The Week 49 Forensic Science Geek of the Week is Announced!

The Forensic Science Geek of the Week

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The week 49 “www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week” honors goes to: Ronald Moore, Esquire.

: Ronald Moore, B.S., JD

About our winner according to his website:

Mr. Moore received a BS in Biology from U.C. Riverside in 1988, a JD from Western State University College of Law in 2003, and an AS in Culinary Arts from Saddleback College in 2009.

Ron worked as a Forensic Scientist at the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Forensic Science Services Laboratory from 1989 to 2007. During his tenure at the OC Crime Lab, he worked in Toxicology, Blood and Breath Alcohol, Drug Analysis, Firearm and Toolmark Examination, and Crime Scene Investigation. He completed his time at the lab with18 months supervising the Blood and Breath Alcohol sections. He is very familiar with the Intoxilyzer 5000, Datamaster, and Alco-Sensor IV breath testing instruments used during the years he was with the lab. Mr. Moore testified for both the prosecution and defense in over 450 DUI cases, and in many major crime cases. He assisted in the investigation of approximately 50 homicides and 25 officer involved shootings, attending and collecting evidence at over 100 autopsies.

Mr. Moore left the OC Crime Lab to enter private practice as an attorney and forensic scientist, practicing 3 years in Orange County and 6 months in Northern California. Mr. Moore now returns to the Orange County area and is affiliated with the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc.

Congratulations to our Forensic Science Geek of the Week winner!

See the challenge question that our winner correctly answered.

OFFICIAL QUESTION:

Forensic Science Geek of the Week Challenge

1. Who is this?

2. What is his primary area of research?

3. What has he developed?

4. What are the scientific criticisms of his work?

5. What are the legal criticisms of his work?

Our Geek of the Week answered:

This is Dr. Arpad Vass, a forensic anthropologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He developed “decomposition odor analysis” which looks for the volatile components of decaying human flesh. He has used his technique in many high profile cases, but not always with success. When his instruments register a hit, it is not clear what that means, since sufficient research has not been done to determine if his odor profile is unique to human decomposition. As such,it may not be admissible in court, and could lead to unfounded suspicions.

[BLOGGER’S NOTE: Great answer. One of the major criticisms of his work is the lack of external validity. As he testified, he keeps his algorithms of his machine secret and therefore we all have to trust him that the results that he presents are in fact what occurred. As Attorney Moore noted there is also the issue of whether or not the results are truly specific to human decomposition at all. A good summary of some of the scientific issues surrounding odor can be found here The Science of Smell Part 3: Odor detection and measurement]

The Hall of Fame for the www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week:
Week 1: Chuck Ramsay, Esquire

Week 2: Rick McIndoe, PhD

Week 3: Christine Funk, Esquire

Week 4: Stephen Daniels

Week 5: Stephen Daniels

Week 6: Richard Middlebrook, Esquire

Week 7: Christine Funk, Esquire

Week 8: Ron Moore, B.S., J.D.

Week 9: Ron Moore, B.S., J.D.

Week 10: Kelly Case, Esquire and Michael Dye, Esquire

Week 11: Brian Manchester, Esquire

Week 12: Ron Moore, B.S., J.D.