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Apple Health Data Used in Murder Trial

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14 January 2018

By Lauren H

Here at B**P, we’re always discussing technology and the impact it has on our everyday lives. Though there’s no denying that new technology can sometimes be a little frightening, it’s often pretty useful too. That’s certainly the case with this story, where a suspect’s Apple health data was used as crucial evidence in a murder trial.

Investigating the murder and rape of 19-year-old medical student Maria Ladenburger in October 2016, officers broke into a suspect’s mobile after he refused to provide them with his PIN code.

Upon doing so, they discovered crucial information through his Apple health app, which suggested that he was climbing stairs. This correlated with him dragging his victim down a riverbank and climbing back up.

The Apple Health App records activity, including steps, flights climbed, and heart rate.

Image result for apple health app

To assess the validity of this, an investigator of a similar build recreated how the police believed he disposed of the body. According to the same app, he was also said to be climbing stairs.

Though the suspect, Hussein K, has pled guilty, he has disputed some claims.

Is this something that should be considered in future investigations? What do you think?

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