Research a criminal case and write a research report about how the crime scene and digital evidence was processed in that case

Crime Scene Research Paper
Step 1: Report
● Select a criminal case with a computer forensics component that has not been covered in class
materials
o Suggested Cases:
▪ Casey Anthony
▪ Dennis Rader (BTK)
▪ Jodi Arias
▪ Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell
▪ Aaron Hernandez
● Research a criminal case and write a research report about how the crime scene and digital evidence
was processed in that case
o Summary:
▪ Approximately 3-5 pages single spaced, Arial or Calibri font, 12 point, 1 inch margins
▪ Summarize the case
● Provide a brief overview of the case (Note: this should be brief, the purpose of
the paper is analyzing the CRIME SCENE processing and should focus on the
DIGITAL EVIDENCE component.)
● Review the evidence & any available information
● Describe the process investigators used to process the crime scene in this case
● Include information about any mistakes that were made in the case
● What was the outcome of the case?
o Analysis:
▪ Approximately 1-2 pages single spaces, Arial or Calibri font, 12 point, 1 inch margins
▪ What would you do differently or the same?
▪ Were there any issues in processing the crime scene/case that had an impact on the
outcome/prosecution of the case?
o Appendix:
▪ Include visuals to support your report. This may include items from the actual case, such
as: evidence logs, photos, search warrants, transcripts, other documents presented in
court
o Works Cited:
▪ Cite any sources you use in APA – both in-text and a works cited page
▪ Use at least 3 reputable sources to support your report.
Step 2: Conduct a “Background Check” on Yourself
● Imagine you are one of the investigators in this case and will be presenting evidence in court. You need to
ensure that there is nothing you have posted online or in your background that could be challenged by the
opposing side that could put your case in jeopardy.
o Remember the article:
http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/03/officers-online-comments-used-against-him-in-court.ars
● Research online to make sure there is nothing that could discredit your character as a witness.
o Look for anything you can find online (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) that would question your
values or credibility.
● Write a brief summary of the process you took to conduct the background check and whether or not you found
anything that could be questioned. You do not need to provide details or information about what you found, just
the process and if you did or did not find anything. (Just a paragraph or two is needed. This does not need to be
extensive.)
● Include your background check summary after the works cited page in your report.
Grading:
o Summary: (30 Points)
o Analysis: (30 Points)
o Appendix: (20 Points)
o Works Cited: (10 Points)
o Background Check: (10 Points)