CSI
What is the first responsibility of the first responding police officer at a crime scene?
To acquire medical assistance for injured victims.
What is the purpose of securing a crime scene?
To exclude civilians and unauthorized personnel and preserve evidence.
What methods are used to secure the boundaries of a crime scene?
Crime-scene tape, ropes, or traffic cones.
What is the importance of a systematic search at a crime scene?
To ensure no pertinent evidence is overlooked.
What was the significance of the Vinegar smell in the motel room when the police entered?
The vinegar smell in Room 15 suggested an attempt to clean and obscure blood evidence before processing.
What was Anna Repkina's cause of death?
Single shotgun blast; homicide.
What was the surveillance evidence in this case?
Cameras captured Hargrove at ATMs and stores around the time of the crime.
How should medical personnel approach a victim at a crime scene?
By an indirect route to avoid disturbing evidence.
What actions should investigators avoid at a crime scene?
Smoking, eating, drinking, or littering.
What should medium-range photographs show?
The layout of smaller significant areas of the crime scene with evidence markers in place.
What factors determine the search pattern at a crime scene?
The size and location of the scene, and the number of collectors participating.
What was the Prosecution's theory as to the cause of the murder?
Both participated; Abell bore greater responsibility. Araujo's testimony and physical evidence (palm print, stick, blood) were central.
Who was the primary suspect?
William (Will) Hargrove, Anna's fiancé.
What was the financial evidence in this case?
Hargrove withdrew ~$800 from Anna's account at ATMs and spent the money (e.g., insurance payment, store purchases).
What should be included in the crime scene log?
Personnel names and times of entry and exit.
What are the three methods for recording a crime scene?
Photography, sketches, and notes.
What is the purpose of crime-scene sketches?
To show the layout of the crime scene and the relationship of significant items.
What should investigators search for in a vehicle during a crime scene investigation?
Both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
What was Aileen Seiden's escape plan that failed?
Seiden phoned her friend ('Allie') to plan an escape by bus near Tampa, but she was killed before she could leave.
What was the context of the victim's relationship with her fiancé?
Love triangle involving Will Hargrove and Michelle Chavez; Chavez pressured Hargrove to choose.
Where did Hargroves get the Wedding ring that he used to propose to Anna Repkina?
Hargrove proposed using a ring from Michelle Chavez—fueling motive/jealousy dynamics.
What information should crime-scene notes begin with?
The identity of the person who contacted the investigator, the time of contact, preliminary case information, and personnel present.
What is the most important prerequisite for photographing a crime scene?
The scene must be in unaltered condition.
What information is included in a rough crime-scene sketch?
A title block, legend, compass, and points of reference for objects.
What are the typical locations where a vehicle may be searched?
At the crime scene, police department, or crime laboratory garage.
What was the Timeline in the Aileen Seiden Case?
On Apr 21-22, 2018, the trio drank heavily (e.g., at The Red Pirate) and decided to stay another day; liquor store purchases followed.
What was the key physical evidence at he crime scene?
Litter, including a KFC receipt with date/time, became a crucial lead.
What was the Prosecution's theory?
Hargrove killed Anna during a relationship conflict; evidence tied him to the scene and aftermath.
How should close-up photographs be taken?
At a 90º angle to the object, with and without evidence markers and scales.
What are the four minimum photographs required at a crime scene?
Overview photograph, medium-range photograph, close-up photograph, and close-up photograph with a scale.
How is a finished crime-scene sketch created?
From the rough sketch information, drawn to scale using CAD programs.
What factors influence the selection of a crime-scene search pattern?
The size and locale of the scene, and the number of collectors participating.
What was Araulo's plea deal - what did she have to plea guilty to?
In 2023, Araujo pled guilty to second‑degree murder and became the state's key witness describing events inside Room 15.
Why did the KFC receipt matter?
It provided a timestamp and was traced to purchases linked to Kevin Thomas, a friend of Hargrove, connecting investigators to Hargrove.
When & what was the outcome of the trial in this case?
Hargrove was convicted; life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Why is it important to collect possible carriers of trace evidence?
Some evidence may only be detected through examination at the crime laboratory.
What should an investigator do before leaving a crime scene?
Conduct a final survey to ensure all evidence and equipment are collected.
What safety precautions should be taken at crime scenes?
Wear latex gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, and use biohazard disposal methods.
What actions are prohibited at a crime scene?
Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum.
When was Abell's trial, and what was the verdict?
January 2024: Jury found Abell guilty of second‑degree murder (lesser‑included), not first‑degree premeditated.
What was revealed in the digital searches of Hargrove's computer?
Hargrove researched time travel and messaged strangers on WhatsApp seeking to 'correct a horrible mistake'—suggesting consciousness of guilt.
What is the key learning point of this case?
Small, well‑documented clues (like a receipt) can break cases wide open when integrated into a timeline.