 |
We hope this finds all of our clients and colleagues doing well! Its been a busy year the first few months, and continues...
We recently returned from the Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event for the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS) in Washington DC. Members came to represent over 10 states and attend over 110 appointments with Senators and Representatives on important federal legislation and regulations. There were also elections of Officers & Directors, and prestigious awards presented - please see below. In addition, two NCISS members gave presentations on topics of active threats and security, and current trends in surveillance - excellent presentations; and representatives from the Federal Public Defender and GSA / Federal security contracting were also present to discuss opportunities and training for small business investigative and security agencies to provide contract services to federal agencies.
We recently returned from the Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event for the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS) in Washington DC. Members came to represent over 10 states and attend over 110 appointments with Senators and Representatives on important federal legislation and regulations. There were also elections of Officers & Directors, and prestigious awards presented - please see below. In addition, two NCISS members gave presentations on topics of active threats and security, and current trends in surveillance - excellent presentations; and representatives from the Federal Public Defender and GSA / Federal security contracting were also present to discuss opportunities and training for small business investigative and security agencies to provide contract services to federal agencies.
THIS MONTH - REGISTER NOW!
Professional Private Investigations Association of Colorado (PPIAC) presents the Colorado Investigative Development Institute
Over 18 hours of Instruction by some of the most reputable investigators in Colorado. Networking, resources and valuable tips on starting your career as a Private Investigator.
Presented over three consecutive Saturdays in May.
Dates: May 11th, May 18th & May 25th
Time: 8 am to 5 pm each day
Location: Hilton Inverness - 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO.
Free parking, lunch and snacks provided, resources and handbook included.
PPIAC and PSACO members - $450 for all three days.
Non-Members - $595 for all three days.
Go to ppiac.org for registration, class schedule, topics and trainers www.ppiac.org/event-3266664
Email training@ppiac.org with any questions.
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
NALI's annual conference is July 18th & 19th in Philadelphia PA! Dean will be joined by friend and fellow CLI, Jon Colvin, to present "Civil Conundrum: From Wrongful Death to Moment of Truth" and their investigation into the death of Phoenix AZ police Sgt. Sean Drenth.
Details and registration at www.NALI.com
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) – Fall Academy
CDITC will be holding its fall academy in Jenson Beach, FL for a full week from 09/09 to 09/13.
The curriculum will be:
Mon & Tue - Component Method - CCDI
Wed & Thu - Forensic Science - CFSI
Friday - Serious Bodily Injury / Death Investigations - Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI
Attendance of all days may qualify the student to test for the CCDI (Certified Criminal Defense Investigator) and CFSI (Certified Forensic Science Investigator) designations.
Details and registration at www.DefenseInvestigator.com/cdiacademyprogram.html
Professional Private Investigations Association of Colorado (PPIAC) presents the Colorado Investigative Development Institute
Over 18 hours of Instruction by some of the most reputable investigators in Colorado. Networking, resources and valuable tips on starting your career as a Private Investigator.
Presented over three consecutive Saturdays in May.
Dates: May 11th, May 18th & May 25th
Time: 8 am to 5 pm each day
Location: Hilton Inverness - 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO.
Free parking, lunch and snacks provided, resources and handbook included.
PPIAC and PSACO members - $450 for all three days.
Non-Members - $595 for all three days.
Go to ppiac.org for registration, class schedule, topics and trainers www.ppiac.org/event-3266664
Email training@ppiac.org with any questions.
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
NALI's annual conference is July 18th & 19th in Philadelphia PA! Dean will be joined by friend and fellow CLI, Jon Colvin, to present "Civil Conundrum: From Wrongful Death to Moment of Truth" and their investigation into the death of Phoenix AZ police Sgt. Sean Drenth.
Details and registration at www.NALI.com
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) – Fall Academy
CDITC will be holding its fall academy in Jenson Beach, FL for a full week from 09/09 to 09/13.
The curriculum will be:
Mon & Tue - Component Method - CCDI
Wed & Thu - Forensic Science - CFSI
Friday - Serious Bodily Injury / Death Investigations - Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI
Attendance of all days may qualify the student to test for the CCDI (Certified Criminal Defense Investigator) and CFSI (Certified Forensic Science Investigator) designations.
Details and registration at www.DefenseInvestigator.com/cdiacademyprogram.html
NEW Monthly Commentary:
Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System
The media has often been called the "fourth estate" or "fourth branch of government". In this role, they produce political information, opinion, influence political processes, and educate the general public. Their belief is the responsibility to inform and be essential to the healthy functioning of democracy.
This is true of professional investigators and private security agencies in being a key part of the American judicial system. Professional investigators produce information, facts, and evidence to inform and educate clients and juries, the public and government. In doing so, we have a responsibility to our clients and the public.
Professional security agencies are often the first line of authority at large public buildings and significant public gatherings. Often armed, security agencies work closely with state and local authorities to secure numerous public events, as well as with private, and public agencies from local and state to regional and federal facilities.
Please visit - www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/professional-investigators-are-key-to-our-judicial-system
Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System
The media has often been called the "fourth estate" or "fourth branch of government". In this role, they produce political information, opinion, influence political processes, and educate the general public. Their belief is the responsibility to inform and be essential to the healthy functioning of democracy.
This is true of professional investigators and private security agencies in being a key part of the American judicial system. Professional investigators produce information, facts, and evidence to inform and educate clients and juries, the public and government. In doing so, we have a responsibility to our clients and the public.
Professional security agencies are often the first line of authority at large public buildings and significant public gatherings. Often armed, security agencies work closely with state and local authorities to secure numerous public events, as well as with private, and public agencies from local and state to regional and federal facilities.
Please visit - www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/professional-investigators-are-key-to-our-judicial-system
Agency Information and Principal CVs and Expert Consultations (national)
Current 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
Karen provides Subject Matter Expertise on all Equivocal Deaths, and Dean has provided expert consultations nationwide since 2010. He has been recognized by Colorado courts in Forensic and Medicolegal Death Investigations generally in "the totality of the circumstances of the fatal or non-fatal event and the competency of the official investigation, with respect to death investigation protocol and standards."
Specific non-medical testimony has included as an expert in the areas of:
Current 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
Karen provides Subject Matter Expertise on all Equivocal Deaths, and Dean has provided expert consultations nationwide since 2010. He has been recognized by Colorado courts in Forensic and Medicolegal Death Investigations generally in "the totality of the circumstances of the fatal or non-fatal event and the competency of the official investigation, with respect to death investigation protocol and standards."
Specific non-medical testimony has included as an expert in the areas of:
- Injury, wound before morphology, how wounds are created, mechanics of single edged instruments, bilateral edged instruments, and mechanics of puncture wounds.
- Expert in criminal and forensic investigations, including death investigation and protocol standards as well as related death investigation and injury causation; and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
- Patterned Injury Analysis
- Private Investigation Protocols
- Background Records and Investigations
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
-- PPIAC presents "The Colorado Investigative Development Institute" (CIDI)
-- National Association of Legal Investigations (NALI) - speaking engagement
-- Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) - Fall Academy lecture engagement
-- New Commentary: Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System
-- Agency Information and Principal CVs
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
- Fact Finding Investigations - Document
- Fact Finding Investigations - Report
- Findings in Expert Consultations of Death
- PI Education Webinar and Equivocal Death Investigations
-- Book Available – ‘Practical Methods for Legal Investigations’
-- Case Studies from AFI-LLC
- Motor Vehicle Collision (Legal Investigation)
- Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)
(Dean Beers and Jon Colvin will be presenting this case at the upcoming NALI conference)
-- Time is Money!
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Tidbits From Our Profession – Association Conferences and Events
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
- National Council of Investigation & Security Services
- Elections of Officers & Directors:
- Special Award Presentation - Lifetime Achievement Award / Honorary Membership
- Awards Presentations
- Association Conferences
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
- NCISS Hit the Hill - What we told Senators and Representatives
- Your Advocate for March 2019
- Privacy Special Report
- COMING 2nd Quarter NCISS Member Directory and Member Guide
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...
-- PPIAC presents "The Colorado Investigative Development Institute" (CIDI)
-- National Association of Legal Investigations (NALI) - speaking engagement
-- Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) - Fall Academy lecture engagement
-- New Commentary: Professional Investigators are Key to Our Judicial System
-- Agency Information and Principal CVs
-- Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
- Fact Finding Investigations - Document
- Fact Finding Investigations - Report
- Findings in Expert Consultations of Death
- PI Education Webinar and Equivocal Death Investigations
-- Book Available – ‘Practical Methods for Legal Investigations’
-- Case Studies from AFI-LLC
- Motor Vehicle Collision (Legal Investigation)
- Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)
(Dean Beers and Jon Colvin will be presenting this case at the upcoming NALI conference)
-- Time is Money!
-- Expert Affiliations
-- Tidbits From Our Profession – Association Conferences and Events
-- Associations and News
-- News From Our Profession
- National Council of Investigation & Security Services
- Elections of Officers & Directors:
- Special Award Presentation - Lifetime Achievement Award / Honorary Membership
- Awards Presentations
- Association Conferences
-- Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
- NCISS Hit the Hill - What we told Senators and Representatives
- Your Advocate for March 2019
- Privacy Special Report
- COMING 2nd Quarter NCISS Member Directory and Member Guide
-- The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
-- IN CLOSING...
Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC
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
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
Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
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.
Fact Finding Investigations - Document (01/06/2019)
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 conducting these types of investigations, is Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document, and Report.
In the Document stage of this Investigative protocol it is time to review and document the factual information and evidence. There are three components to this: evidentiary discovery and disclosures, attorney-client and client, and the legal investigator’s work product.
- continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/fact-finding-investigations-document
Fact Finding Investigations - Report (02/03/2019)
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 conducting these types of investigations, is Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document, and Report.
The most important document the legal investigator, or expert, produces is their written report. Herein, ‘report’ refers to any written communication to the client. This report may be shared with clients, attorneys, insurances companies, judges, juries and even law enforcement. Just as the legal investigator reviews dozens of reports, so too will those same parties review the legal investigator’s report.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/findings-in-expert-consultations-of-death
Findings in Expert Consultations of Death (03/03/2019)
This commentary comes from many conversations we have with families in discussing our process in reviewing the death of their loved one. Most often their concerns are founded - such as being suspicious due to some unusual circumstances in how the body was when found. However, their reasoning for these suspicions are actually a digression from facts and evidence - perhaps the same as some juries have when thinking of the fading CSI effect from the genre of television and movies. Our goal, and passion, is to sort through everything from the official records, reports, and photographs to the questions the family has - and bring both answers and closure, no matter the findings or expectations. The same holds true of all of our legal investigations and expert consultations, not just death - but serious bodily injury, and also in civil, criminal and even probate litigation.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/findings-in-expert-consultations-of-death
PI Education Webinar and Equivocal Death Investigations (04/01/2019)
This was very informative for listeners and their questions. Unfortunately, an hour - even a day - doesn't cover all the most important facets of death investigation, and our passionate and important role in this expertise. What did we talk about? From our background to our passion, and our experiences to viewer questions, we covered a lot in one hour. This commentary shares some, but to get the full experience please watch the webinar. We have also added some important information to supplement the webinar - one hour was too short for such a passionate topic of great interest to many.
First - if you want to take the Equivocal Death Investigation course we developed for PI Education, and get a discount code - watch the webinar for more information!
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/pi-education-webinar-and-equivocal-death-investigations
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.
Fact Finding Investigations - Document (01/06/2019)
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 conducting these types of investigations, is Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document, and Report.
In the Document stage of this Investigative protocol it is time to review and document the factual information and evidence. There are three components to this: evidentiary discovery and disclosures, attorney-client and client, and the legal investigator’s work product.
- continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/fact-finding-investigations-document
Fact Finding Investigations - Report (02/03/2019)
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 conducting these types of investigations, is Prepare, Inquire, Analyze, Document, and Report.
The most important document the legal investigator, or expert, produces is their written report. Herein, ‘report’ refers to any written communication to the client. This report may be shared with clients, attorneys, insurances companies, judges, juries and even law enforcement. Just as the legal investigator reviews dozens of reports, so too will those same parties review the legal investigator’s report.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/findings-in-expert-consultations-of-death
Findings in Expert Consultations of Death (03/03/2019)
This commentary comes from many conversations we have with families in discussing our process in reviewing the death of their loved one. Most often their concerns are founded - such as being suspicious due to some unusual circumstances in how the body was when found. However, their reasoning for these suspicions are actually a digression from facts and evidence - perhaps the same as some juries have when thinking of the fading CSI effect from the genre of television and movies. Our goal, and passion, is to sort through everything from the official records, reports, and photographs to the questions the family has - and bring both answers and closure, no matter the findings or expectations. The same holds true of all of our legal investigations and expert consultations, not just death - but serious bodily injury, and also in civil, criminal and even probate litigation.
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/findings-in-expert-consultations-of-death
PI Education Webinar and Equivocal Death Investigations (04/01/2019)
This was very informative for listeners and their questions. Unfortunately, an hour - even a day - doesn't cover all the most important facets of death investigation, and our passionate and important role in this expertise. What did we talk about? From our background to our passion, and our experiences to viewer questions, we covered a lot in one hour. This commentary shares some, but to get the full experience please watch the webinar. We have also added some important information to supplement the webinar - one hour was too short for such a passionate topic of great interest to many.
First - if you want to take the Equivocal Death Investigation course we developed for PI Education, and get a discount code - watch the webinar for more information!
- continued at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/pi-education-webinar-and-equivocal-death-investigations
Expert Forensic Consultant Affiliations
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, has returned to being based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations. We trained under, and worked with Dr. Cina, since our positions as Deputy Coroners.
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 - contact our office for more details and direct referrals!
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, has returned to being based in Colorado, is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County IL. and now provides contract and independent forensic autopsies and consultations. We trained under, and worked with Dr. Cina, since our positions as Deputy Coroners.
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 - contact our office for more details and direct referrals!
Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases
Features
Legal investigators are responsible for providing factual evidence – as the fact finders, they are the foundation for the attorneys they work with daily. The attorney is responsible for forming and implementing the legal strategy and presenting it to the judge or jury. The legal investigator provides checks and balances to ensure that no evidence is being forced upon a theory, and that no theory is being forced upon the evidence. Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases presents legal investigators with a step-by-step process that reveals how to methodically find and report evidence in every aspect of the investigative process.
Similar to the scientific principle of using research to prove or disprove a theory, the author’s Investigative Protocol is designed to find the facts that prove or disprove criminal charges, civil allegations, or elements thereof. The book includes case studies that clearly detail how the process of the Investigative Protocol applies to every assignment of the case and to the case as a whole. Comprehensive and methodical, the system provides a map to the truth.
Features
- Presents a system that is easily adaptable to small assignments as well as complex litigation cases
- Emphasizes preparation, the most often neglected aspect of many investigations
- Differentiates between conducting and completing assignments and investigations
- Provides protocol for fact acquisition, recording, communicating, and reporting
Legal investigators are responsible for providing factual evidence – as the fact finders, they are the foundation for the attorneys they work with daily. The attorney is responsible for forming and implementing the legal strategy and presenting it to the judge or jury. The legal investigator provides checks and balances to ensure that no evidence is being forced upon a theory, and that no theory is being forced upon the evidence. Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases presents legal investigators with a step-by-step process that reveals how to methodically find and report evidence in every aspect of the investigative process.
Similar to the scientific principle of using research to prove or disprove a theory, the author’s Investigative Protocol is designed to find the facts that prove or disprove criminal charges, civil allegations, or elements thereof. The book includes case studies that clearly detail how the process of the Investigative Protocol applies to every assignment of the case and to the case as a whole. Comprehensive and methodical, the system provides a map to the truth.
Case Studies from AFI-LLC
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.
Motor Vehicle Collision (Legal Investigation)
In October 2018 our agency was retained by the driver a vehicle struck by an oncoming pickup truck at municipal intersection controlled by traffic signals at all directions and left-turn lanes. The client was cited by the local police agency with failure to yield to oncoming traffic. The adverse driver was cited for failing to stop at a red light.
The client’s statement was that she driving westbound and stopped at a green light in the left-turn lane. When oncoming traffic was clear, she proceeded on a yellow light and was then struck about ¾ into completing her turn. She was not aware of the collision impact until after coming to a rest. She was transported by ambulance to the local hospital and contacted in the Emergency Room by the investigating police officer, where she was cited and informed the adverse driver was also cited. It should be noted, the citation was completed before the investigating officer contacted the client.
During the claim process, the adverse insurance determined fault was 50/50 and denied any claim, including the client’s vehicle, which was determined a total loss. We requested the usual official records, reports and 911 calls (no scene photographs were taken) for review. Our investigation uncovered several issues and discrepancies with the investigation. In fact, after review of the Traffic Accident Report, issued citations, and CAD, the investigating officer was inconsistent in his decision-making process and made three differing accounts of the same event.
In Colorado law, for left-turn car collisions, there is a presumption of fault to the turning driver. There is an exception to the “no fault” provision of a left-turn car accident which includes when the car traveling straight was traveling way over the speed limit or ran a red light [emphasis added].
After the presentation of our findings to the client’s insurance, it was determined the adverse driver was 100% at fault. Further, the adverse driver did not appear in municipal court for his summons and did not pay the assessed fine; this has resulted in a bench warrant for his arrest.
Additional legal remedies for personal injury and damages are continuing.
Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)
(Dean Beers and Jon Colvin will be presenting this case at the upcoming NALI conference)
Our agency was retained by a private investigator on behalf of the decedent’s family. The decedent, a law enforcement officer, was found by officers of an overlapping jurisdiction. The official investigation was conducted by the decedent’s employing agency, who had jurisdiction. Extensive photographs, records and reports were provided for review, including multiple re-enactment videos and photographs from experts retained by the law enforcement agency and family.
Review of the provided photographs, records and reports provided several concerns, beginning with the perfect and symmetrical position in which the decedent was found (supine) with his shotgun. The decedent had one injury, which was immediately fatal, as a result of a contact penetrating shotgun slug wound entering under the chin and traversing to exit the top of the head. There were multiple discernible wounds unanswered by the conclusion of suicide. Specifically, in the act of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, there is no plausible explanation for the injuries and pressure patterns to the respective dorsal and palmar surfaces of both hands. Moreover, the decedent’s uniform had indications of being involved in a physical altercation and on the ground prior to death.
Personal effects and items from his utility belt were strewn about the decedent, almost circular and at varying distances. His duty weapon was found several yards from him, over a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. His backup weapon, on an ankle, was removed.
Investigation determined that the shotgun was not in a final resting position consistent with having been discharged by the decedent, in any conceivable position of the decedent, and then coming to rest as found. The angle of the entrance wound, and wound path, are inconsistent with the decedent lying on the ground and his head also resting on the ground, and particularly without any consequential projectile defect to the underlying pavement.
The possibility that the decedent staged his own death as a suicide as a homicide was considered. However, the physical evidence did not support this in even the most minimal possibility.
The expert reconstruction, conducted by a former employee of the investigating agency, only concentrated on the final resting position of the decedent. This was deficient and inconclusive based upon the physical evidence. Factors that were not considered in the whole included the position of the decedent at discharge, angle of the shotgun at discharge, and angle of the decedent’s head at discharge. Each possibility presented in this reconstruction was unfounded upon further study and evaluation.
It was determined that the official investigation was insufficient in the investigation of the manner of death. It was further concluded that the scene, specifically placement of the shotgun on the decedent, was staged. It is also concluded that the decedent was standing, or less likely kneeling or crouching, with the muzzle of the shotgun pressed against the underside of his chin, the shotgun being held by another unknown person, and discharged by the unknown person. The finding of suicide by self-inflicted extraoral gunshot wound is inconsistent and not plausible based upon the documented information, facts and evidence reviewed. Investigation reveals that this incident presents concern of homicide concurrent with a mutual physical confrontation.
This agency recommended that the Cause of Death remains extraoral contact gunshot wound. The Manner of Death be amended to Homicide.
UPDATE 11/08/2012 and 11/15/2012 - this case has been published by investigative reporter, now private investigator, Paul Rubin:
Sean Drenth was police officer with Phoenix AZ police department. He was found with a single fatal shotgun wound under his chin. It was ruled a suicide after a long wait for the family, and an investigation that did not answer many questions - and added more.
AFI-LLC is one of many resources working this case. We are hoping there is justice and closure for the family. It is a story worth reading (Part 1) - http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2012-11-08/news/the-curious-case-of-sergeant-sean-drenth
If you read Part 1 of the death of Sean Drenth, a Phoenix police officer found dead under suspicious circumstances, here is Part 2 - http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2012-11-15/news/who-was-phoenix-police-sergeant-sean-drenth
UPDATE 06/10/2013 - in the months following the above newspaper stories, the medical examiner's officer continued to refuse further review and the case was submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI concurred with the ruling of suicide, based on a psychological profile. Recently the matter was presented by the widow's attorney before the Phoenix Retirement Program, which held off hearing the appeal for nine months. Jackie Temple, the city’s interim Retirement Program administrator, said the report was persuasive to members of the board. “They presented pretty strong evidence as to why they saw that it could not be suicide,”. The decision by the board was unanimous, with one abstaining vote. Here is the recent story, http://azc.cc/A1kis
His death remains closed, as suicide, by the Phoenix Police Department.
UPDATE 08/12/2017 - in May of 2015 our agency was informed an insurance company was litigating this case to deny life insurance policy claims. As a result, this case study was removed pending litigation. Under subpoena, our expert files were turned over to opposing counsel, as required under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. From May 2015 to August 2017, our agency received no further communication. On 08/12/2017 we were notified by our attorney-client, representing Sgt. Drenth's widow, of closure in the form of law enforcement widow's pension from the City of Phoenix, collection of all life insurance policies, and having Sgt. Drenth's name added to the Phoenix Police Department Fallen Officers Memorial Wall - without any further litigation.
AFI-LLC is proud to have been part of this important investigation for the family - to the living we owe respect, to the dead we owe the truth. We feel this standard has been met. Our agency played a small role, and we recognize the primary investigator, family attorney, and other forensic experts that provided a team effort to reach this outcome for the family. A special thanks to the attorney and primary investigator - Joel Robbins and Jon Colvin, CLI.
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.
Motor Vehicle Collision (Legal Investigation)
In October 2018 our agency was retained by the driver a vehicle struck by an oncoming pickup truck at municipal intersection controlled by traffic signals at all directions and left-turn lanes. The client was cited by the local police agency with failure to yield to oncoming traffic. The adverse driver was cited for failing to stop at a red light.
The client’s statement was that she driving westbound and stopped at a green light in the left-turn lane. When oncoming traffic was clear, she proceeded on a yellow light and was then struck about ¾ into completing her turn. She was not aware of the collision impact until after coming to a rest. She was transported by ambulance to the local hospital and contacted in the Emergency Room by the investigating police officer, where she was cited and informed the adverse driver was also cited. It should be noted, the citation was completed before the investigating officer contacted the client.
During the claim process, the adverse insurance determined fault was 50/50 and denied any claim, including the client’s vehicle, which was determined a total loss. We requested the usual official records, reports and 911 calls (no scene photographs were taken) for review. Our investigation uncovered several issues and discrepancies with the investigation. In fact, after review of the Traffic Accident Report, issued citations, and CAD, the investigating officer was inconsistent in his decision-making process and made three differing accounts of the same event.
In Colorado law, for left-turn car collisions, there is a presumption of fault to the turning driver. There is an exception to the “no fault” provision of a left-turn car accident which includes when the car traveling straight was traveling way over the speed limit or ran a red light [emphasis added].
After the presentation of our findings to the client’s insurance, it was determined the adverse driver was 100% at fault. Further, the adverse driver did not appear in municipal court for his summons and did not pay the assessed fine; this has resulted in a bench warrant for his arrest.
Additional legal remedies for personal injury and damages are continuing.
Suspicious Death - Independent Investigation (Expert Consultation)
(Dean Beers and Jon Colvin will be presenting this case at the upcoming NALI conference)
Our agency was retained by a private investigator on behalf of the decedent’s family. The decedent, a law enforcement officer, was found by officers of an overlapping jurisdiction. The official investigation was conducted by the decedent’s employing agency, who had jurisdiction. Extensive photographs, records and reports were provided for review, including multiple re-enactment videos and photographs from experts retained by the law enforcement agency and family.
Review of the provided photographs, records and reports provided several concerns, beginning with the perfect and symmetrical position in which the decedent was found (supine) with his shotgun. The decedent had one injury, which was immediately fatal, as a result of a contact penetrating shotgun slug wound entering under the chin and traversing to exit the top of the head. There were multiple discernible wounds unanswered by the conclusion of suicide. Specifically, in the act of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, there is no plausible explanation for the injuries and pressure patterns to the respective dorsal and palmar surfaces of both hands. Moreover, the decedent’s uniform had indications of being involved in a physical altercation and on the ground prior to death.
Personal effects and items from his utility belt were strewn about the decedent, almost circular and at varying distances. His duty weapon was found several yards from him, over a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. His backup weapon, on an ankle, was removed.
Investigation determined that the shotgun was not in a final resting position consistent with having been discharged by the decedent, in any conceivable position of the decedent, and then coming to rest as found. The angle of the entrance wound, and wound path, are inconsistent with the decedent lying on the ground and his head also resting on the ground, and particularly without any consequential projectile defect to the underlying pavement.
The possibility that the decedent staged his own death as a suicide as a homicide was considered. However, the physical evidence did not support this in even the most minimal possibility.
The expert reconstruction, conducted by a former employee of the investigating agency, only concentrated on the final resting position of the decedent. This was deficient and inconclusive based upon the physical evidence. Factors that were not considered in the whole included the position of the decedent at discharge, angle of the shotgun at discharge, and angle of the decedent’s head at discharge. Each possibility presented in this reconstruction was unfounded upon further study and evaluation.
It was determined that the official investigation was insufficient in the investigation of the manner of death. It was further concluded that the scene, specifically placement of the shotgun on the decedent, was staged. It is also concluded that the decedent was standing, or less likely kneeling or crouching, with the muzzle of the shotgun pressed against the underside of his chin, the shotgun being held by another unknown person, and discharged by the unknown person. The finding of suicide by self-inflicted extraoral gunshot wound is inconsistent and not plausible based upon the documented information, facts and evidence reviewed. Investigation reveals that this incident presents concern of homicide concurrent with a mutual physical confrontation.
This agency recommended that the Cause of Death remains extraoral contact gunshot wound. The Manner of Death be amended to Homicide.
UPDATE 11/08/2012 and 11/15/2012 - this case has been published by investigative reporter, now private investigator, Paul Rubin:
Sean Drenth was police officer with Phoenix AZ police department. He was found with a single fatal shotgun wound under his chin. It was ruled a suicide after a long wait for the family, and an investigation that did not answer many questions - and added more.
AFI-LLC is one of many resources working this case. We are hoping there is justice and closure for the family. It is a story worth reading (Part 1) - http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2012-11-08/news/the-curious-case-of-sergeant-sean-drenth
If you read Part 1 of the death of Sean Drenth, a Phoenix police officer found dead under suspicious circumstances, here is Part 2 - http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2012-11-15/news/who-was-phoenix-police-sergeant-sean-drenth
UPDATE 06/10/2013 - in the months following the above newspaper stories, the medical examiner's officer continued to refuse further review and the case was submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI concurred with the ruling of suicide, based on a psychological profile. Recently the matter was presented by the widow's attorney before the Phoenix Retirement Program, which held off hearing the appeal for nine months. Jackie Temple, the city’s interim Retirement Program administrator, said the report was persuasive to members of the board. “They presented pretty strong evidence as to why they saw that it could not be suicide,”. The decision by the board was unanimous, with one abstaining vote. Here is the recent story, http://azc.cc/A1kis
His death remains closed, as suicide, by the Phoenix Police Department.
UPDATE 08/12/2017 - in May of 2015 our agency was informed an insurance company was litigating this case to deny life insurance policy claims. As a result, this case study was removed pending litigation. Under subpoena, our expert files were turned over to opposing counsel, as required under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. From May 2015 to August 2017, our agency received no further communication. On 08/12/2017 we were notified by our attorney-client, representing Sgt. Drenth's widow, of closure in the form of law enforcement widow's pension from the City of Phoenix, collection of all life insurance policies, and having Sgt. Drenth's name added to the Phoenix Police Department Fallen Officers Memorial Wall - without any further litigation.
AFI-LLC is proud to have been part of this important investigation for the family - to the living we owe respect, to the dead we owe the truth. We feel this standard has been met. Our agency played a small role, and we recognize the primary investigator, family attorney, and other forensic experts that provided a team effort to reach this outcome for the family. A special thanks to the attorney and primary investigator - Joel Robbins and Jon Colvin, CLI.
Time is money!
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!
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!
Tidbits From Our Profession
Do you have news of your associations and members to share? Please let us know!
National Council of Investigation & Security Services
Elections of Officers & Directors:
(www.nciss.org/officers-directors)
Board Chairman - Brad Duffy (IA)
President - Andrea Orozco (CO)
1st VP - Wes Bearden (TX)
2nd VP - Michael Julian (CA)
3rd VP - Lisa Turley (WV)
Secretary / Treasurer - Candace Ivey (MI)
Regional Director (1) - Tim Gilbert (MI)
Regional Director (2) - Paul Cicarella (CT)
Regional Director (3) - Bob Dunn (NC)
Regional Director (6) - Kelly Cory (CA) appointed
At Large Director - Brandy Lord (IN)
At Large Director - Mike Cook (MI)
Special Award Presentation:
Lifetime Achievement Award / Honorary Membership - Carol Ward (Executive Director, retired after 30 years)
Awards Presentations:
(www.nciss.org/awards)
John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award - John Talaganis (Past President)
Wayne J. Wunder Memorial Award - James Huckabee (Past President)
Vinson Award - Tim Gilbert (Regional Director)
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCES
An association events calendar and information is at www.NCISS.org/event-calendar
South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators (SCALI) Annual Conference
05/08-05/10 – Spartanburg SC
Details at www.scalinv.com
California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) Annual Conference
05/30-06/01 – Reno NV
Details at www.CALI-PI.org
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) Annual Conference
07/17-07/20 – San Antonio TX
Details at www.TALI.org
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) Annual Conference
07/18-07/19 – Philadelphia PA
Details at www.NALI.com
Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) Annual Conference
07/24-07/26 – Colorado Springs CO
Details at www.PPIAC.org
Do you have news of your associations and members to share? Please let us know!
National Council of Investigation & Security Services
Elections of Officers & Directors:
(www.nciss.org/officers-directors)
Board Chairman - Brad Duffy (IA)
President - Andrea Orozco (CO)
1st VP - Wes Bearden (TX)
2nd VP - Michael Julian (CA)
3rd VP - Lisa Turley (WV)
Secretary / Treasurer - Candace Ivey (MI)
Regional Director (1) - Tim Gilbert (MI)
Regional Director (2) - Paul Cicarella (CT)
Regional Director (3) - Bob Dunn (NC)
Regional Director (6) - Kelly Cory (CA) appointed
At Large Director - Brandy Lord (IN)
At Large Director - Mike Cook (MI)
Special Award Presentation:
Lifetime Achievement Award / Honorary Membership - Carol Ward (Executive Director, retired after 30 years)
Awards Presentations:
(www.nciss.org/awards)
John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award - John Talaganis (Past President)
Wayne J. Wunder Memorial Award - James Huckabee (Past President)
Vinson Award - Tim Gilbert (Regional Director)
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCES
An association events calendar and information is at www.NCISS.org/event-calendar
South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators (SCALI) Annual Conference
05/08-05/10 – Spartanburg SC
Details at www.scalinv.com
California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) Annual Conference
05/30-06/01 – Reno NV
Details at www.CALI-PI.org
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) Annual Conference
07/17-07/20 – San Antonio TX
Details at www.TALI.org
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) Annual Conference
07/18-07/19 – Philadelphia PA
Details at www.NALI.com
Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) Annual Conference
07/24-07/26 – Colorado Springs CO
Details at www.PPIAC.org
Associations and News
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.
We are excited to share this upcoming training program for all Rocky Mountain region investigators... DO NOT miss this opportunity!
Hosted by the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, we are pleased to also participate in providing some of the seminars.
PPIAC is excited to present "The Colorado Investigative Development Institute" (CIDI)!
Over 18 hours of Instruction by some of the most reputable investigators in Colorado. Networking, resources and valuable tips on starting your career as a Private Investigator.
Presented over three consecutive Saturdays in May.
Dates: May 11th, May 18th & May 25th
Time: 8 am to 5 pm each day
Location: Hilton Inverness - 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO.
Free parking, lunch and snacks provided, resources and handbook included.
PPIAC and PSACO members - $450 for all three days.
Non-Members - $595 for all three days.
Go to ppiac.org for registration https://www.ppiac.org/event-3266664
Class schedule, topics and trainers coming soon. Email training@ppiac.org with any questions.
PPIAC has also announced their annual conference has moved from the fall to early summer to honor Private Investigators Day on July 24th. The event will begin with a pre-conference full day of OSINT with Cynthia Hetherington (separate registration and fee) on 07/24, followed by two days of seminar speakers and topics attendees have come to expect and commend of PPIAC - 07/25 to 07/26. Block your calendars now. The venue will be in beautiful Colorado Springs - a destination to plan a couple extra days of vacation!
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
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (www.CDITCtraining.com)
CDITC is a national training program and association of investigators devoted to criminal defense, and defense our Constitution - one case at at time, through the 'Component Method' by founder and National Director, Brandon Perron, CCCDI. Available training and certifications include the Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDIs), Certified Forensic Interviewer - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER), and the Certified Forensic Science Investigator (CFSI) programs.
Dean is a Faculty Board Advisor, and both Dean and Karen are CCDIs and CFI-FTERs, and are finalizing their examinations for the CFSI.
Additional memberships include FALI (FL), TALI (TX) and CALI (CA) state associations, National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Mensa, and other associations (see right sidebar).
If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.
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.
We are excited to share this upcoming training program for all Rocky Mountain region investigators... DO NOT miss this opportunity!
Hosted by the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, we are pleased to also participate in providing some of the seminars.
PPIAC is excited to present "The Colorado Investigative Development Institute" (CIDI)!
Over 18 hours of Instruction by some of the most reputable investigators in Colorado. Networking, resources and valuable tips on starting your career as a Private Investigator.
Presented over three consecutive Saturdays in May.
Dates: May 11th, May 18th & May 25th
Time: 8 am to 5 pm each day
Location: Hilton Inverness - 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO.
Free parking, lunch and snacks provided, resources and handbook included.
PPIAC and PSACO members - $450 for all three days.
Non-Members - $595 for all three days.
Go to ppiac.org for registration https://www.ppiac.org/event-3266664
Class schedule, topics and trainers coming soon. Email training@ppiac.org with any questions.
PPIAC has also announced their annual conference has moved from the fall to early summer to honor Private Investigators Day on July 24th. The event will begin with a pre-conference full day of OSINT with Cynthia Hetherington (separate registration and fee) on 07/24, followed by two days of seminar speakers and topics attendees have come to expect and commend of PPIAC - 07/25 to 07/26. Block your calendars now. The venue will be in beautiful Colorado Springs - a destination to plan a couple extra days of vacation!
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
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (www.CDITCtraining.com)
CDITC is a national training program and association of investigators devoted to criminal defense, and defense our Constitution - one case at at time, through the 'Component Method' by founder and National Director, Brandon Perron, CCCDI. Available training and certifications include the Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDIs), Certified Forensic Interviewer - Forensic Testimonial Evidence Recovery (CFI-FTER), and the Certified Forensic Science Investigator (CFSI) programs.
Dean is a Faculty Board Advisor, and both Dean and Karen are CCDIs and CFI-FTERs, and are finalizing their examinations for the CFSI.
Additional memberships include FALI (FL), TALI (TX) and CALI (CA) state associations, National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Mensa, and other associations (see right sidebar).
If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.
HOMICIDE CHARGES DISMISSED NEAR TRIAL
This rarely happens - a case dismissed BEFORE trial because the MANNER of death is NOT Homicide it was a Suicide!
We have been working on a 1st Degree Homicide defense for nearly a year. There were serious issues with the investigation and evidence - which supported suicide, and no other involved persons or any assault.
The trial was scheduled to start Monday and was dismissed by a quiet filing today - didn't even tell the defense attorneys.
It was not until our memo, and the prosecution's interview of another defense expert was it seen to not be homicide.
We know and respect the other expert well; however, we did not know of their involvement - as we are never told about other consulting experts). As we were told, the defense appreciated experts who told them the truth - good and bad - and, although unknown to each other, reached the same conclusions.
There are several nuances to this (evidence, chain of custody, etc.), which would have been raised at trial. Most important, it was not a homicide - and that's why it was finally dismissed.
Learn what our client had to say about this case - Colorado Public Defender Recommendation Letter 04-17-2019 at:
www.DeathCaseReview.com/Dismissed-Homicide.html
"My Favorite Detective Stories" podcast
Last month, Dean was the guest on this podcast, hosted by friend and fellow CLI, John Hoda (CT).
How did that person die or get seriously injured? Do the Medical Examiners always get it right? Today's podcast guest, Dean Beers pulls back the sheet.
"Dean Beers is a licensed private investigator a subject matter expert in the areas of death investigation and personal injury causation. He has over 6,500 hours of experience specific to death investigation and related injuries, negligence and causation – from investigation to forensic autopsy assistance. He is the only Board Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) in northern Colorado, and is also a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator specializing in consultations and investigations of all civil Personal Injury, Negligence and Death matters, as well as felony Criminal Defense. He continues to speak extensively on investigative techniques and principles and has authored multiple peer-reviewed white papers, and Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases."
Listen now at www.johnhoda.com/mfds-47-dean-beers
ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE / CONDUCTIONG AUTOPSIES AND EXPLOITING THE DECEASED
Shawn Parcells, owner of an autopsy service that was spotlighted in a 2018 CBS4 investigation, has been arrested by authorities in Kansas and charged with theft and criminal desecration. Parcells surrendered Friday morning at the Wabunsee County Sheriffs Office in Kansas, according to a local news report.
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/03/22/shawn-parcells-owner-national-autopsy-services-theft-desecrating-bodies
This rarely happens - a case dismissed BEFORE trial because the MANNER of death is NOT Homicide it was a Suicide!
We have been working on a 1st Degree Homicide defense for nearly a year. There were serious issues with the investigation and evidence - which supported suicide, and no other involved persons or any assault.
The trial was scheduled to start Monday and was dismissed by a quiet filing today - didn't even tell the defense attorneys.
It was not until our memo, and the prosecution's interview of another defense expert was it seen to not be homicide.
We know and respect the other expert well; however, we did not know of their involvement - as we are never told about other consulting experts). As we were told, the defense appreciated experts who told them the truth - good and bad - and, although unknown to each other, reached the same conclusions.
There are several nuances to this (evidence, chain of custody, etc.), which would have been raised at trial. Most important, it was not a homicide - and that's why it was finally dismissed.
Learn what our client had to say about this case - Colorado Public Defender Recommendation Letter 04-17-2019 at:
www.DeathCaseReview.com/Dismissed-Homicide.html
"My Favorite Detective Stories" podcast
Last month, Dean was the guest on this podcast, hosted by friend and fellow CLI, John Hoda (CT).
How did that person die or get seriously injured? Do the Medical Examiners always get it right? Today's podcast guest, Dean Beers pulls back the sheet.
"Dean Beers is a licensed private investigator a subject matter expert in the areas of death investigation and personal injury causation. He has over 6,500 hours of experience specific to death investigation and related injuries, negligence and causation – from investigation to forensic autopsy assistance. He is the only Board Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) in northern Colorado, and is also a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator specializing in consultations and investigations of all civil Personal Injury, Negligence and Death matters, as well as felony Criminal Defense. He continues to speak extensively on investigative techniques and principles and has authored multiple peer-reviewed white papers, and Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases."
Listen now at www.johnhoda.com/mfds-47-dean-beers
ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE / CONDUCTIONG AUTOPSIES AND EXPLOITING THE DECEASED
Shawn Parcells, owner of an autopsy service that was spotlighted in a 2018 CBS4 investigation, has been arrested by authorities in Kansas and charged with theft and criminal desecration. Parcells surrendered Friday morning at the Wabunsee County Sheriffs Office in Kansas, according to a local news report.
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/03/22/shawn-parcells-owner-national-autopsy-services-theft-desecrating-bodies
Legislative News You Can Use... from NCISS
Your NCISS Board and members recently returned from the Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event - represnting over 10 states and making over 110 appointments with Senators and Representatives. Here is what was shared at each appointment - www.nciss.org/Congress
PRIVACY SPECIAL REPORT
As an Investigator, Security Agency, Process Server, or related professional… have you benefited from:
How? Download and share this important Special Report from NCISS at www.nciss.org/Special-Report!
If you wonder what NCISS does for you, view NCISS as your insurance policy. You don’t make claims every day. When the big claim comes, and the upcoming privacy fight is that “claim,” you will want NCISS protecting you at every turn.
Please share with your colleagues - 2019 is going to be a challenging year for all of us.
COMING SOON! 2ND QUARTER MEMBER DIRECTORY AND MEMBER GUIDE
The next updated 2nd quarter digital Member Directory and Member Guide will be available soon!
In each Directory and Guide:
- Getting Started
- NCISS Website Navigation and Member Profile page
- Member Login, Member Profile Settings, Dues Renewal
- USA Members
- Alphabetical by Last Name with full contact information
- International Members
- Alphabetical by Last Name with full contact information
- USA Members
- By State and Last Name with Agency, City & State
- Supporting Associations
- Alphabetical by State
- NCISS Member Guide
- NCISS Member Benefits and Savings
- Investigations and Value of Data Access
- About NCISS
- History of NCISS
- NCISS Board Members
- NCISS Member Ethics and Mission
- NCISS Awards
- NCISS Successes
- NCISS Bylaws
This Diectory will be updated as of April 30th 2019, for the 2nd Quarter; and updated each quarter. This Directory is also interactive with active links for email and domain addresses, as well as graphics to their sites.
PS - be sure to check past issues of the Your Advocate digital magazine at www.nciss.org/Your-Advocate
To stay current, please visit www.nciss.org/Important-NCISS-News
Your NCISS Board and members recently returned from the Annual Meeting and Hit the Hill event - represnting over 10 states and making over 110 appointments with Senators and Representatives. Here is what was shared at each appointment - www.nciss.org/Congress
PRIVACY SPECIAL REPORT
As an Investigator, Security Agency, Process Server, or related professional… have you benefited from:
- Having access to driving records and motor vehicle information from your state DMV and private data providers?
- Having access to databases with permissible purposes under the GLBA?
- Having access to Social Security Numbers, Birthdates, Address History and other important information, including credit reports?
- Carry a firearm in the course of your professional duties?
- Having the ability to use a pretext for undercover operations, shopping services and other permissible purposes?
- Used the National Sex Offender Registry (Dru’s Law) for background investigations?
- Used GPS, drones and other modern technology in your investigations and security services?
How? Download and share this important Special Report from NCISS at www.nciss.org/Special-Report!
If you wonder what NCISS does for you, view NCISS as your insurance policy. You don’t make claims every day. When the big claim comes, and the upcoming privacy fight is that “claim,” you will want NCISS protecting you at every turn.
Please share with your colleagues - 2019 is going to be a challenging year for all of us.
COMING SOON! 2ND QUARTER MEMBER DIRECTORY AND MEMBER GUIDE
The next updated 2nd quarter digital Member Directory and Member Guide will be available soon!
In each Directory and Guide:
- Getting Started
- NCISS Website Navigation and Member Profile page
- Member Login, Member Profile Settings, Dues Renewal
- USA Members
- Alphabetical by Last Name with full contact information
- International Members
- Alphabetical by Last Name with full contact information
- USA Members
- By State and Last Name with Agency, City & State
- Supporting Associations
- Alphabetical by State
- NCISS Member Guide
- NCISS Member Benefits and Savings
- Investigations and Value of Data Access
- About NCISS
- History of NCISS
- NCISS Board Members
- NCISS Member Ethics and Mission
- NCISS Awards
- NCISS Successes
- NCISS Bylaws
This Diectory will be updated as of April 30th 2019, for the 2nd Quarter; and updated each quarter. This Directory is also interactive with active links for email and domain addresses, as well as graphics to their sites.
PS - be sure to check past issues of the Your Advocate digital magazine at www.nciss.org/Your-Advocate
To stay current, please visit www.nciss.org/Important-NCISS-News
 |  |
The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
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.
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.
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
With 30+ years of experience, we deliver value our clients require and the results only this experience brings. We 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
With 30+ years of experience, we deliver value our clients require and the results only this experience brings. We 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
IN CLOSING... We are honored to provide legal investigations for over 30 years! Visit our updated agency website at
www.IsItSuicide.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.
Not receiving our newsletter and update in your inbox? Click to Subscribe Now!
www.IsItSuicide.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.
Not receiving our newsletter and update in your inbox? Click to Subscribe Now!
GPS Tracking Devices and Activation Service
In addition to Covert Cameras and Digital Forensics USB devices, My007Spy Online now offers GPS Tracking Devices and activation services. These are discounted only to certain association memberships, military or law enforcement status!
Visit www.My007Spy.com/gps-tracker-devices.html or email info@My007Spy.com
In addition to Covert Cameras and Digital Forensics USB devices, My007Spy Online now offers GPS Tracking Devices and activation services. These are discounted only to certain association memberships, military or law enforcement status!
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) |  |
These GPS Tracking Devices are easy to use, with built in magnets, and a rechargeable battery (duration depends on GPS model). Each device can go on standby and log per-minute tracking (duration depends on GPS model).
Follow us on Facebook for exclusive weekly discounts - www.facebook.com/My007Spy!
 |  |
Our agency has developed, and shared those developed by professional colleagues, distance learning courses valuable to you in continuing education credits, expanding your skills and knowledge - and services you can provide clients.
