STATEMENT OF FACTS - University of Illinois Springfield

concrete samples through a stereo microscope, Dr. Murray’s expert opinion was
that the concrete in People’s Exhibits 61, 63, 64, 65 and 66 (concrete taken from
Miracle Motors) and item Q-1 and Q-2 from People’s Exhibit 24, (concrete
substances that were found with Karyn Slover’s body parts) did not come from the
same batch of concrete. (Vol. LXIX, R. 26-30; 38)
Dr. Murray did not use x-ray diffraction on any of the samples in the
present case – although in his book Murray did state that x-ray diffraction was
one of the most important and reliable methods of identifying the composition of
geological soil and other crystalline substances. (Vol. LXIX, R. 36) Murray
testified that x-ray diffraction is useful to identify specific materials, but in the
examination of concrete, if there were differences in the first level of analysis, as
there was in this case, x-ray diffraction is not helpful because the differences in
the first analysis will not change. (Vol. LXIX, R. 51) In addition, the weathering
pattern of concrete is of little forensic value because it would be necessary to
identify and quantify exactly what changes took place. (Vol. LXIX, R. 54-55)
Based on this evidence, all three defendants were convicted of first-degree
murder. In addition, Senior and Junior were found guilty of concealment of a
homicide. Each defendant was given the maximum non-extended term of 60
years for first degree murder and Senior and Junior received five-year sentences
for concealment of a homicide.
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