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Anna Garcia Final Case Report

By: Annie Carrillo

Case Overview

Overview of the case

Anna Garcia is a 21 year old student who works part time at the Gentry Life Science Lab and is taught and mentored by Dr. Elise Opal who also teaches Anna's classmate, Dominique Hall. Anna likes to play soccer as well as being on a soccer team with Sam Greene. Her boyfriend is Eric Piedmont and her close friend is Taylor Diaz. Anna seemed to be happy and content with her life.

Overview of the case

Summary of the scene

Anna's body was found by her close friend Taylor Diaz, she was found face down in the Gentry Life Science Building where she worked part time as a lab student. Diaz called emergency services around 10:30 a.m. and the paramedics arrived at 11:00 a.m. to access the crime scene. Anna's body was then taken from the scene as crime scene investigators surveyed the scene and documented the evidence found at the crime scene.

Summary of the scene

Evidence at the scene

There was a variety of evidence found at the scene of Anna's death including:

1. Anna's Body

2. Flask

3. Hair

4. Handwritten Note "See you later tonight"

5. Cell Phone

6. Blood Spatter

7. Blowfly and Eggs around the mouth

Evidence at the scene

Persons of Interest

Eric Piedmont:

  • Anna's boyfriend, 20 years old

Taylor Diaz:

  • Anna's close friend, 19 years old

Sam Greene:

  • Anna's soccer teammate, 20 years old

Dominique Hall:

  • Anna's classmate, 19 years old

Dr. Elise Opal:

  • Anna's teacher, 50 years old

Persons of Interest

Physical Evidence

Physical Evidence

Persons of Interest

POI: Statements/Analysis

Statements/Analysis

Statement: Eric Piedmont is a 20-year-old college student. He is Anna’s boyfriend and claims he last saw her at lunch at noon the day before she was found dead. Friends noted that Eric and Anna were recently seen arguing but they seem to have reconciled.

Eric Piedmont

Analysis: The spouse of the decedent is usually the first person investigators look at in a mysterious death. Since Eric and Anna were seen fighting, it would give him a reason to kill her if the fight was serious enough. But in my opinion, I don't think Eric killed Anna because the fight was said to be resolved.

Statement: Taylor Diaz is a 19-year-old college student. He is a classmate and friend of Anna Garcia. He claims he last saw her when they were working together in the lab at 1:00 p.m. the day before she was found dead. Taylor found Anna dead in the research lab. He says that he immediately walked out of the lab, closed the door, and called the police.

Taylor Diaz

Analysis: Investigators may think that Taylor killed Anna because he was the person who found her dead. Even though he says that he called authorities as soon as he found her, that may not be truthful. Although in my opinion, I don't think Taylor killed Anna because there was no known reason why he would want her dead.

Statement: Sam Greene is a 20-year-old college student. She and Anna play on the same soccer team. Sam and Anna were recently seen arguing after a soccer tournament when Sam blamed Anna for their loss. Sam also claims Anna collided with her during their 3:00 p.m. soccer practice the day before she was found dead.

Sam Greene

Analysis: Since Sam and Anna didn't get along at all, that might be a reason that investigators may think that Sam killed Anna. In my opinion, the anger that Sam had from the soccer game and practice may have been enough for her to want to hurt Anna but it is not likely.

Statement: Dominique Hall is a 19-year-old college student. She is a classmate of Anna Garcia. Dominique claims she last saw Anna at a study group meeting at 5:30 p.m. the day before she was found dead. It is well known that Dominique and Anna were highly competitive. Anna recently won a prestigious scholarship that Dominique wanted.

Dominique Hall

Analysis: Since Anna and Dominique were very competitive, authorities may think that Dominique killed Anna because of the scholarship that she wanted but that Anna won instead. In my opinion, I don't think jealousy is enough for her to kill Anna but that possibility should not be ruled out entirely.

Statement: Dr. Elsie Opal is a 50-year-old college professor. She is Anna's academic adviser. Dr. Opal claims she last saw Anna during her office hours at 10:00 a.m. the day before Anna was found dead. Dr. Opal and Anna have a friendly working relationship. However, Dr. Opal recently declined to write a recommendation letter for Anna for an internship application.

Dr. Elise Opal

Analysis: I don't think that Dr. Elise Opal has a known reason for wanting to hurt or kill Anna. Although, she declined Anna's request for a letter of recommendation, that shouldn't give Dr. Opal a reason to kill Anna unless there is a underlying unknown reason.

Persons of Interest

POI: Polygraph Tests

Polygraph Test Results

Eric Piedmont is Anna's boyfriend. and claims he last saw her at lunch at noon the day before she was found dead. Friends noted that Eric and Anna were recently seen arguing but they seem to have reconciled.

Eric Piedmont

Question 1: Are you Anna Garcia's boyfriend?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Eric Piedmont

Question 2: Were you and Anna getting along?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 3: Was the last time you saw Anna at lunch at 12:00 p.m. the day before she was found dead?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Heart rate increased some but truthful

Question 4: Did you kill Anna?

Answer: No

Analysis: Truthful

Taylor Diaz is a classmate and close friend of Anna. He claims he last saw her when they were working together in the lab at 1:00 p.m. the day before she was found dead. Taylor found Anna dead in the research lab. He says that he immediately walked out of the lab, closed the door, and called the police.

Taylor Diaz

Question 1: Are you friends with Anna Garcia?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Taylor Diaz

Question 2: Were you and Anna getting along?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 3: Was the last time you saw Anna at 1:00 p.m. the afternoon before you found her dead?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 4: Did you kill Anna?

Answer: No

Analysis: Truthful

She and Anna play on the same soccer team. Sam and Anna were recently seen arguing after a soccer tournament when Sam blamed Anna for their loss. Sam also claims Anna collided with her during their 3:00 p.m. soccer practice the day before she was found dead.

Question 1: Is Anna Garcia on your soccer team?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Sam Greene

Question 2: Did you get along well with Anna?

Answer: No

Analysis: Truthful

Question 3: Was the last time you saw Anna during soccer practice at 3:00 p.m. the day before she was found dead?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 4: Did you kill Anna?

Answer: No

Analysis: Truthful

She is a classmate of Anna Garcia. Dominique claims she last saw Anna at a study group meeting at 5:30 p.m. the day before she was found dead. It is well known that Dominique and Anna were highly competitive. Anna recently won a prestigious scholarship that Dominique wanted.

Dominique Hall

Question 1: Is Anna Garcia one of your classmates?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Dominique Hall

Question 2: Did you get along well with Anna?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 3: Was the last time you saw Anna during your study group at 5:30 p.m. the day before she was found dead?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 4: Did you kill Anna?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

She is Anna's academic adviser. Dr. Opal claims she last saw Anna during her office hours at 10:00 a.m. the day before Anna was found dead. Dr. Opal and Anna have a friendly working relationship. However, Dr. Opal recently declined to write a recommendation letter for Anna for an internship application.

Dr. Elise Opal

Question 1: Is Anna Garcia in your advisory?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Dr. Elise Opal

Question 2: Did you have a good working relationship with Anna?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 3: Was the last time you saw Anna during your office hours at 10:00 a.m. the day before she was found dead?

Answer: Yes

Analysis: Truthful

Question 4: Did you kill Anna?

Answer: No

Analysis: Truthful

There was a flask in Anna’s hand. Upon further analysis, there was a fingerprint found on the flask. Through fingerprint analysis, the CSI unit determined that the fingerprint matched Anna’s fingerprint.

Finger-print Analysis

Fingerprint Analysis

There was a handwritten note in Anna’s lab coat pocket. Upon further investigation, the CSI unit found a fingerprint on that note. After a fingerprint analysis, they found that the fingerprint matched Eric Piedmont’s fingerprint.

Pictures

Fingerprint Analysis Pictures

There was hair that was found at the crime scene. Upon further investigation through microscopic hair analysis, the hair matched Eric Piedmont’s hair.

Hair Analysis

Blood Tests

Presumptive Test

Presumptive Test

Crime Scene Sample 1 (desk): Postitive for blood

Crime Scene Sample 2 (floor): Positive for blood

Kastle-Meyer Test

Blood Type Test

Confirmatory Test Results -

Crime Scene 1 - A

Crime Scene 2 - A

Anna - A

Eric - A

Taylor - B

Dominique - A

Sam - AB

Dr. Opal - O

Blood Spatter Analysis

Blood Spatter fell at a 90 degree angle as Anna fell to the ground. She likely hit her head on the way down to the floor.

Brain Anatomy/Histology

Brain Anatomy and Histology

Anatomy

Brain Anatomy

Frontal Lobe: responsible for planning and organizing incoming information. Also controls emotions and behavior

Temporal Lobe: Used for processing language and storing information in long-term memory

Parietal Lobe: Crucial in integrating sensory and visual information

Occipital Lobe: Receives and processes sensory nerve impulses from the eyes

Shown through the MRI and the cross section exam, Anna Garcia has a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) because there is significant damage/bruising to part of Anna's brain.

Brain Histology

Histology

Heart Anatomy/Exam

Exterior

Heart Anatomy

Interior

Heart Exam

Heart Anatomy/Exam

Upon inspection of Anna’s Heart through the gross anatomical exam and a MRI, it was determined that her heart was normal and there were no indications that she had any heart abnormalities.

Timeline

1 p.m. Tue. before

Taylor Diaz and Eric Piedmont were seen in the lab with Anna at around 1:00 p.m. the Tuesday before she died.

2 days ago

Noon day before

Taylor Diaz was Anna's friend and studied with Anna and Eric Piedmont two days before Anna was found dead.

Digital Evidence/Timeline

Anna had lunch with Eric Piedmont at noon the day before she was found dead.

Anna had office hours scheduled with Dr. Opal at 10:00 a.m. the day before she was found dead.

10 a.m day before

Anna was in the library at around 8:00 p.m. the Wednesday before her death.

Anna was scheduled to work in the lab at 9:00 p.m. the night before she was found dead

8 p.m. Wed. before

9 p.m. day before

Social Media Stream

  • Anna was using chemicals from an "Acids" cabinet the night before her body was found.
  • Anna appears to have consumed a lot of coffee the day before her body was found.
  • Anna was in the library at around 8:00 p.m. the Wednesday before her death.
  • Taylor Diaz and Eric Piedmont were seen in the lab with Anna at around 1:00 p.m. the Tuesday before she died.

Social Media Story

  • Anna volunteered as a laboratory technician for Dr. Elsie Opal and had been setting up a general chemistry lab when she died.
  • Anna had taken pills to treat a headache the night before she was found dead.
  • Anna had lunch with Eric Piedmont at noon the day before she was found dead.
  • Anna was a soccer player and suffered a head injury the day before she was found dead.
  • Taylor Diaz was Anna's friend and studied with Anna and Eric Piedmont two days before Anna was found dead.

Timeline Notes

Text Messages and Emails

  • Anna was scheduled to work in the lab at 9:00 p.m. the night before she was found dead.
  • Sam Greene was a soccer teammate of Anna's and collided with her at practice the day before she was found dead. Sam was angry with Anna for having cost the team a recent match, and Sam blamed Anna for their collision at practice.
  • Anna had office hours scheduled with Dr. Opal at 10:00 a.m. the day before she was found dead.
  • Dominique Hall was a classmate of Anna's and was jealous that Anna received a scholarship to which Dominique had also applied for.
  • Eric continued to try to text Anna after her death on the morning her body was found.

Texts

Emails

Social Media Story

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X6FbEn_hT0VU-v6FG1Ti1GlorswIDBeX/preview

Social Media

Social Media Feed

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xptrIAnxjCSJEWtOlZdjwQ9H9S2w6q_m/view

Autopsy Report

Do the findings of the autopsy report support or contradict the findings from the scene evidence? Support

The autopsy has been completed. However, is there any additional information that is missing from the report that is needed to determine the cause, mechanism or manner of death? We need to know if there are any signs that Anna was pushed or if she was hit in the head with an object to determine the manner of death.

Conclusions

Conclusions

Conclusions

made from the evidence analysis

In the beginning of the investigation when we had no evidence, Eric Piedmont, Sam Greene, and Dominique Hall were all primary suspects in my opinion because they all had anger towards Anna. As we collected evidence, we ruled many of them out. The polygraph tests were not too useful because they aren't completely reliable. The blood tests did help us though. The blood tests narrowed the 5 suspects down to Eric and Dominique. We then looked at fingerprints which confirmed that Eric was there at the scene where Anna was killed. The hair sample also confirmed Eric's presence at the scene. At this point in the investigation every piece of evidence we had was pointing to Eric Piedmont, the boyfriend of Anna. From there we completed an autopsy on Anna's body. The autopsy results combined with the blood spatter analysis we completed earlier, ruled out Eric as a suspect. Those two things told us that Anna had died from a TBI that was caused from a fall, and not murder. Finally we used the Glasiter Equation and determined that Anna's time of death was approximately 10:03 a.m.

from Evidence Analysis

Cause, Mechanism, and Manner

Cause of Death: We determined that the cause of death in the Anna Garcia case was a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). This was shown through the histology and the bruising on her forehead.

Mechanism of Death: We also determined that the mechanism of Anna's death was an unintentional fall.

Manner of Death: We classified the manner of death as a accident since Anna's death was caused by a fall.

Cause, Mechanism, and Manner of Death

of death

Law Enforcement Next Steps/Additional Information

I would direct law enforcement to inform the friends and family of Anna Garcia about why she died but other than that, not to pursue any more investigations I believe that we have fully resolved this case by analyzing the evidence and drawing conclusions, therefore, there is no need to keep investigating.

To be sure about the cause, mechanism, and manner of death, the additional information that needs to be studied would be the surveillance evidence at the scene where Anna died, Anna's medical records to study underlying conditions and her mental health at the time of her death, criminal records of Anna and the persons of interest, and her stomach contents.

Next Steps for Law Enforcement

Sources/References

Sources

1. What outside sources did you use to create your evidence board?

  • Weidenbach, J. (June 25, 2020). Polygraph Tests. Google Drive: Google. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/142xYt7vsju9pbrbiTyAmCqDVk5WcUmEd
  • Carrillo, A. (November 2, 2020). Histology. Google Drive - Unit 1.2 - Master the Morgue: Google. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kkLWXQlSeFMThDWFZU2QS9ZJF0saSHZBZHJhxu4cnEU/edit?usp=sharing
  • Carrillo, A. (November 3, 2020). Heart Anatomy and Physiology. Google Drive - Unit 1.2 - Master the Morgue: Google. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vE9gOVqAz1yX2H5oueBE1e0gbzCTtMuEwRctyrnRguQ/edit?usp=sharing
  • Atzmiller, S. (September 21, 2020) Digital Evidence. Schoology - Google Docs: Google https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zZawapTEv00cDdgVBEri5Ygo3EC0sPVVEJ4AWTRutnY/edit?usp=sharing

2. Where did you get the information for the case brief and the person’s of interest?

  • Atzmiller, S. (November 8, 2020). Anna Garcia Case Evidence. Google Slides: Google. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TeSligi-BHWANYthlqXaNfAjkk2SsPmeZBXcPwPcOyE/edit?usp=sharing
  • myPLTW - Principles of Biomedical Science - Activity 1.1.2 Reliable Witnesses - Evaluating Statements https://pltw.read.inkling.com/a/b/ce82cc7c43544b399db84bd4cc6cd498/p/2e7e472aaf1348d5a2a83efd6a5788e5#207c42d8cd044ae5a1e864a4760b2f3b
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