Maxwell investigation report

YOKNAPATAWPHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Investigating Officer(s): Det. T. Armstrong, Det. S. Murphy
Incident No.: 000073-05A-2014
Case Description: Cameron & Caitlin Maxwell Homicide Investigation

INVESTIGATION STATUS REPORT SUMMARY
All detailed reports on file.

January 17, 2014

Registered vehicle report received:

Two vehicles of interest:  Ford Focus registered to Margaret Jenkins, 510 Van Buren Ave., and Honda Fit registered to Ryan Rand, 17 Virginia St. A third vehicle, a Chevrolet Volt registered to Tucker Baines, 436 Sisk Ave., is potentially consistent with vehicle reportedly seen by Kristi Dawes and by Alan Philbert, but Baines has no known connection to either victim and is not considered a strong suspect at this time.

Photos of all vehicles on list obtained.

January 20, 2014

Investigative action:

Voice samples collected for comparison with January 14, 2014, anonymous call — Todd Maxwell, Robin Maxwell, Austin Maxwell, Ronald Sill.

January 22, 2014

Investigative action:

Memorial service surveillance — No incidents. Observed a young woman, early to mid-20s, asking multiple attendees if they had seen Ryan Rand. Investigators did not see Rand at the service, but may have missed him among the hundreds of mourners. Woman subsequently identified as Tania Hotchkiss. Interview request with Hotchkiss pending.

January 24, 2014

Preliminary autopsy reports received.

Cameron Maxwell COD — Shotgun shot to the head. Incised wound on right hand of interest.

Caitlin Maxwell COD — Multiple stab wounds. No sexual assault.

Forensics report received:

Knife and jacket recovered near Toby Tubby Creek — Both items positive for human blood consistent with Cameron and Caitlin Maxwell's blood types. Awaiting DNA results to determine if blood is from one or both or another party.

January 27, 2014

Forensics reports received:

Eastgate Shopping Center blood and trace evidence — Blood type consistent with Cameron and Caitlin Maxwell. Awaiting DNA results to determine if blood is from one or both or another party. Fibers consistent with Caitlin Maxwell's jacket could indicate she was involved in a struggle at that location.

Luggage recovered from Hurricane Creek — Weather patterns and mold growth indicate the luggage likely was in that location for 7-10 days. Evidence of high force impact damage on several pieces consistent with them being thrown off bridge. Handle of one of Cameron Maxwell's skate bags likely ripped off forcibly.

Evidence collected at St. Peter's Cemetery — Cap fragments, wadding and pellets recovered from soil plus presence of bismuth indicates shells used are bismuth shells. Check of local retailers pending. Blood and tissue evidence in soil indicates Cameron Maxwell was likely shot in the location where he was buried. Absence of blood and tissue evidence in soil surrounding Caitlin Maxwell's body indicates her injuries were likely inflicted at another location.

Evidence collected at autopsy — Blood type on all items consistent with Cameron and Caitlin Maxwell. Awaiting DNA results to determine if blood is from one or both or another party

Evidence from search of Maxwell residence — Unlikely any of the weapons recovered from this location were involved in the homicide.

January 28, 2014

Investigative action:

Canvass of local sporting goods retailers and phone calls to major suppliers show that bismuth shotshells described are likely waterfowl shells, stocked in limited quantity by all contacted. Primary are Bismuth Corp/Winchester brand.

Report filed 1/28/14, 5:30 p.m. by Det. T Armstrong, 615, and Det. S. Murphy, 633