Forensic Investigation Lecture: Case of Edna Posey's Murder

Introduction

• Memorial Day weekend, 1984: A body was found in a cardboard box by a fisherman at the Juniata River, Central Pennsylvania.
• Body was that of a decapitated female torso, identified later as Edna Posey.
• No initial indication of how death occurred; homicide suspected.

Discovery and Initial Investigation

• Box was slid down an embankment after dew had settled.
• Investigators found grease-stained puncture hole with small styrofoam pieces.
• Victim's identity concealed by removing the head, arms, and legs.
• Important identifiers: three large moles, abdominal scar, blue jeans, and zodiac belt buckle.

Forensic Analysis

• Insect activity analyzed by a forensic entomologist identified eggs of blue bottle and black blowfly.
• Allowed estimation of time of death: approximately 2 days before discovery (late Friday or early Saturday).
• Autopsy revealed semen but no DNA testing available at the time.

Identification of the Victim

• A year later, a call led to the identification as Edna Posey.
• Posey had a history of unstable relationships, alcohol issues, and was a single mother.
• Lived with her 11-year-old son, Randy, who moved in with Donald Ruby, his Boy Scout leader.

Donald Ruby as a Suspect

• Donald Ruby involved with troubled youths, including Randy.
• Edna planned to regain custody of Randy, potentially threatening Ruby.
• Ruby claimed Edna went missing after being dropped downtown.

Randy's Account

• Randy heard loud noise from the bedroom Friday night, potentially the time of murder.
• Ruby's car trunk matched grease and puncture found on the box.

Legal Proceedings

• Ruby was charged with murder based on circumstantial evidence.
• Testimony suggested pedophilia motives.
• Ruby convicted and sentenced to life.

Reinvestigation and New Trial

• Defense requested retrial; no direct evidence of pedophilia.
• Re-analysis by Dr. Neal Haskell showed initial forensic errors; time of death recalculated to late Saturday or early Sunday.
• DNA testing revealed semen from 3 unidentified men; Ruby's DNA not present.

Outcome

• New evidence suggested alternate suspects; Ruby acquitted in second trial.
• Jury's decision and implications on community trust.
• Case remains open in public perception despite legal closure.

Conclusion

• Donald Ruby was released and left town; current whereabouts unknown.
• Case highlights the importance of forensic accuracy and evolving technology in criminal investigations.

Reflections

• The complexity and challenges in forensic investigations and courtroom interpretations.
• The role of scientific evidence in influencing judicial outcomes.