Secrets From the Crime Lab

In this episode of 'Secrets from the Crime Lab,' host Angela Swarts returns after a brief hiatus to delve into an enlightening conversation with William Losefsky of Investigative Concepts. With a background in law enforcement and extensive experience in private investigation, Losefsky shares his expertise in forensic death investigation, drug diversion in hospitals, and statement analysis. He emphasizes the importance of unbiased investigation and provides insights into how defense investigations can uncover critical truths overlooked in initial prosecutions. Angela and William discuss their shared experiences and the critical role of continuous learning in the field of forensic science.
To learn more about our guest please visit his website at https://investigate-it.com/
Bill will be speaking about "Complex Investigations and Special Investigative Techniques" at the Florida Association of Private Investigators annual conference March 3-5, 2025, visit https://myfapi.org/speakers-2025/ to learn more.

Bill is the principal owner of Investigative Concepts, LLC a private investigation agency operating in New Hampshire since 2002. He is a Board-Certified Criminal Defense Investigator CCDI, Board Certified Forensic Death Investigator, Certified Master Investigator, CMI and a Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist, CAS. Bill has presented on investigative techniques, drug diversion investigation, active shooter, leadership/mentoring, use of force and project management.
Bill is the recipient of the Prestigious Lindberg Bell award through the (IAHSS) International Association for healthcare safety and security. William is the current President of the New Hampshire League of Investigators.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:53 Host's Background and Apology for Hiatus
01:24 Podcast Accessibility and Listener Support
02:07 Host's Professional Background
04:22 Guest Introduction: William Losefsky
05:13 William's Law Enforcement Journey
06:12 The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Investigations
07:06 Advanced Crime Scene Analysis Techniques
11:30 Challenges in Law Enforcement and Investigations
15:18 The Role of Evidence in Crime Scene Investigation
19:42 The Complexities of Death Investigations
31:03 Becoming a Certified Death Investigator
35:00 The Value of Specialized Skills in Investigations
41:29 Identifying Deceptive Behavior
42:41 Poker Tells and Real-World Applications
43:21 Investigations in Hospitals
46:44 Understanding Drug Diversion
53:26 Handling Hospital-Related Deaths
01:02:06 The Role of Private Investigators
01:12:23 Advice for Aspiring Investigators
01:13:37 Upcoming Conference and Contact Information

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Part II of George Schiro’s story about his involvement in unraveling the identity of the notorious Zodiac Killer. What did he find in his examination of the alleged DNA profile of the Zodiac and Gary Stewart? Is Gary Stewart the biological son of the infamous Zodiac?
This is part II! Be sure to listen to Part I first to get the whole story!

To learn more about or to contact the guest, George Schiro, M.S., visit his website.
Links to materials mentioned in this episode:
ABC Primetime 2002 (where Gary Stewart obtained the Zodiac's DNA information) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia_vGxvXOiU
The Most Dangerous Animal of All, Documentary https://www.hulu.com/series/the-most-dangerous-animal-of-all-9a6e8380-72c4-45c4-b3c9-5bff434d4eb5

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The Zodiac case remains one of the most notorious unsolved murder mysteries in American history, and it continues to capture public interest and speculation. The self-proclaimed Zodiac killer was a serial killer who operated in Northern California, primarily in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 2014 a man named Gary L. Stewart published a book, co-written by journalist Susan Mustafa, The Most Dangerous Animal of All, about how he came to the conclusion that his biological father was the Zodiac killer.

In this episode, Forensic Scientist George Schiro speaks about his involvement - examining the alleged DNA profile of the Zodiac and Gary Stewart. Is Gary Stewart the biological son of the infamous Zodiac?

Mr. Schiro will be presenting on this topic at the Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators annual meeting, July 27-28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. To learn more visit afdaa.org

To learn more about or to contact the guest, George Schiro, M.S., visit his website.

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On this episode I spoke with Det. Zack Kowalske, an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, and a pioneer in Space Forensics! We discussed BPA (bloodstain pattern analysis), some concerns in the field (error rates), and Zack's research on bloodstain pattern analysis in microgravity.

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Get Zack's new book: "Gaming the Reaper: How to Win at Life and Optimize the Sh#t Out of Your own Potential" https://www.zackkowalske.com/

Learn more about topics we discussed in this episode
The "black box study"
Accuracy and reproducibility of conclusions by forensic bloodstain pattern analysts,
Forensic Science International. R. Austin Hicklin, Kevin R. Winer, Paul E. Kish, Connie L. Parks, William Chapman, Kensley Dunagan, Nicole Richetelli, Eric G. Epstein, Madeline A. Ausdemore, Thomas A. Busey. Forensic Science International, Volume 325, 2021,110856,ISSN 0379-0738,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110856.

ASB TECHNICAL REPORT 033

Kish, Sutton
https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Bloodstain-Pattern-Analysis-Investigations/dp/0849320143

Bevel, Gardener
https://www.amazon.com/Bloodstain-Introduction-Reconstruction-Practical-Investigations/dp/1420052683

Visit practicalforensics.science/podcast for more information and links.
 
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"The role of a forensic science defence expert is often referred to by those working for the police/state/government forensic labs as being on the "dark side."
In Joining the Dark Side, author David Schudel outlines the evolution of a fascinating career that starts out in the dark side and looks at what problems can appear in forensic cases. The book delves into the problems inherent to forensic science, in particular cognitive bias and scientific philosophy. It also looks at the emotional impact and specific challenges behind forensic science and provides the reader with some sage advice on giving evidence in Court."

Get the book here: World Scientific
ENJOY 25% OFF WITH PROMO CODE: NEWYEAR25

Enjoy Dr. Schudel's crime fiction:
Saving Lizzie
Compound Murder
Incendiary Man

Listen to more stories from Dave in Secrets from the Crime Lab Season 1, Episode 3.
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Want to be on an episode? Have ideas for an episode you would like to hear? Want to sponsor the podcast? General enquiry?

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