Presiding Judge:	Honorable Judge Sharen Wilson
Prosecuting ADA:	Page Simpson, J.D.
Defense Attorney:	Lance Evans, J.D.
Forensic Odontologist:	Roger Metcalf, D.D.S.
Forensic Biologist:	Carolyn VanWinkle, M.S.
Forensic Trace Analyst:	Patricia C. Eddings, B.S.

The Case

On July 20, 2005, Fort Worth 911 received a call in reference to a house fire. Upon extinguishing the flames, investigators made a gruesome discovery. The badly charred body of a 60 year old white male was recovered from the floor of the master bedroom.

Partially burned matches were recovered from near the body. A matchbook was recovered from the end of the driveway of the residence. Autopsy results revealed this man died as the result of gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly developed a 35 year old white female as their prime suspect. The defendant denies any involvement in the death of this individual.

During this mock trial, students will be introduced to numerous aspects of a real trial as they would relate to this type of case. Material will cover such topics as: autopsy protocol, cause and manner of death, dental identification of decedent, comparison of the match evidence, and associations by DNA identification.

Reports and Documentation

Autopsy Report
Ondontology Report
Forensic Biology/DNA Report
Trace Analysis Report

Judge Sharen Wilson	The Jury
Page Simpson, Prosecutor	Defense Attorney Lance Evans and Client
Roger Metcalf D.D.S. outlines his qualifications.	Ms. Simpson listens to the witness.
Mr. Evans consults his notes.	The Forensic Pathologist explains details of the autopsy findings.
Ms. Simpson explains what prosecutors need from expert witnesses.	Mr. Evans explains his strategy when cross-examining an expert witness.
Carolyn VanWinkle details the DNA findings.	Judge Wilson illustrates a point to the attendees.
The prosecutor and defense attorney seriously consider the evidence presented.	.. but there is time for a bit of frivolity as well, as the entire courtroom enjoys a laugh.
Patricia Eddings explains the trace evidence to the jury.	Judge Wilson looks skeptical.
Mr. Evans explains a point to the jury.	Mr. Evans teaches the attendees about the goals of the defense.