Cherry Biometrics and our CEO, Michael Cherry, were recently featured in an Associated Press article discussing the ongoing debate over cell tower evidence in criminal trials. The piece highlights our critical role in advocating for scientifically rigorous forensic practices—a mission at the heart of our work.
What the Article Says About Cherry Biometrics
The AP article focuses on State v. Eugene Edwards Jr., a Connecticut Supreme Court case challenging the use of cell tower data to link defendants to crime scenes. Key points referencing Cherry Biometrics include:
- “Junk Science” Critique: Michael Cherry emphasized that cell tower evidence is often misinterpreted, stating, “People tend to confuse the location of the cellphone with the location of the cell tower. Phones connect to the clearest signal tower within range, not necessarily the closest one.” This aligns with our long-standing advocacy against oversimplified forensic claims.
- Proven Expertise: The article cites Cherry Biometrics’ success in overturning wrongful convictions, including the exoneration of Lisa Marie Roberts in Oregon, where flawed cell tower evidence played a pivotal role.
Why This Case Matters
The Edwards appeal underscores systemic issues with cell tower evidence:
- Unreliable Assumptions: Prosecutors often claim a phone’s proximity to a tower proves a defendant’s location. Yet, as Michael Cherry explains, signals can span 20+ miles, and network load balancing (not proximity) dictates tower connections.
- Expert Testimony Gaps: The defense argued the trial court admitted cell data without qualified expert validation—a recurring problem Cherry Biometrics addresses in courts nationwide.
As Michael Cherry noted, “Courts must demand rigorous validation of forensic methods—or risk injustice.”
Read the Full Article
For a deeper dive into the Edwards case and the broader debate over cell tower evidence, we encourage you to read the original AP piece:
Connecticut Case Challenges Use of Cellphone Tower Evidence ↗
Reach out to our experts
At Cherry Biometrics, we’re committed to advancing justice through science. If your case involves cell tower data, GPS, or other forensic challenges, contact us. Together, we can ensure evidence meets the highest standards of reliability.
Curious how signal interference (SINR) impacts tower connections? Explore our analysis of the Lisa Marie Roberts case to see science in action.