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Research website by Alice de Sturler

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You are here: Home / #crimechat / #CCLiveChat / Prep #cclivechat with Andrew Wade

Prep #cclivechat with Andrew Wade

February 7, 2012 By Alice

This Friday, we will be joined by Andrew Wade for #cclivechat and I have some burning questions for him. We have seen many cases re-investigated in the USA where forensic arson detection plays a role. I pointed you to the case of Han Tak Lee in my previous Sum it up! and now we have another one, the case from Michael Webb, Ohio. His clemency appeal has been rejected and he faces execution next month. Webb’s claim seemed more based on “another man might have done this” than disputing evidence that pointed to arson.

However, in the Newser.com I found this paragraph: “For example, decades ago, it was common for investigators to conclude an accelerant like gasoline was used if a fire burned particularly hot. In fact, the new arson science has found no such correlation, experts say. Another mistaken assumption: A V-shaped pattern on a wall of a burned building is proof of arson. All it shows is where a fire started.”

Now correct me if I am wrong but I thought that there were plenty of substances that produce V-burn patterns but they do NOT point to the point of origin of the fire. Those chemicals are ordinary household bathroom and cleaning supplies. Also, a fire can hold more than one V-burn pattern so where exactly then did the fire originate from?

Also, when discussing the burn patters that look like a pour pattern (eg a liquid poured on the floor that facilitated the fire) in many cases I miss an explanation. In the Willingham case, some of the patterns that were believed to be (accelerant) pour patterns were actually caused by him opening the front door. The sudden influx of oxygen made a trail that was mistaken for a pour pattern.

As you can see, it is going to be a very interesting Cold Case Live Chat so mark your calendar!

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Filed Under: #CCLiveChat, Forensics Tagged With: Arson Detection, Cameron Todd Willingham, cclivechat, Daniel Dougherty, Forensics, Han Tak Lee, Kenneth Richey

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Author Notes

On this website, I write about old, unsolved cases. Most are from the pre-DNA era and are in need of renewed media attention. I only do research and leave the active investigation of these cases to the professionals.

My posts are about homicides, missing and unidentified people, wrongful convictions, and forensics as related to these cases.

On book reviews: I only review select works of true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction/mysteries. The stories have to fit my website's theme and research. It remains my prerogative to not review a book.

My database has over 325 cases listed by the victim’s last name. You will find a brief description there as well. The database will always be free to the public to use. You cannot buy ad space on my website, ever.

All writing suggestions that come in by email are added to my to-do list in the order in which they were received. Please be patient. My to-do list is very long but no case gets dropped and I will get back in touch.

Defrosting Cold Cases is NOT an organization. It is my brainchild.

If you have any questions about my website please check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, the about page, and the tabs in both menu bars. If you still cannot find the answer there, please contact me.

Thank you,

Alice de Sturler

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If you use my work, please add a link back. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. Thank you!

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Copyright: Please add a link back if you use my work. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. If you need help with this, just contact me. Thank you, Alice de Sturler

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