Instant Messaging Alibi

Law enforcement requested insight on a criminal case that involved a gang-related assault and battery outside of a high-school dance. One of the suspects, with no known gang affiliation, claimed to have been instant messaging with a friend during the time of the altercation. Forensic images were obtained from the computers of the suspect and his friend, which included the chat sessions in question, and no evidence was found that they had been tampered with. After reporting the findings to the District Attorney's Office, charges against the suspect were dropped.