Man shot drunk driver who killed his kids in crash

[RevDisk]

I've heard of people being convicted of murder on shakier evidence.  Given that there's no word that they did metallurgical analysis on the rounds found in his home to see if they matched to the bullet found in the drunk, either they didn't match or the check was never done, which to me indicates that even the prosecution wasn't trying it's hardest.

Basically, if the situation had been that the father was a drug dealer and the drunk hadn't just killed his kids, the odds that they'd vote to convict would have been higher.

Metallurgical analysis would have the same validity as voodoo. Manufacturers don't tag their shipments with specific trace elements. There is no scientific proof that two rounds from the same box will match, let alone batch or manufacturer.

Aside from DNA when done correctly,  a disturbing amount of forensic science is on par with astrology. It only functions on faith, not science.

[Firethorn]

Metallurgical analysis would have the same validity as voodoo. Manufacturers don't tag their shipments with specific trace elements. There is no scientific proof that two rounds from the same box will match, let alone batch or manufacturer.

They don't, but tests can be so sensitive today they really don't have to.  It's my understanding that it's better than trying to match bullets to the firearm that shot it. 

Though you're right, it might be closer to a blood type test as opposed to a DNA test.  IE it's more likely to say 'those couldn't be the bullets used' as opposed to 'Yep, matching lot'.

Heck, on another forum I pointed out that a single 'lot' of ammunition could be into the hundreds of thousands.

[RoadKingLarry]

To me it's a good verdict either way.
Several possibilities come to mind-
Dad/mom shot the drunk and successfully eradicated all real evidence including GSR on hands and clothes.
Dad/mom shot the drunk and the Sheriff's office was complicit in vanishing evidence.
Dad/mom shot the drunk and the DA/prosecutor "took a dive" and tanked the prosecution.
Dad/mom shot the drunk and the DA/prosecutor are criminally incompetent.
Drunk shot himself and "some dude" hid the eveidence.


Heard a good story in conjunction with this.
New Yorker is visiting Texas and ask a judge he knows why it is that in Texas they would gladly hang a horse thief but might let a fellow get a way with killing someone. Judge said he'd never seen a horse that "just needed stealing".

[lee n. field]

I find it hard to work up a lot of outrage over the way things played out.

[roo_ster]

I find it hard to work up a lot of outrage over the way things played out.

This.

Hard to get wound around hte axle WRT the law's niceties when gov't and gov't agents treat the law like a pimp treats his whore.

[roo_ster]

Metallurgical analysis would have the same validity as voodoo. Manufacturers don't tag their shipments with specific trace elements. There is no scientific proof that two rounds from the same box will match, let alone batch or manufacturer.

Aside from DNA when done correctly,  a disturbing amount of forensic science is on par with astrology. It only functions on faith, not science.

This.  

Also, voodoo deserves better than to be compared to forensic "science."

[RoadKingLarry]

This.  

Also, voodoo deserves better than to be compared to forensic "science."

But...but... CSI dood!

[HankB]

. . . Aside from DNA when done correctly,  a disturbing amount of forensic science is on par with astrology. It only functions on faith, not science.

I've had to pass background checks which include fingerprints a couple of times . . . the first two times, a cop certified to take prints used an "official" fingerprint kit.

Each time, I had to have new prints taken, because the first set "wasn't clear enough" for the FBI/TxDPS to do their thing.

So if a certified fingerprint tech using official fingerprint tools can't reliably get acceptable prints from a co-operative subject . . . how the <expletive> do they get acceptable prints to obtain felony convictions from all manner of ordinary surfaces, from checkered pistol grips to textured leather to greasy doorknobs?

Believe me, no prosecutor wants me on his jury if his case hinges on fingerprint evidence!!!

[RoadKingLarry]

I had my prints taken probably half a dozen times when I was in the Navy for various reasons, mostly clearance and access. I alwas wondered if they expected them to change or if they wantd to make sure I was still me.

When I had my prints doen for my CCW permit the county used a scanner to take prints, pretty slick.

(off topic a bit- When I got printed for the permit they took me hen the jailer that did the printing escorted me out a deputy I was friends with at the time saw me come out and the WTF?!?   look on his face was classic)

[230RN]

When I had my prints done for my CCW permit the county used a scanner to take prints, pretty slick.

My last security check at work they used a scanner and still had to do it a couple of times.  Not enough "minutae."

Noticed quite a few years ago my fingers were getting pretty slick, when a geologist co-worker handed me a small tumble-polished stone.  Could not hang on to it.

Have trouble handling small parts, like threaded nuts under 1/4-20.

I'm 75yo, going on.... oh, never mind.

[KD5NRH]

My last security check at work they used a scanner and still had to do it a couple of times.  Not enough "minutae."

Noticed quite a few years ago my fingers were getting pretty slick, when a geologist co-worker handed me a small tumble-polished stone.  Could not hang on to it.

This is why the sandpaper processing plant here was so popular with felons until they started doing more detailed pre-hire background checks.  30 days handling sandpaper there and your fingerprints are gone for weeks.

[MechAg94]

On the "metallurgical analysis", what exactly are they measuring?  All I can think of is bullet weight (what is left) and maybe lead alloy and jacket to try to match it with other unfurled bullets.  Not sure why either of those would support a conviction, especially if they have no weapon.  Unless the guy had an opened box of HP ammo with six rounds missing, and even that doesn't prove anything.