Eve E. Carson
Independent Researcher, USA
Title: Crime prevention belongs to everyone. Reconstructing the evidence in a cold case and the effect of external factors on crime resolution
Biography
Biography: Eve E. Carson
Abstract
The study reconstructs evidence in the 1981 unresolved Joan Webster murder from extensive documentation including court transcripts, police reports, FBI records, and interviews. The study required a renewal of the case from fragmented information never examined collectively. The forensic study revealed the effect law enforcement, media, and political legal systems have in the resolution of crime. Forensic research of records and evidence separated fact from widely reported speculation during and subsequent to the investigation. Findings are as important in eliminating unsubstantiated theories to refocus resources toward a fact- based resolution of the crime. Research began testing the theory promoted by the state. The state publicity named a prime suspect in January 1983. Findings in this presentation examine the evidentiary items reported in Joan’s remains are analyzed. Research regarding the alleged crime scene is a critical element in examining the case. Authorities never filed charges and never prosecuted the case. However, authorities linked other murder victims to the same suspect, and gained a conviction against the suspect for the 1979 murder of Marie Iannuzzi in July 1984. The media was effective in linking the Iannuzzi murder to Joan Webster’s disappearance. The research examined the Iannuzzi case, the representation of unsubstantiated evidence, exculpatory evidence, and documented evidence against another offender suspected of the Iannuzzi murder. Research expanded into the departments involved in both investigations. After a 2008 publication, making the same allegations, by the former prosecutor involved in the Iannuzzi murder and the Webster disappearance, the Essex country, MA DA’s office, current custodian of Joan’s case, renewed investigation of three other cold cases based on the published representations. Named victims compared to Joan Webster show no similarity in victimology. Finally, previously withheld evidence in the Joan Webster is shared for proper investigation. All crimes have fact-based answers that lead to resolution and closure for the victim, loved ones, and the broader responsibility of public safety.
