Deadly Night Shadows: The Shooting Scene

Authors: Bryan R Burnett*

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000426

Volume 9, Issue 4

Abstract

The triple homicide occurred in the early evening of October 4, 2009, in the rural town in Phelan, California, USA. It was the culmination of years of hostility between the owners of the two adjoining properties. The defendant was tried for three counts of first-degree murder of his neighbor and two of her associates. The prosecutor charged, based on an account of a single witness, poor processing of evidence and lack of expert crime scene analysis that the victims were shot during an argument while they were on the unpaved road in front of the defendant’s house. The defense showed, however, that the defendant was approached on his driveway by his neighbor and her two associates who were intent on harming him. The jury concluded self defense and acquitted the defendant of all charges. This is the first time in American history a man was found not guilty of a triple homicide in a jury trial.

Keywords: Triple Homicide; Shooting Scene Reconstruction; Bloodstain Analysis; Gunshot Residue; GSR; Self Defense; .357 Caliber Revolver

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