By Shana Bailey
A former Orange County sergeant was arrested and charged with First-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife. Eloilda Shea was found dead in her bedroom from an apparent gunshot wound. At the time of her death, her husband and former sergeant, Anthony Shea purports that he was out of the home with his children and that his wife’s death is a suicide. Law enforcement believes that Mr. Shea murdered his wife and then doctored evidence to create an alibi and make the death look like a suicide.
In criminal law, the burden rests on the State of Florida to prove to a jury that Ms. Shea’s death was a homicide beyond and to the exclusion of all reasonable doubt. To create reasonable doubt, the defense looks for ways to poke holes in the State’s evidence. Proceeding on a defense theory of suicide, it is important to look closely at all the evidence obtained by the State for deficiency, inconsistency, and conflict. One of the most valuable and effective tools in a defense attorney’s toolbox is an expert witness. Experts can be found in all areas from DNA to ballistics. An expert witness can help the defense team to find and exploit weaknesses in the State’s case. Hiring an expert witness to evaluate evidence can prove critical in exonerating a client.
In Mr. Shea’s case, the evidence should be scrutinized and aggressively challenged. Law enforcement is alleging that digital evidence creating an alibi was doctored. Independent digital experts should be retained to analyze the data and challenge law enforcement allegations of evidence tampering. Additionally, blood splatter and ballistic experts could be instrumental in dismantling the State’s theory of homicide. Whether the expert opinions support the defense theory, or simply undermine the State’s case, these opinions can be the deciding factor in a trial.
If you or your loved one are being accused of committing a crime, you should consult with one of our Criminal Defense Attorneys, don’t hesitate to call us at 352-WIN-4YOU We are available 24/7 and we offer payment plans.