From Mishandling to Mistrial: The Cost of Crime Scene Mistakes
Did the sheriff’s mistakes cost Nancy Guthrie her life? Did the police’s refusal to test DNA on 6 pieces of evidence in the JonBenet case—including the garrote she was killed with—make it impossible to solve her murder? Our forensic experts discuss critical errors in the earliest stages of an investigation that can ripple through an entire case, sometimes with devastating consequences.
Real cases and real world examples will be looked at to see how compromised evidence, improper documentation, and breakdowns in protocol can undermine prosecutions and fuel reasonable doubt in the courtroom. Sheryl McCollum, Joseph Scott Morgan, and Barbara Butcher will examine how small mistakes at a crime scene can lead to major legal challenges, mistrials, or even wrongful convictions. They will also discuss the evolving standards, training, and technology that is designed to prevent these costly errors.
