Cherry Biometrics was recently featured in a compelling Boston.com article exploring the evolving understanding of cell tower data in high-profile legal cases, including the Boston Marathon bombing trial and the Serial podcast case. The piece underscores the critical role our expertise plays in challenging assumptions about location tracking through cell records—a topic at the heart of modern forensic debates.
The article highlights our founder, Mike Cherry, and colleague Manfred Schenk as pioneers in exposing the limitations of cell tower evidence. It specifically mentions our work in the Lisa Marie Roberts case (2012), where our testimony led to the exclusion of flawed Call Detail Records (CDRs). The piece also quotes Mike Cherry’s insights on how cell networks prioritize signal clarity and load management over geographic proximity—debunking the myth that a phone always connects to the nearest tower.
Key takeaways from the article:
- “Cell tower data isn’t GPS”: Mike Cherry emphasizes that CDRs were never designed for precise location tracking. Signals can originate from a broad radius (up to 7 miles, as noted in Adnan Syed’s case), making them unreliable for pinpointing exact locations.
- The Science of SINR: The article explains our focus on the Signal Interference Noise Ratio (SINR), a technical factor that determines tower connectivity—not the phone itself.
- Impact on Legal Precedent: Our work has influenced courts to adopt a more cautious approach, limiting overreliance on tower data unless corroborated by other evidence.
Cases like Tsarnaev’s and Syed’s demonstrate how cell data can be misrepresented without context. Cherry Biometrics continues to advocate for scientific rigor in forensic analysis, ensuring justice systems recognize the nuances of technology often taken for granted.
Have questions about cell tower forensics or how our expertise can support your work? Contact us today to learn more about our services.