DNA and Genetic Genealogy in Crime Investigations

In this conversation, Thomas Ritter and Matt Wainscott discuss the pressing issues surrounding healthcare security, particularly in light of recent active shooter incidents in hospitals. Support the Family of Murdered Officer Andrew Duarte: https://yorkcountysafetycollab.org/donate/Donate to Aid Jackxtyn's Long Road to Recovery: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-aid-jackxtyns-long-road-to-recoveryTosha Trostle's FB Post: https://www.facebook.com/tosha.trostle/posts/1322931852253215?ref=embed_post Jessica Breighner GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-just-wanna-make-my-mom-smile-againThe discussion also touches on the systemic issues within the healthcare business model and the evolving role of hospitals as community safety nets. This conversation delves into the complexities of hospital security, focusing on the challenges posed by patient behavior, the importance of effective personnel, and the role of technology in enhancing safety. The speakers discuss the need for specialized training for healthcare professionals and the potential for innovative solutions to improve security measures in healthcare settings. They emphasize the importance of understanding mental health issues and the need for a more systematic approach to managing high-risk patients. takeawaysHealthcare security is a growing concern due to rising violence.Active shooter incidents in hospitals require specialized training for staff.Media coverage often neglects critical healthcare security issues.The business model of healthcare is complex and often broken.Hospitals are becoming the last safety net for many vulnerable individuals.Community resources for mental health are rapidly decreasing.Effective security measures in hospitals are often lacking due to budget constraints.Personal experiences shape perspectives on healthcare violence.The public's perception of healthcare incidents is influenced by media narratives.There is a need for better integration of security measures in healthcare facilities. Access control in hospitals is often inadequate.Workplace violence in healthcare is primarily from patients.Effective personnel are crucial for patient safety.Mental health issues can lead to unpredictable patient behavior.Technology can enhance hospital security measures.Training healthcare professionals is essential for safety.Specialized care facilities could alleviate hospital stress.Entitlement among patients can lead to conflict.De-escalation techniques are vital in healthcare settings.Innovative solutions are needed to improve healthcare security. Innovative solutions like hall beds can improve ER efficiency.Effective communication can de-escalate tense situations.Building trust in healthcare is crucial post-COVID.Mistrust in healthcare can stem from higher-level decisions.Situational awareness is essential for staff safety.Training staff on safety protocols can reduce risks.Healthcare must adapt to regain public trust.Communication gaps can lead to misunderstandings in care.Future security measures should integrate technology and training. Technology can enhance healthcare training but must be prioritized.Empowering staff is crucial for effective emergency response.Healthcare facilities face increasing threats that need addressing.Financial constraints often limit security upgrades in healthcare.A culture of safety can enhance staff confidence and retention.Investing in security can reduce turnover costs in healthcare.Proactive measures are necessary to prevent future incidents.

Host Lou Casadia welcomes Immigration Attorney, Derek DeCosmo to the NJ Criminal Podcast. This conversation digs into the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, tracing its historical roots from the 1980s to the present day. Criminal Attorney Louis Casadia: https://LaceLaw.comImmigration Attorney Derek DeCosmo:https://www.drsjlaw.com/attorney/derek-a-decosmo/The discussion highlights significant legislative changes, particularly post-9/11, and the evolving political landscape surrounding immigration. The speakers address the current challenges faced by immigrants, including the asylum process and the backlog in immigration courts, while emphasizing the need for reform to better align immigration laws with economic and familial needs. This conversation digs into the complexities of immigration law, focusing on deportation processes, asylum seekers' options, and the implications of criminal charges on immigration status. The speakers discuss the role of ICE, mandatory detention, and the intersection of state and federal immigration policies. They also explore the challenges faced by individuals in detention and the potential reforms needed in immigration law to create a more equitable system.takeawaysThe 1986 Amnesty allowed many to become permanent residents.Post-9/11 laws have largely remained unchanged.The number of undocumented immigrants has significantly increased.Immigrants contribute positively to the economy despite perceptions of crime.The asylum process requires proof of persecution based on specific criteria.The immigration court backlog has reached unprecedented levels.Current immigration laws do not reflect economic needs.Temporary Protected Status has been expanded under the Biden administration.Political dynamics have turned immigration into a contentious issue.Many immigrants seek to work temporarily and return home. Prosecutorial discretion has historically influenced deportation cases.Asylum seekers may face detention or be allowed to remain in the U.S. pending their application.Mandatory detention laws can complicate the immigration process for many individuals.Criminal charges can significantly impact a person's immigration status and options.State policies can conflict with federal immigration enforcement, creating legal challenges.The intersection of criminal and immigration law requires careful navigation by defense attorneys.Certain low-level offenses can lead to severe immigration consequences, complicating legal defenses.Immigration law often lacks clarity, especially regarding crimes involving moral turpitude.Reforms are needed to create pathways for undocumented individuals seeking legal status.The perception of a crisis in immigration can hinder political solutions and reforms.Chapters00:00Historical Context of U.S. Immigration Policy05:31The Evolution of Immigration Laws Post-9/1110:31Current Immigration Challenges and Political Dynamics20:30Navigating the Immigration Process in 202525:22Understanding the Asylum Process35:53Understanding Deportation Processes38:39Asylum Seekers and Their Options40:41Mandatory Detention Explained43:01The Role of Criminal Charges in Immigration45:07State vs. Federal Immigration Policies48:40Challenges in Immigration Detention52:21Navigating Criminal and Immigration Law54:38Crimes and Their Impact on Immigration Status01:01:41Proposed Changes to Immigration Law

South Jersey Criminal Lawyer Lou Casadia ( https://lacelaw.com ) is joined by Use of Force Expert, Glenn Garrels.In this episode of the New Jersey Criminal Podcast, Mr. Garrels shares insights from his extensive career in law enforcement, particularly focusing on his time in major crimes and the complexities surrounding officer-involved shootings. He discusses the rigorous standards for use of force, the impact of recent legal changes requiring grand jury presentations for police shootings, and the emotional toll on officers involved in such incidents. Garrels emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations and the challenges posed by public perception and political pressures in the realm of police accountability.In this conversation, the speakers discuss the unpredictability of police shootings, the evolution of use of force policies, and the importance of de-escalation techniques in law enforcement. They explore the complexities of determining reasonable force, the role of private security, and the differences between self-defense and law enforcement use of force. The discussion also highlights the significance of body cameras in capturing incidents and the challenges they present in understanding the full context of police actions.takeaways• Mr. Garrels spent 22 years in law enforcement, primarily in major crimes.• He investigated 40-50 suspicious deaths and 5-10 homicides annually.• Understanding use of force policies is crucial for effective investigations.• The Graham standard requires officers to make split-second decisions.• New Jersey's Attorney General guidelines dictate use of force standards.• Every officer-involved shooting must be presented to a grand jury.• The recent law change has increased pressure on investigations.• Transparency in police shootings is essential for public trust.• Investigations must be thorough to ensure justice is served.• The emotional impact on officers involved in shootings is significant. Police shootings can vary significantly year to year.• New use of force policies are more detailed and complex.• De-escalation techniques are crucial but not always feasible.• Reasonableness of force is subjective and case-dependent.• Body cameras provide valuable evidence but have limitations.• Understanding the totality of circumstances is essential in use of force cases.• Private security has different guidelines compared to law enforcement.• Self-defense laws require a duty to retreat in most cases.• The perception of the officer at the time of the incident is critical.• Training and experience play a significant role in an officer's decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mr. Garrels Career01:12 Major Crimes Investigations Overview02:15 Use of Force Policies and Procedures05:01 Understanding the Graham Standard09:24 Impact of Grand Jury Presentations12:30 Political Implications of Use of Force Laws17:07 Grand Jury Process and Its Challenges21:33 Shifts in Officer Attitudes Post-Law Change25:01 Comparing Officer-Involved Shootings to Other Crimes30:06 Final Thoughts on Officer Accountability32:06 The Unpredictability of Police Shootings33:27 Changes in Use of Force Policies40:39 De-escalation Techniques in Policing45:40 Understanding Reasonableness of Force47:21 Private Security and Use of Force51:35 Self-Defense vs. Law Enforcement Use of Force56:05 The Role of Body Cameras in Policing

Join host and South Jersey Criminal Lawyer Louis Casadia for your favorite NJ law podcast. ( More about Louis at https://lacelaw.com ) In this episode attorney Jim Leonard returns to share insights into the Eastbound Strangler / Atlantic City serial Killer investigation, the challenges faced, and the importance of focusing on the victims' stories. Leonard reflects on the evolving nature of criminal investigations and the impact of modern technology on solving such cases. He emphasizes the need for justice for the victims and their families while recounting his experiences and the lessons learned throughout the case.takeawaysJames Leonard has been a criminal practitioner for over 23 years.The case involved the tragic discovery of four women's bodies in Atlantic City.Leonard's initial impression of his client was that he was innocent.Witness credibility played a significant role in the investigation.The 'Riverman' connection raised new leads in the case.America's Most Wanted became involved in the investigation.DNA evidence was collected but its quality was questionable.The investigation faced challenges due to the passage of time.Leonard emphasizes the importance of remembering the victims.Modern technology has changed the landscape of criminal investigations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Case and Key Players02:42 The Discovery of the Bodies05:25 Initial Impressions of the Client08:18 Developing the Suspect Profile11:06 Witness Testimonies and Their Impact13:58 The Role of Media in the Case16:49 The 'River Man' Connection19:45 The Press Conference and Public Perception22:24 The Investigation's Turning Point25:20 Challenges with the Prosecutor's Office28:03 Reflections on the Case and Its Legacy34:02 Investigating the Past: Renewed Efforts in Cold Cases37:08 The Discovery of the Bodies: A Chilling Encounte39:05 Understanding the Victims: Circumstances of Death40:12 DNA Evidence: Challenges and Speculations42:26 The Defense Perspective: Innocence and Reasonable Doubt45:10 Remembering the Victims: A Personal Connection46:17 Media Representation: The Marginalization of Victims48:04 Investigative Leads: The Search for Answers49:49 Modern Technology: The Impact on Crime Solving55:01 The Ongoing Investigation: Hopes for Resolutionhttps://njcriminalpodcast.comhttps://lacelaw.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@NJLegalPodcastinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/niche-podcasts

This is a bonus Memorial Day episode of the NJ Criminal Podcast, featuring a segment from the Atlantic County based, Mighty MERP podcast. Host Melissa Rosenblum welcomes veterans advocate Thomas Roughneen for a discussion about Veterans Diversionary Programs in NJ. (Full MERP podcast discussion here: https://www.mightymerp.com/veterans-diversionary-programs-nj-thomas-roughneen/) The conversation discusses the effectiveness of the Veterans Diversionary Program (VDP) in New Jersey and the need for more consistency and support across counties. It highlights the importance of county bar associations in holding counties accountable and the role of mentors in the program. The conversation also touches on the lack of a specialty court for veterans in New Jersey and the potential benefits of a mental health court. The recidivism rates of veterans in the VDP are noted to be very low, and the importance of connecting veterans with VA benefits is emphasized. Takeaways The effectiveness of the Veterans Diversionary Program (VDP) in New Jersey varies across counties, and there is a need for more consistency and support. County bar associations can play a role in holding counties accountable for their implementation of the VDP. Mentors are an important component of the VDP, but there is a lack of recruitment, retention, and training of mentors in many counties. There is a need for a specialty court for veterans in New Jersey, similar to those in other states. The recidivism rates of veterans in the VDP are very low, highlighting the success of the program. Connecting veterans with VA benefits is crucial, but many veterans are unaware of the support available to them. https://www.mightymerp.com/veterans-diversionary-programs-nj-thomas-roughneen Chapters 00:00 Statewide Standardization 02:08 County Bar Associations and VDP 04:05 Specialty Court for Veterans 05:12 Status of VDPs in Different Counties 09:03 Impact of Veterans Diversionary Programs

Colonel Steven Patrick, a retired attorney and former military officer, discusses his career in law and the changes he has witnessed over the past 58 years. He graduated from law school in 1965 and began practicing law in South Jersey. He shares his experiences in the military, including his time in Germany and his service in the National Guard. Colonel Patrick also talks about his transition to criminal defense work and his experiences in the Cumberland County courts. He reflects on his numerous trials and his approach to winning cases. A retired attorney with nearly 60 years of experience, discusses the changes he has witnessed in the practice of law. He highlights the shift from individual lawyer questioning during voir dire to the judge-led questioning system, the transition from paper discovery to electronic discovery, and the increase in paperwork and forms in the legal process. Patrick also shares his thoughts on criminal justice reform, the importance of history, and the challenges of managing the business side of law. He offers advice to young lawyers and reflects on his career. Takeaways Colonel Steven Patrick has been practicing law for 58 years and has witnessed significant changes in the legal profession. He served in the military and was stationed in Germany for three years. Colonel Patrick has been a formidable criminal defense attorney in Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic counties. He has handled numerous trials and has a high success rate in winning cases. Colonel Patrick has no interest in becoming a prosecutor or a judge. The practice of law has undergone significant changes over the years, including the shift from individual lawyer questioning during voir dire to judge-led questioning. The transition from paper discovery to electronic discovery has made the process more time-consuming and challenging. There has been an increase in paperwork and forms in the legal process, which can be burdensome for attorneys. Criminal justice reform, including the elimination of cash bail, has had both positive and negative impacts. The study of history can provide valuable insights and perspectives for lawyers. Managing the business side of law can be challenging, and many attorneys struggle with balancing legal expertise and business acumen. Losing cases can be a valuable learning experience for young lawyers. Colonel Patrick encourages young lawyers to focus on the key elements of a case and not get caught up in nitpicking every detail. The Colonel reflects on his career and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to help others. He acknowledges the challenges faced by women in the legal profession and the prevalence of women in government legal positions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Historical Context 07:07 Military Service and Commission 24:23 Establishing a Solo Law Practice 32:50 Trials and Winning Record 40:17 The Burden of Paperwork 50:34 Balancing Legal Expertise and Business Acumen 01:00:40 Advice for Young Lawyers

We welcome civil trial attorney Michael Warshaw to the NJ Criminal Podcast. Michael began his career clerking at the courthouse in Hudson County. 🏙️ Today he continues to practice civil litigation with Zagar Fuchs, in Red Bank, NJ. Video Episode Page: https://njcriminalpodcast.com/zagar-fuchs-michael-warshaw Selfie Background Check: https://selfiebackgroundcheck.com Zagar Fuchs: https://zagerfuchs.com/attorneys/michael-warshaw/ Cannabis Legalization in NJ: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/cannabis-legalization-nj/ Lindbergh Kidnapping Podcast: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/lindbergh-kidnapping/ Start a Niche Business Podcast: https://nichepodcastpodcast.com

Once again, we welcome Pinellas County (FL) Sheriffs Detective, Chris Lyons, to the NJ Criminal Podcast. Chris joins us to discuss the role of genetic-genealogy in DNA investigations. Chris is also a founder and Board Treasurer at the Florida Investigators Network. Video Episode Page: https://njcriminalpodcast.com/genetic-genealogy Florida Investigators Network: ⁠https://fininc.org ⁠ Selfie Background Check: ⁠https://selfiebackgroundcheck.com⁠ Cannabis Legalization in NJ: ⁠https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/cannabis-legalization-nj/⁠ Lindbergh Kidnapping Podcast: ⁠https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/lindbergh-kidnapping/⁠ Start a Legal Podcast: ⁠https://lawfirmpodcasts.com⁠ Start a Niche Business Podcast: ⁠https://nichepodcastpodcast.com

We welcome Pinellas County (FL) Sheriffs Detective, Chris Lyons, to the NJ Criminal Podcast. Chris joins us to discuss his role in the exoneration of Tom Sawyer in the 1986 murder of Janet Staschak. This is a cold case that he was handed almost two decades after it occurred. Chris is also a founder and Board Treasurer at the Florida Investigators Network. Video Episode Page: https://njcriminalpodcast.com/tom-sawyer-janet-staschak Florida Investigators Network: https://fininc.org Selfie Background Check: https://selfiebackgroundcheck.com Tampa Bay Times article about Tom Sawyer: https://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/after-decades-wondering-whether-hed-be-charged-with-a-murder-he-didnt/2221990/ Youtube version & highlight clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfp9UHXDT64 Cannabis Legalization in NJ: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/cannabis-legalization-nj/ Lindbergh Kidnapping Podcast: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/lindbergh-kidnapping/ Start a Legal Podcast: https://lawfirmpodcasts.com Start a Niche Business Podcast: https://nichepodcastpodcast.com

In 2018, a Guantanamo Bay trained nurse tortured Jarod Draper to death with a fifty-thousand volt Taser while he strapped to a steel chair in Harrison County Jail in Indiana. Any reasonable person who watches Safe Place knows they've witnessed a crime. Please help bring attention via Change.org petition ⁠https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-jarod-draper Larry Wilder is fighting for justice in the jailhouse murder of Jerod Draper. In October, 2023, the statute of limitations will expire, and justice betrayed. View the documentary, Safe Place: https://safeplacefilm.com Any reasonable person who watches Safe Place knows they've witnessed a crime. Please help bring attention via Change.org petition https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-jarod-draper A Guantanamo Bay trained nurse, named Michael Gregory, and Dustin Cundall, jail captain, were the primary actors in the jail cell when Jerod Draper was killed. While being shocked, Draper’s hands, chest, and feet were all strapped to a five-point restraint chair. His official cause of death was determined to be an overdose, but what angers his mother is how he was treated while he was alive. But the FBI refuses to investigate, and the local prosecuting attorney, Otto Shalk, does not have the juice to act on behalf of justice. If there is no legitimate effort to pursue this case, the clock will run out in Oct 2023. At that point, the guilty will get a pass for murder in Indiana. The clock is ticking. In October, 2023, the statute of limitations will expire, and the associated moral-hazard will be transferred to those who chose to look the other way, when it was their job to do otherwise. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice has a history of bringing charges when law enforcement officials abuse their power. To see examples of such cases: www.justice.gov/crt. - and search "using a taser" Example cases below - PA police charged: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/millvale-police-officer-charged-unlawfully-using-taser-handcuffed-person LA police charged: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/former-mamou-police-chief-sentenced-12-months-prison-using-taser-non-combative-prisoner KY police charged: https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1573011/download Check out other topics on NJCP: Cannabis Legalization in NJ: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/cannabis-legalization-nj/ Lindbergh Kidnapping Trial: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/category/lindbergh-kidnapping/ Lindbergh Kidnapping Blog Posts: https://www.njcriminalpodcast.com/blog/category/lindbergh-kidnapping/ Start a Legal Podcast: https://lawfirmpodcasts.com Start a Niche Business Podcast: https://nichepodcastpodcast.com