Kidnapping CaseKidnapping Case

Cicero Police DepartmentCicero Police Department

Kelsey, Michele, Danielle, Tara, PaulKelsey, Michele, Danielle, Tara, Paul

BackgroundBackground• On July 14, 1998, a surveillance camera recorded Louise

Emerson hit on the head by a large, blunt object. The suspects pushed Louise into her own car and drove away.

• Louise Emerson is a partner of an architect firm: Worth, Klein, and Burshowski.

• On July 19, 1998, abandoned car (1978 Montecarlo, silver) parked outside of a laundry mat (Suds & Duds) located on the corner of Milner and Trotter Streets was found. – the car had not been moved from the current location for 5 days and

nights. – The car was impounded and towed to the Cicero garage for further

forensic examination.•  Texas license plates were issued in Dallas District to William

Klein, brother of Arthur Klein.• A rag, was found in the trunk along with duct tape and white

clothes line rope stained dark red.• No Missing Person’s Report was filed.

DNA EvidenceDNA Evidence

• The DNA matches the suspect and the victim.

• The victim’s DNA was on the rag.

• The suspect’s DNA was in the car.

Blood EvidenceBlood Evidence

• Testing indicates type A blood was on the seat and floorboard of the back seat of the car, and on the back window and in the trunk. This matches Louise Emerson's blood type.  – Her blood was found in low impact blots indicating pressure or smearing

• Trace of type B negative blood was recovered on the steering wheel, dash area, and glove box. This matches Arthur Klein.– His blood was found in small high impact spots indicating speed.

• It is possible, although unknown, that Louise was unconscious and bleeding while Arthur was scrambling around in the car.

Fingerprint EvidenceFingerprint Evidence

• 23 latent print lifts from inside vehicle, fast food wrappers, side mirror, trunk, door handles, and evidence bag found in glove box.

• The fingerprints belong to William Klein, Arthur’s brother. William owns the car.

• No other fingerprints were obtained.

Trace EvidenceTrace Evidence

Trace EvidenceTrace Evidence• Hair sample shows evidence of forceful

removal. Indicating struggle.• The hair is dyed and matches the color of

Louise’s hair from her brush.• The soil in the car matches soil from the

suspect’s garden.– Another analysis of the soil sample matches the

Gulf Coast of Texas. This is where the license plates were issued.

– Saw dust indicates further needs for investigation at a nearby mill.

• Dirt was also found in the glove compartment.

Trace EvidenceTrace Evidence

• Fiber in the car matches the carpet of the law firm. This could be traced to any of the three people involved.

• Some fibers were found to be the type found in blouses or scarves.

• Separate red fibers were found to have traces of alcohol.– Some or all parties involved could have been

intoxicated.• This could have led to further violent activity.

Rag EvidenceRag Evidence

• Gas chromatography of the rag showed lethal levels of chloroform.

• Saliva matching Louise’s DNA was also present on the rag.

• This indicates possible suffocation.

Tire Tread EvidenceTire Tread Evidence

• This is a photo taken of one of the partners tires. – If the tire skid mark

matches that of this tire then it places one of the partners at the scene of the crime.

Ransom NoteRansom Note

• An original document or sample writing from the suspects could be compared and analyzed to connect the suspects to the case. These documents need to be provided.

More PhotosMore Photos

Please visit the following site for more visual evidence of the car.

http://web.me.com/christine_brandt/Forensic_Chemistry/Kidnapping.Photos.html

Possible ScenariosPossible Scenarios

• She was kidnapped.• The brothers worked together and Louise is

probably dead.• Louise may be in the sawmill.• She could have been unconscious and bleeding

in the back of the car while Arthur was scrambling around in the car bleeding.

• William drove and semi-cleaned the car.• The car Louise was shoved in was a company

car.

Possible MotivesPossible Motives

• Competition in work– Embezzlement– Ransom money– Gaining assets and position in the firm.

• Marriage Scandal– Louise has a tan-line indicating a wedding

ring.

• Insanity