2007, Indiana 911 call ID-ing 14-yr-old Amanda Brinker’s body on river’s edge Large, bloody gash on back of head Autopsy – 7-8 blows to head with blunt object – multiple deep lacerations, skull fracture, bleeding and swelling of brain
Police found lots of blood in grassy area – killed there and then moved to river 20 yr-old Jesse Pitts called in 911 – kept changing story: 1 st – found body 2 nd – w/ Amanda when another man attacked her 3 rd – he fought with her, knocked her down where she hit her head
4 th – swinging metal pipe found on trail, accidentally hitting Amanda when she was too close Searched car/home – blood-spattered clothing, jack handle covered in blood, hair, fibers Handle consistent with wounds; DNA analysis – blood and hair = Amanda’s
Arrested, tried, convicted of murder Sentenced to 65 years
2007, Italy Meredith Kercher – murdered in her room Police returned 2 cell phones to house owner; met Amanda Knox & bf Raffaele Sollecito outside who called police to report broken window & suspected burglary Inside, nothing missing; but Kercher’s door locked
Body on bed w/ wounds from sharp, pointed weapon on neck Strange behavior, changing stories – Knox, Sollecito = suspects Kercher’s date = Rudy Guede – also suspect (at house) Guede – left bloody handprint in Kercher’s room – convicted of murder (16 years)
At first, murder weapon – penknife (3.5 inch long, 1 inch wide) – confiscated from Sollecito, but no DNA linking to crime At trial, 6.5 inch kitchen knife = murder weapon (found at Sollecito’s home, Knox’s DNA on handle) Not sure if Kercher’s DNA on blade
Coroner – at least 1 wound by 3 – 3.5 inch blade Expert – wound should have been larger, if done by kitchen knife Angle of neck, elasticity of tissues could have affected wounds Knox and Sollecito guilty; life sentences
Appealed, freed (after 4 yrs served), retried and found guilty again More appeals – finally acquitted by highest court (3/27/15)
Trauma Surgeon - in military or emergency rooms