Deputy Chief Prosecutor, Crimes Against Children Division Dallas County District Attorney's Office
In May of 2023, a 13-year-old male left his home on foot and returned home several hours later. When he got home, he made an outcry to his parents that he had been abducted by an unknown male and was sexually assaulted. Detectives with the Irving Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating the child’s allegations. Detectives were able to corroborate the victim’s statements and prove he had no prior contact or knowledge of the offender. Detectives were able to identify the suspect and during the investigation, discovered other victims who were abducted in Dallas. This case study takes you from the initial call to the final sentencing. We will explore the investigative decisions such as whether to do a forensic interview or SANE exam first, and interview considerations. Detectives who worked on the case will also explain the importance of and the process of building corroborating evidence and obtaining mountains of digital evidence that ultimately played a role in securing 7 life sentences for the defendant.
Learning Objectives:
Assess the pros and cons of conducting a forensic interview or a SANE exam first in this kidnapping investigation.
Discuss beneficial tactics to employ during an interview with a serial child abductor.
Develop investigative techniques and utilize digital evidence to produce corroborating evidence for a successful prosecution.
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