Technology plays a major role in the everyday lives of Americans. Many have smartphones, tablets or other forms of electronics that they use throughout their day. Technology plays a more subtle role, however, through the use of items such as surveillance cameras. Although many people don’t realize they are being recorded, police can often use such footage in the investigation of crimes. For example, after viewing surveillance videos around the time an Illinois man was found dead, police located three men each was charged with murder.
In early January, a 20-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to the chest in a barber shop. He was transported to an area hospital, but he was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after his discovery. Police claim they used surveillance video to determine that he was killed during an attempted robbery.
Police have arrested three men as a result of the man’s murder. Two of the men are 25, and the third is 24. All three are charged with first-degree murder in addition to attempted robbery.
At this time, it is unclear if the men were identified through the use of the surveillance video. It is not known what specifically led police to the three accused men. Thanks to the set up of the criminal justice system in this country, Illinois prosecutors will have to prove that the three men charged with murder are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While trying to reach this high standard, the rights of the three accused must be carefully maintained in order to ensure they receive a fair trial before an impartial court. Unless a conviction is obtained in accordance with those requirements, the men cannot be held criminally responsible for the crimes alleged against them.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, 3 charged in murder of Berwyn man on New Year’s Eve, Jordan Owen, Jan. 17, 2014