The pdf of the AAAS publication failed to attach but the report can be accessed here: Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

This recently published report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science is particularly straight forward and well reasoned, and contains thoughtful recommendations for genuine improvements in the field. Also of interest, the most recent work of Dr. Itiel Dror measuring, yet again, the negative impact of domain irrelevant information on an otherwise reasonable forensic domain
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

See also the case of William Amor, posted on 4/9/17.
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

A 1997 arson conviction based on outdated/unreliable expert testimony and a false confession is vacated, a new trial ordered: Chicago Trib artible: Judge's Opinion: Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

If you're still interested in arson convictions based on a false or coerced confession, here you go: Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Although not directly answering your question re: false confessions in arson cases, it is well documented that one in four people who were wrongfully convicted but later exonerated by DNA evidence had falsely confessed to the crime. An interesting aspect of obtaining a false confession is that the interviewer is likely not aware that the confession is false. This American Life did a wonderful
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Stanislaus County (California) is trying a new approach to counter the insidious problem of fire investigators being exposed and potentially influenced by task irrelevant information. At some point in the near future, forward thinking attorneys (both prosecutors and defense attorneys, pre-trial and post-conviction) are going to be making compelling arguments that expert conclusions made in
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Here's a link to a Dropbox file containing the article I was referring to in the previous post: Sorry for any confusion but I think its worth the read. Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Well, the article didn't want to attach as a pdf and converting it to a jpeg isn't working so well. Looks like we'll have to table this discussion for a later date. Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

How a fire investigator goes about classifying the cause of a fire - what forms of evidence are analyzed and what methodologies are applied - and the appropriateness of expert fire investigator testimony as to the intentional or accidental nature of a fire incident, is an interesting question that, until recently, has not been the subject of much discussion. Here’s a short article that tries t
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Here’s more evidence that fire investigation, as a forensic domain, hasn’t come as far as some might suggest (Go to: ). I did not attend this trial but from what I have gathered from following along in the general media and reading the original fire reports and court documents, the government’s expert appears to have testified that there were three, distinct areas of origin found in the living
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

The widely accepted narrative that fire investigation has improved and that the myths of the past have been rejected is very appealing but I tend to think over exaggerated. While some clearly unreliable methodologies (crazed glass, concrete spalling, witness statements of a “particularly hot fire,” etc.) are no longer popular, a couple of the “old wife’s tales” still have traction. Specific
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

I was recently contacted by a public defenders office with the following request: "I am wondering if you have on hand a sample discovery letter or something similar articulating all the data, items, reports, etc. that we would need to receive from the government in order to permit an independent review and evaluation. Any samples you have of something like this would be most helpful."
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Here’s a 7-minute video sent to me by David Hutchinson of the Stanislaus County DA’s office and Captain of their county's arson task force: At first glance it may seem not to have much to do with fire investigation. But as Dave told me, and I now agree, it has everything to do with fire investigation, objectivity and the cognitive bias that affects our perceptions and abilities every day
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

In the clearest example to date of why the forensic discipline of fire investigation should be separated from the criminal investigation for the crime of arson, Carle Caples has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Phoenix following his arrest and 18 months of pre-trial detention stemming from a fire investigation conducted by the Phoenix arson unit. Links to the recent local news
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

In another Texas case where a conviction was based on similar evidence, Ed Graf's retrial began today. Here's a link to NPR's coverage: Paul Bieber The Arson Research Project Paul@TheArsonProject.org www.TheArsonProject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

It appears the Nightline episode re: the Phoenix Fire Department investigations unit will air tonight - Friday, June 6th. Based on the preview at the attached link, it should be interesting. Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org Paul@Thearsonproject.
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Thanks to everyone for some VERY thoughtful feedback. That's what this forum is all about. Paul _____________ R. Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

What research has been done to document and validate the type and frequency of post-fire indicators or artifacts that are created by flashover and/or full room involvement that help to distinguish a pre-flashover fire scene from a post-flashover fire scene? In other words, let’s say you go to a fire scene that has fairly even burning throughout the room of origin (even burning as in a fairly
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

I hesitate to join in on this thread because in addition to a lot of thoughtful commentary, there’s also a bit of raw emotion and some strong commitments to points of view that I don’t particularly want to jump in the middle of. But against my better judgment I’m going to weigh in. All I ask from the reader is that you take a deep breath and try to approach this post with an open mind. NFPA
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

George Souliotes and Ed Graf don't know each other, but they should. Here's why: Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org paul@Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

More than 24-hours after a superior court judge in Modesto, CA ordered George Souliotes to be immediately released from custody, the State of California and Stanislaus County grudgingly comply. Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org Paul@Thearsonproject.&#
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org Paul@Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Less than two weeks after California prosecutors decided to retry George Souliotes rather than admit a mistake and release him from custody, Texas prosecutors choose the same path in the case of Ed Graf. Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Pat Thanks for the previous post - it's an important case and a must see video. But when I went to the link on the previous message it took me to the wrong news story. I think this is the link you intended to post: Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Thanks Doug. The heavy lifting on the Souliotes case was done by the Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) and the pro-bono efforts of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. NCIP has been working on this case for over 10-years. In order to reach this outcome, NCIP had to overcome three separate areas of evidence: An eye-witness identification which read like the script of “My Cousin Vinn
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

“District Judge Anthony W. Ishii ordered George Souliotes released unless California prosecutors decide to retry the Greek immigrant for the 1997 fire”. (LA Times, 04/12/2013) This was following Judge Ishii’s ruling in July, 2012 that George Souliotes had shown “actual innocence” and may proceed with challenging his conviction on other grounds. Links to LA Times article and judge's order
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Waco Tribune Article: . Arson Research Project Blog Post regarding Ed Graf and George Souliotes: . Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project Paul@thearsonproject.org www.Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

Dennis - The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) just released the results of a research project addressing your question; Why are innocent people convicted in certain situations, yet acquitted in others? More information on the project and a link to the results can be found here: . Paul Bieber Director - The Arson Research Project www.Thearsonproject.org
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations

This has been a particularly interesting thread. Thank you. Perhaps this doesn't make to top five, but it's still a must read for anyone involved in forensic examinations: Strengthening Forensic Science In the United States; A Path Forward (2009) available for purchase at: . Available for free download at: . Paul Bieber
Forum: Fire/Arson Investigations