First it was Alexa and now it is Fitbit – these smart devices are going to court to catch alleged killers.
Richard Dabate, the accused, said that a masked intruder shot his wife Connie Dabate. Her Fitbit, however, tells a different story.
“The Fitbit could be the star witness in all of this,” reported CNN.
Last Movement
Dabate, who is being held on $1 million bail in the fatal shooting, told police that the intruder burst into their home and subdued him. He said he told his wife to run, but the killer shot her in the basement at 9:20 a.m.
However, police say that the woman was seen on video at a local YMCA at 9:18 a.m. She then posted from her home computer on Facebook at 9:40 a.m.
“At 10:05 a.m., the Fitbit registers its last movement,” CNN reported. Dabate’s story about his wife’s last movements adds up to about 125 feet; Fitbit’s about 1,217 feet.
Based on the discrepancies and other evidence, police arrested Dabate. He has been charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and making a false statement.
Echo in Evidence
James A. Bates, who is free on $350,000, is accsued of killing his friend after a night of drinking. The victim was found dead in a hot tub. Bates said it was an accident; police said there was evidence of a struggle.
The case, however, leaves open legal questions about smart devices, privacy, and other rights. In the meantime, Fitbit and Alexa are answering key questions in murder cases.
Related Resources:
- A Marriage Marked by Secrets, a Murder Case Months in yhe Making (Hartford Courant)
- Is It Time to Grow Your Marijuana Practice? (FindLaw’s Strategist)
- More Lawyers Use Social Media, but Don’t Know How It Helps (FindLaw’s Strategist)
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