Ken Good on Catch and Release in NJ

This press conference announced a civil lawsuit filed by attorney Paul D’Amato on behalf of Diane and Stephen Valiante, the parents of Tiffany Valiante, against the New Jersey Transit Police Department and the State Medical Examiner’s Office. The suit challenges the official determination that Tiffany's 2015 death was a suicide and asserts that key evidence was overlooked, mishandled, or withheld.Speakers detailed how recent technological advances, particularly in digital forensics, have uncovered compelling new evidence—including text messages and location data—suggesting Tiffany may have been the victim of a hate crime.Dr. Wayne Ross, a nationally recognized forensic pathologist, criticized the original autopsy as incomplete and called the death scene “staged.”Jason Silva of Cornerstone Discovery presented findings from Tiffany's phone showing signs of bullying and highlighted missing cell tower data that could identify who was with her the night she died.Former prosecutor Stephen Van Napp called the original police investigation “a rush to judgment” and “the cardinal sin of law enforcement.”Diane and Stephen Valiante, Tiffany’s parents, expressed their heartbreak and renewed determination to get answers.🔍Statutory Basis: The case leverages the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, passed by the NJ Legislature in 1985 and now part of the NJ Constitution, which grants victims’ families access to unused evidence.Forensic Criticism: Dr. Wayne Ross stated unequivocally that “an autopsy was not performed,” only an external exam, and that forensic best practices were not followed—no sex kit, DNA swabs, or internal examination were conducted.Staged Scene: Dr. Ross described the death scene as “staged,” noting that Tiffany’s injuries were symmetrical and inconsistent with a typical pedestrian-train strike.Digital Evidence: Jason Silva, digital forensic expert, revealed that more than 100,000 pieces of data were recovered from Tiffany’s phone, including texts suggesting she faced bullying over her sexual orientation.Tower Dump Data Missing: Silva explained that the absence of tower dump records hinders the ability to identify other devices (and people) in the area when Tiffany went missing.Failed Investigative Standards: Former Lehigh County prosecutor Stephen Van Napp called out NJ Transit Police for failing to bring in an independent agency and for concluding suicide with “little to no investigation.”Ongoing Volunteer Effort: Investigative journalist Marie McGovern spent over three years combing through digital data as part of a growing team of volunteers.Emotional Toll: Diane Valiante noted Tiffany would be 28 years old today and pursuing a career in law enforcement or the military—“These were her dreams.”Persistence for Truth: Paul D’Amato emphasized: “This family can handle the truth. What they cannot handle is the uncertainty that comes from inaction and secrecy.”🎙️ Sound Bites (With Attribution)Paul D’Amato:“This family can handle the truth. What they cannot handle is the uncertainty of where we are today.”Dr. Wayne Ross:“This is a staged scene… She was already dead when placed on those tracks.”“Even if you don’t agree this is a homicide, you must rule it out. That was never done.”Jason Silva:“We recovered more than 100,000 pieces of data. Among them were messages indicating Tiffany was bullied and ridiculed for being gay.”Stephen Van Napp:“NJ Transit Police rushed to call this a suicide. That’s the cardinal sin of investigative police work.”Diane Valiante:“She’d be 28 years old today. A graduate. Probably serving in law enforcement or the military. That was her dream.”Michelle Amendalia (Nurse Practitioner):“I’ve responded to several train strikes since, and none looked like this. The limbs appeared surgically removed.”

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Welcome to the first in a series of episodes to shine a spotlight on the 2015 death of Tiffany Valiante. This conversation delves into the mysterious death of Tiffany Valiante, who was struck by a train in New Jersey in 2015. The discussion highlights the inconsistencies in the investigation, the testimonies of family and friends, and the various theories surrounding her death, including the possibility of foul play versus suicide. The role of evidence, including bloodhound tracking and surveillance footage, is critically examined, raising questions about the investigation's thoroughness and the circumstances leading to Tiffany's tragic end. The conversation delves into the investigation surrounding Tiffany's case, focusing on conflicting witness accounts, the discovery of evidence, and the social dynamics surrounding her relationships. The speakers discuss the challenges faced by the New Jersey Transit Police in handling the case, including the initial classification of the incident as a suicide and the implications of witness statements. The dialogue highlights the complexities of the investigation and the various factors that may have influenced the outcome. takeawaysFamily members consistently reported Tiffany was happy and not depressed.The credit card incident raised questions about Tiffany's state of mind.The bloodhound tracking revealed a long journey with no clear evidence of Tiffany's intent.Tiffany's phone was found close to her home, raising questions about her whereabouts.There was a disconnect between the reporting of Tiffany missing and the investigation.Theories about Tiffany's death include foul play, supported by various testimonies. Witness accounts varied significantly, raising questions about reliability.The discovery of Tiffany's shoes was delayed and controversial.The investigation faced numerous challenges, including evidence contamination.Witnesses reported conflicting versions of events leading up to the incident.The investigation's handling by authorities has been criticized.Psychological assessments were not conducted as part of the investigation.The case remains unresolved, with many unanswered questions. The absence of a rape kit raises serious concerns about the investigation.Jurisdictional confusion hindered the investigation's progress.Evidence collection was inadequate, impacting the case's integrity.Autopsy findings suggest injuries inconsistent with a train accident.Missing clothing and personal items complicate the investigation.Witness accounts vary significantly, raising questions about reliability.