation)
- Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)-- Time is money!
-- Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) Facts & Forensics
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Tidbits From Our Profession – Association Conferences and Events
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
- Your next My007Spy purchase help NCISS
- Framed for a Murder by His Own DNA
- Autopsy Options in Civil and Criminal Litigation
- Woodchipper Fatality Investigation
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
- Latest "Your Advocate" - digital magazine available
- Important News updates online
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...

Rocky Mountain West Agency owned by Dean A. Beers, CLI CCDI CFI-FTER and Karen S. Beers, BSW CCDI CFI-FTER.
We provide Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. We are Subject Matter Experts in Equivocal Death Investigation and Analysis, Medicolegal Investigations of Death and Serious Bodily Injury.
Based in the Rocky Mountain West, we provide expert consultations nationally. Learn details at www.DeathCaseReview.com

www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog.html
Keep up with the current events of our agency and profession through our blog. Dating back to the fall of 2011, there are dozens of articles, tips and resources for professional investigators.
Advantages of Social Media Sites (from 01/15/2014)
Investigators need to be innovative when it comes to discovering information that might help a client. The norm might be to head straight for a pay data base to find criminal behavior on the other party in a court case. We have to keep our eyes and ears open all of the time and learn to think and work outside of that mundane box. The discovery of pertinent information can come from many different sources.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/advantages-of-social-media-sites
The Necessity of Complete Backgrounds (from 01/17/2014)
When Dean first wrote ‘Professional Locate Investigations’ (www.ProfessionalLocateInvestigations.com) it was intended to be a guide to one of the most common tasks of all private investigators – locating people. Several years later we decided an updated edition was needed to fill in some gaps and update some information to be more current. In the investigative world being current is important, but keeping resources current is a daunting task. That is one reason we value trade magazines, trade blogs and other sources by fellow professionals. The new edition was revamped and designed to demonstrate the similarities of locate investigations, background checks and assets & liabilities checks. Full investigations, more than just gathering records, most often follows – but you have to start with the records.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/the-necessity-of-complete-background-investigations
Gunshot Residue (GSR) and Testing (from 02/12/2016)
During our combined years at the medical examiner's office (spanning from late 2002 to late 2008), we collected GSR from every decedent with a cause of death due to a gunshot wound; every investigator did. However, the state laboratory had no longer accepted them for testing unless specific circumstances would warrant it. We cannot recall any submissions of GSR to the state lab. Instead it was recommended to collect DNA swabs from the decedent, firearm and other relevant evidence. Dean wrote the procedure that remains in place today. Since returning to the private sector in late 2008, we have not had a case inquiring or requesting GSR testing - until recent months. In one case GSR was completed by the agency as routine protocol, and in two private consultations we demonstrated the unreliability of GSR and recommended more definitive alternative protocols for the cases. With these recent cases, we decided some information was needed. The information below is simplified and not intended to relate any scientific processes or principles beyond some explanation.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/gunshot-residue-gsr-and-testing
Balancing the Financial and Resource Scales of Justice (from 03/31/2015)
A recent story, now several a day it seems, tells of a death row exonoree receiving a settlement for his wrongful conviction. In a recent settlement this was $20 million. Also recently is the story of a Texas prosecutor being charged with misconduct in a death penalty case. However, that wrongfully convicted person was executed in 2004. The levels of wrongful conviction span all – from misdemeanors to death penalty cases. We should be concerned with all imbalances we face and their consequences. The percentage of these wrongful convictions is low, and in reality not fully avoidable. However, we can work to mitigate these as practicing legal investigators and through our state and national associations.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/balancing-the-financial-and-resource-scales-of-justice

We believe that medicolegal investigation and consultation is a team effort. Stephen Cina MD and Harold Schueler PhD are our agency affiliated experts in our respective fields offering our clients comprehensive medicolegal services.
Dr. Cina, based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations.
Dr. Schueler is now a profession at mid-Atlantic university, and is the former Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010. Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation. The CVs of both Dr. Cina and Dr. Schueler are available by Contacting Us
Through our colleagues, we also offer direct referrals from our Affiliated Experts Referral Program! Each are available nationally.
- Forensic Nursing
- Forensic Photography
- Digital Forensics - Cell Phones
- Digital Forensics - Computers
- Digital Forensics - GPS / Vehicles
- Forensic Debugging / Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
AFI-LLC is offering our latest - and very detailed book (over 200 pages) - on Investigating Death & Serious Bodily Injuries for civil or criminal cases, "Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigation for the Professional Investigator" by Dean & Karen Beers.
Regularly for $95 plus shipping, save 25% - email us today and we'll ship your book tomorrow! Just $75 via PayPal.
This guide is over 200 pages and includes the core of our distance learning course manual. It includes over 20 additional forensic, death and serious bodily injury based articles. You will learn how to conduct death and SBI investigations to better advise your client, and prepare the case for expert consultation - and we are prepared to be your affiliated experts!
Contact us now - associates@deathexperts.com for book and ordering details - or visit www.DeathandInjuryInvestigationGuide.com

www.DeathCaseReview.com/sample-cases.html
We are often asked about the types of traumatic injury and death cases we review - from family equivocal deaths to civil and criminal cases for attorneys and investigators. Each month we will present two previous cases - of hundreds - with a variety of circumstances, evidence, and conclusions.
Criminal Defense - Child Sex Assault (Legal Investigation)
Our agency was retained by counsel on behalf of the defendant. In reviewing the available prosecution discovery, it was immediately determined that the official investigation was deficient and poorly conducted; it was incomplete.
The initial investigating officer followed procedure in taking the report and conducting initial interviews. He also contacted the on-call detective, who did not respond. A detective was assigned to the case after several days. Several key investigative opportunities were missed. These opportunities were neglected with charges brought forth by inconsistent statements of the victims and witnesses. Moreover, when the assigned detective did take a role, efforts were spent only on validating the initial officer’s findings, and not any independent investigation. It was only after the prosecutor’s office returned the case, requesting additional investigation, was this done. This renewed investigation was limited to second interviews with the reporting alleged victims, two persons not present at the reporting incident, and the uncharged suspect, who had retained an attorney. The detective did interview a person present at the reporting incident, and upon re-interview by our agency it was determined that his interview was inaccurately reported. Approximately one month after the reporting incident, a third child of the family was officially interviewed and determined to not be a witness or victim to any incident. Without contacting any other persons at the reporting incident, this case was again sent to the prosecutor’s office for filing of charges. Again, the case was returned for additional investigation. The detective conducted additional interviews and re-submitted the case, resulting in multiple charges of sexual assault on a child, approximately five months after the reporting incident.
Independent review of the prosecution’s discovery revealed multiple investigative errors and misinformation, including multiple differing accounts of the same alleged incidents. Independent investigation, including scene investigations not conducted by law enforcement, also revealed multiple areas of inaccurate and false information. Independent interviews of multiple witnesses not previously interviewed and additional witnesses supported information determined during the course of the independent investigation. A summary report was provided to the prosecutor approximately eight months after the reported incident and six months after charges were filed.
More than 18 months after the reported incident the prosecutor’s office dismissed all charges after re-interviewing the alleged victims.
Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)
Our agency was retained by private counsel on behalf of the decedent’s family. The decedent was found by his wife, deceased on his bed. There were indications of a possible struggle. The official ruling was Accident due to blunt force injuries consequential to a fall while intoxicated.
Received and reviewed were the official reports, records and scene photographs, as well as statements from family members. There were no autopsy photographs available.
The decedent was found by an off-duty law enforcement officer. The decedent’s wife had been unable to reach him all day and called a friend, a local law enforcement officer, to check for her before she entered the home. This entry was reported to the dispatch office. There was no domestic history, medical history or contributing social history – such as depression or suicidal ideations – of any involved persons.
Review of the reports and photographs revealed that the body had not been moved prior to being found and had been deceased for several hours, including prior to his wife leaving for work. The previous night the decedent had been up drinking and would often sleep downstairs in a separate bed when similarly intoxicated. His wife had no reason to think differently this night. There were no wounds, offensive or defensive, on the decedent or wife. There was a small contusion on the decedent’s back, near his right shoulder. One area disturbance in the house was on the wall to the stairs leading down to the basement bedroom. This was a circular defect in the wall from an object impacting. It was opined after review that this may have been the decedent’s shoulder. Another area was a table on the stair landing, between the upper and lower floors. Items on top were disturbed. The pattern injury to the decedent’s back was consistent with the edge of the table. Toxicology was positive for alcohol, .202; no other substances. This level of intoxication is contributory to a high-level of disorientation.
Independent investigation concurred with the official investigation.

Learn how we efficiently multi-task using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
- DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
- Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
- Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
- Split View - www.SplitView.com
Be sure and also look for this article on this topic in The Legal Investigator, official journal of the National Association of Legal Investigators http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=495442!

Our continued apologies - due to our heavy schedule, we are behind on finishing the latest Facts & Forensics podcast. We will have this ready this month! Please visit www.GIMG.tv for a forensic investigation based article from us!
Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv)
Facts & Forensics
About every other month Dean host a podcast featuring topical information in the areas of legal investigations and forensic investigations. He is joined by his wife and business partner, Karen for 'Conversations with Karen' on special topics of interest. Dean closes each episode with a 'Special Guest' who is an expert in a forensic specialty. Tune in this, and every, month!
All shows are posted at http://gimg.tv - the latest podcast topics include:
Conversations with Karen
Updates on trends and current events from our agency and profession!
Special Guest with Dean
Our good friend and expert consultant (photography and GPS), Robert Wyman, tell us about his most current offering of Cell Phone Call and Tower Mapping!
* Obtaining the subscriber’s Call Detail Records via subpoena
* Contacting the cellular telephone companies (“carriers”)
* Extracting usable data from the Call Detail Records
* Mapping the cellular telephone towers which have hosted the calls with Google Earth or a mapping program
* Advanced mapping of each call’s directionality from a tower using a Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), mapping or diagramming program
* Tabulating the Call Detail Records for additional analysis in Excel, including sorting records to uncover common telephone numbers and subscriber relationships
* Preparing exhibits and illustrations of the call and tower analysis
* Testimony regarding the accuracy and precision of the mapping effort

Do you have news of your associations and members to share? Please let us know!
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCES
Osmosis
October 07th-09th - Osmosis Annual Conference in Las Vegas NV.
Details at www.OsmosisCon.com
Michigan Council of Professional Investigators
October 10th - 2018 Annual Training Conference at Michigan State University in Lansing MI
Details at www.MCPIhome.com
Indiana Society of Professional Investigators / Criminal Defense Investigators Training Council
October 26th-27th - Certification Training for Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery Method
Details at www.IndianaInvestigators.com
National Council of Investigation & Security Services
Mid-Term Meeting will be held on November 08th, at the 2018 Investigators Superconference in NYC, NY
Details at www.NCISS.org
North Carolina Association of Private Investigators
November 04th-10th - 2018 Fall Conference in Atlantic Beach, NC
Details at www.MCPIhome.com
2018 Investigators Superconference
November 08th-11th in New York City, NY
Registration for the NYC SuperConference is LIVE at: www.2018investigators.com/shop/
27 Speakers' profiles are posted, and can be viewed at: www.2018investigators.com/speakers/
20 of the talks and panels are also described, at: www.2018investigators.com/schedule/
It is recommended to register early and save $100-$150
Is your association planning a conference we can share? Email us the details - associates@DeathCaseReview.com!

We are dedicated ambassadors to our profession and work within several associations with others to continually protect and improve our profession and resources, as well as networking and continuing education opportunities.
Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org) Monthly meetings, including a training speaker, are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area. PPIAC continues to hold specialized training sessions for new and veteran investigators, and also specific to the new licensing program.
2018 Rocky Mountain Private Investigators Conference 09/13 to 09/16
Hosted by the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado
Go to https://ppiac.org/event-2664804 for event details and to register - Join next month - time is closing in!
National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com)
NALI is the premier association for legal investigators for civil plaintiff and criminal defense, and oversees the prestigious Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) program. Experience is required to join and all members are subject to a background check.
Legal Investigators working cases for civil plaintiff or criminal defense - join the National Association of Legal Investigators! (http://nalionline.org/become-a-member - please contact our office and use us as a reference on the application)
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at www.nalionline.org/publications.htm
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)
Each day we find an increasing number of problems confronting the orderly growth of our profession. These problems include, among others: overly restrictive legislation regarding training and standards, proliferation of legislation requiring local licensing, public misunderstanding and misinformation on the role and contribution of private investigators and security services, and an uninformed media. It is the role of NCISS to meet and solve these problems while seeking to uncover and recommend action on any hidden potential problems which may have an effect on our profession.
Karen is the NCISS Executive Director, and and oversees the day-to-day operations of the association and members, working closing with the Executive Committee and Board to advocate for the investigative and security professions.
The current issue of NCISS's official journal - Your Advocate - is available online at www.nciss.org/your-advocate
Special news and alerts are at www.nciss.org/important-nciss-news
World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net)
W.A.D. is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921 and formalized in 1925. W.A.D. is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world.
Karen is the W.A.D. Administrative Manager, and Dean is the Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South America). Together we work to further the mission of W.A.D. and provide resources to clients needing assistance in these regions.
The current issue of WAD's official newsletter - Beyond Global - is available online at www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations, as well as specialty specific national associations (see right sidebar). If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.

Your next My007Spy purchase help NCISS
Starting last month, My007Spy is offering a new discount code. Professional investigators will still save 10%. Now 5% of their purchase will be donated to NCISS by My007Spy!! We are strong supporters and believers in NCISS - National Council of Investigation & Security Services. If you use the below discount, for every order - it never expires - we will donate 5% to NCISS. Its a small amount, but adds up each month.
NCISS-Save10%-Donate5%
Don't forget - if you are not a member of NCISS, the reason you can use covert PI gear is because NCISS works daily to protect the interests of all PIs and security agencies nationwide. Visit www.nciss.org/join-nciss or contact us by email for more information.
Framed for a Murder by His Own DNA
(Sam Petitto, Petitto Associates – CO)
An unnamed defense investigator helped expose one of the dirty little secrets of forensic science; DNA evidence is not as reliable as we thought.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/framed-for-murder-by-his-own-dna/
Not only does this tell of why the work we do is so important - it tells why we need to always be thinking outside the box.
DNA, or other present evidence, is not conclusive of a person's presence - particularly at the time of an event - unless there is other corroborating evidence. There must be a proven link between suspect, victim and event (and a few other things - weapon, etc.). It why the prosecution must prove all elements of a crime.
Autopsy Options in Civil and Criminal Litigation
Our commentary from last month was a featured article in the official journal of the World Association of Detectives (WAD) Beyond Global current issue. View the full magazine, with other informative articles, at http://online.flipbuilder.com/rwhh/xedp/online.flipbuilder.com/rwhh/xedp/.
Woodchipper Fatality Investigation
The World Association of Detectives also held its Annual Conference in Las Vegas the last week of September. Dean was the final speaker, giving his presentation on this case he investigated, with Karen's assistance while she was in death investigation training. This type of fatal accident is rare, and the presentation respectfully focuses on the various aspects, and processes, involved in this highly unusual investigation and findings.

Its been very quiet for the investigation and security professions in Congress and regulatory agencies. That's a good thing - for now. We must always be prepared. One way we do that is to personally visit our Senators and Representatives every year - and stay in contact with them throughout the year. We also stay in touch with our members.
PS - be sure and catch the latest NCISS Your Advocate digital magazine at www.nciss.org/your-advocate-august-2018
To stay current, please visit www.nciss.org/important-nciss-news

Skills Appropriate for the Assignment
Law firms and medical offices specialize - Professional Investigators also specialize. Their casework and continuing education should also be in your specialized areas.
Experience and Knowledge
Professional Investigators strive to maintain and further these. All professions have requirements of continuing education. The CLI and CCDI programs both require extensive compliance with continuing education.
Responsible and Ethical Conduct
Every component of the investigation has evidentiary considerations. Professional Investigators hold themselves to a higher standard and leaves no question as to the admissibility of their evidence. Information without ethics is not evidence.
Effective Communication
Professional Investigators maintain communication with the attorney, client, witnesses, and other key persons in the investigation. Moreover, reports are the product of an organized investigation and should reflect the work product you expect.
Keyword - 'Professional'
Honesty, Integrity & Intelligence. These define Professional Investigators and gives you the confidence that your case is in competent and skilled hands.

Specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.
We provide investigations and consultations of any death or serious bodily injury case nationwide with the conveniences of modern technology and assistance of our local professional friends and colleagues.
In addition, we continue to provide Due Diligence Investigations of Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities, and Heirs / Relatives for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation. Additional information at www.DeathCaseReview.com/general-services.html
Call us today, we're glad to help!
Experience the PRIDE of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence in every assignment.
With appreciation,
Dean A. Beers, CLI CCDI CFI-FTER* and Karen S. Beers, BSW CCDI CFI-FTER*
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
Colorado (970) 480-7793 - Dean x1 and Karen x2 - Voice / TXT
*Certified Criminal Defense Investigators ~ Certified Forensic Interviewers / Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery ~ Certified in Medicolegal Death Investigations

www.EquivocalDeathInvestigation.com
- Legal Investigations - Civil, Criminal & Probate - Pre-Litigation & Litigation
- Expert Consultations and Medicolegal Investigations of Death & SBI
- Individual Locates, Backgrounds, and Assets & Liabilities
- Estate Heirs, Relatives and Next-of-Kin
We specialize in helping other PIs and attorneys assisting families. Contact our agency any time – we’re there when you need us.
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We have also added the most popular Paraben Digital Forensic Recovery Sticks for iPhones, Android, PC, Chat, Images, and more!
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Visit www.My007Spy.com/gps-tracker-devices.html or email info@My007Spy.com
* 3 month or 12 month service must be purchased separately. * Laws vary by state - consult your state and local laws before purchasing. My007Spy makes no warranty of lawful purposes and is not liable for any violations or misuse, or consequential damages. (services are available in the US, Canada, and Mexico ONLY) |