Cracking Cases: The Science of Solving Crimes

Ditto to Dennis Littrell's eloquent and well-informed review, by the way. This is a solid and varied sequel indeed, and the Doc looks very cool on the cover, but I just want to focus on the Ramsey case above all. While the excellent Dr. Lee does not flat out accuse the Ramseys of involuntary manslaughter and a pitiful cover-up, his use of probability terminology speaks for itself. To clarify things, the critical points to grasp about the Ramsey case include the following... There is no conclusive evidence - of any kind - that there was ever an intruder. All of the 'possible clues' touted by pro-Ramsey people have long ago been debunked. The tainted, partial DNA sample that has been referred to repeatedly, could have come from any number of sources, including the clothing manufacturer/packer, and there is absolutely no evidence whatosever that it came from an intruder. The sample is a limited 10-loci/marker sample and could never be enough to convict in isolation (you need 13 loci or sequencing markers), even if an idiot like John Mark Karr had been telling the truth. It is of some limited use in eliminating suspects, i.e. if any of their 10 corresponding markers don't align with the sample, they can be excluded. The DNA is a red herring, anyway, especially as used by the Ramseys' belligerent lawyer Lin Wood. For him to drone on that the Ramseys were cleared by comparison to the case DNA is utterly meaningless on two counts. Firstly, because there is NO evidence that the DNA was that of a killer/intruder; secondly, because, as with any parent/child relationship, the Ramseys' DNA could have quite legitimately been all over JonBenet. Nothing short of finding John's semen in her mouth, vagina or anus could have been considered truly compromising. As Dr. Lee suggests, given the total lack of evidence to support the intruder theory, the likelihood is that JonBenet was killed by accident and the parents panicked and created a woefully illogical and transparent cover-up. No intruder could have had such prolonged and close physical contact with the child and not left siginicant DNA behind. To do that, he would have to have been wearing a space suit. To me, the good doctor has put the final nail in the Ramsey's well-nailed coffin.

While other books probe forensic techniques in crime-solving, Cracking More Cases: The Forensic Science Of Solving Crimes: The Michael Skakel-martha Moxley Case, The Jonbenet Ramsey Case And Many More! probes some of the cases of one of the 'legends' in his industry, Dr. Henry C. Lee, presenting his personal descriptions of his work on five puzzling homicide cases. The entire process from initial puzzle to final conclusion is presented in a set of case histories capturing the gripping moments of forensic science. Cracking More Cases is especially commended reading for fans of the CSI series and students of Forensic Medicine.

Dr. Lee earns his praise in this genuine examination of these pertinent and riveting cases. I am an avid reader of forensic non-fiction and I was sincerely impressed with Dr. Lee's unrelenting attention to detail. He explores the Skakel and Ramsey cases with a nuanced and candid eye, offering insights that I can only attribute to such a seasoned forensic professional as Dr. Lee. Each chapter offers a meticulous analysis of the cases' facts and distinctive datum. I am a sincere admirer of Dr. Lee's distinguished works, and this book is no exception.

Cracking Cases, by Dr. Henry C Lee Forensics is the application of science to matters of law. It is both an art and a science: intuition and common sense are needed. More murders occur during holidays: stress, pressure, alcohol, and confrontations. This book covers his investigation into five cases of spousal murder. The author mentions his co-workers for each case, and other background material. Chapter 1 tells of a couple driving in the rain. During an argument the wife jumps out of the car. While searching the highway the husband strikes and kills his wife. The lack of exterior damage to the van says murder, not a traffic accident. Blood spatters inside the van tell a story. The description of evidence reads like it came out of a textbook. Page 54 says "a red blood cell is about 7.6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness"; shouldn't that be micrometers? Chapter 2 tells of the disappearance of a spouse. It changed the law to not depend on finding a body for proof of homicide. Only a few bone fragments and teeth were found. The husband passed a lie detector test; page 105 tells of one trick to use. The spouse's friends reported her missing; the house was searched, and evidence was found. Page 120 lists a "Nanurrn Pistole"; shouldn't that be "Manurhin"? Chapter 3 tells of a worst case scenario in this country's media. Dr. Lee was called for questions on certain troublesome facts (p.162). He joined the defense team because of "a number of intractable and critical errors had been made by some of the investigators ... and that the alleged findings did not bear the stamp of truth" (p.165). The found bloody glove had parts stuck together, but none of the leaves or twigs! This suggests it was planted hours later. After the blood sample was received, it was taken to the crime scene instead of logging it in as evidence. This was a very serious mistake which compromised the sample itself and the chain of custody (p.193). Dr. Lee noticed they failed to collect the blood drops on the female victim's back that came from above her body (p.195)! The cyclone fence and the vegetation behind the guest house showed that no one climbed over this fence (p.197). The Deputy Coroner testified the forensic evidence placed the deaths after 11PM (p.202). Pages 211-3 list critical questions on this case. The blood on the back gate was fresher although it was collected three weeks later. Swatches that dried overnight somehow left bloodstains. The jury decided 'not guilty' after three hours, but the court of public opinion is talking longer. Chapter 4 tells of the importance of establishing time of death. After leaving Friday evening, the husband called home from a friend's house. Their daughter listened in and heard a one-sided conversation. This chapter ends with methods used to estimate time of death. Chapter 5 tells of the importance of preserving the crime scene and the physical evidence (blood, gun shot residue, bullet trajectory). The husband called in to report t

Assisted by Thomas W. O'Neil, Lee wrote this book primarily for persons such as I whose understanding of murder trials depended almost entirely, at least until the O.J. Simpson trial, on plays, films and television programs. Lee played a key role in the Simpson trial which is among the five he examines in this book. The other four (all resulting in a verdict of guilt beyond reasonable doubt) involved homicide charges against Kenneth Mathison, Richard Bunel Crafts, Edward Robert Sherman, and Theodore ("Ted") MacArthur. Although all of these other four cases were no doubt widely covered by national media, I was unfamiliar with them until reading Lee's book. Throughout, he generously acknowledges the importance of teamwork and praises all of his associates. Lee defines the term forensics as "the direct application of scientific knowledge and techniques to matters of law." He notes that "the wise forensic investigator will always remember that he must bring all of his life experiences and logic to find the truth. This means common sense, informed intuition, and the courage to see things as they are. Then he must speak honestly about all that it adds up to." The process is necessarily complicated and demanding, requiring as much patience as it does precision. It would be a disservice to both Lee and his reader to share more than a few details in this review. "Each of the five cases presents the opportunity, through its respective facts, investigation, and legal resolution, to study particular aspects of forensic investigation and how the work fits in with the rest of the criminal justice system." What Lee accomplishes in this book is to help his reader to develop (or at least understand) some of the skills he (Lee) has used while accompanying him during the investigation of five different murders. Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Evans' The Casebook of Forensic Science: How Science Solved 100 of the World's Most Baffling Cases; Criminal Investigation co-authored by Swanson, Chamelin, and Territo; and Punitive Damages co-authored by Sunstein, Hastie, Payne, and Schkade.