Search evidence analysis
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MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY |
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REPORT DATE: 1/8/2025 Andrew Needham, FTEE |
Analysis: Latent Print Examination; Trace Evidence Analysis; Firearms & Toolmark Analysis; Questioned Document Analysis |
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Case #: 006559-21L-2024 |
Case Description: Zoe Chase homicide investigation |
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Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department |
Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong |
Summary of Preliminary Evidence Analysis
| Evidence # | Description | Location | Preliminary findings |
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| 006717‑01 | One (1) ladies blazer, brown, with reddish-brown stains | United Way of Yoknapatawpha County | Preliminary tests determined the stains to be human blood and the type to be consistent with that of Zoe Chase. DNA analysis pending. |
| 006717-02 | One (1) ladies glove, brown | St. John's Catholic Church | Manufacturer, materials, style, and color are consistent with the glove found at the crime scene (Evidence # 006559-14). |
| 006717-03 | One (1) key ring with three (3) keys | St. John's Catholic Church |
Evidence #s 006717-03-01 and 006717-03-02 fit locks on the entry doors at the residence of Peggy LeClaire. Evidence #s 006717-03-03 fits the doors and ignition of the vehicle registered to Peggy LeClaire. |
| 006559-58 | One (1) pair ladies cotton slacks, khaki, size L, with reddish-brown stains | LeClaire residence | Preliminary tests determined the stains to be human blood and the type to be consistent with that of Zoe Chase. DNA analysis pending. |
| 006559-59 | One (1) small cardboard box, brown contents:
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LeClaire residence |
Preliminary fingerprint analysis of the box found full and partial fingerprints consistent with Peggy LeClaire. Preliminary comparison of items 006559-66-01 and 006559-66-02 with photographs provided by Howard and Marion Neidelmen indicates these items are the pieces of jewelry the Neidelmens gave to Zoe Chase. Further analysis pending. |
| 006559-60 | One (1) box Winchester .25 automatic full metal jacket ammunition, 11 rounds remaining | LeClaire residence |
Manufacturer, materials, and type are consistent with the bullet recovered during autopsy. In-depth analysis pending. Preliminary fingerprint analysis of the box and contents found full and partial fingerprints consistent with Peggy LeClaire. |
| 006559-61 through 006559-63 | Three (3) 8-1/2" x 11" sheets of white paper with typewritten text and the name "Zoe Chase" in the upper right corner of each sheet | LeClaire residence | Preliminary fingerprint analysis of each sheet found partial fingerprints consistent with Peggy LeClaire and Zoe Chase. |
| 006559-64 | One (1) laptop computer | LeClaire residence | Analysis pending. |
| 006559-65 through 006559-78 | Fourteen (14) USB thumb drives | LeClaire residence |
Preliminary fingerprint analysis found partial fingerprints consistent with Peggy LeClaire. Analysis of thumb drive contents pending. |
| 006559-79 | One (1) desktop computer | Benson residence | Analysis pending. |
| 006559-80 through 006559-83 | Four (4) USB thumb drives | Benson residence |
Preliminary fingerprint analysis found full and partial fingerprints consistent with Mallory Benson, Zoe Chase, and Peggy LeClaire. Analysis of thumb drive contents pending. |
| 006559-84 | One (1) three-ring binder and contents, labeled "Desperate Stranger" | Benson residence | Preliminary review of the information contained in the binder indicates it is consistent with the novel by Zoe Chase, which is currently pending publication. |
| 006559-85 | One (1) women's blouse, white, size M, with reddish-brown stains | Benson residence | Preliminary tests determined the stains to be human blood and the type to be inconsistent with that of Zoe Chase. DNA analysis pending. |
