Armed Robbery Eyewitness Identification — Chicago, IL

Store surveillance video

Video shows a masked robber in a gray hoodie pointing a handgun and ordering Doyle to open the safe. Face is covered except eyes and upper nose. The robber speaks for about 28 seconds. Trial use: Shows the robbery conduct and weapon threat, but masked facial visibility limits identification and strengthens cross-examination. Foundation: A custodian, author, recipient, or investigator should authenticate when it was made, how it was preserved, and how it connects to the disputed event. Cross-examination focus: Identification Limit.

Photo array identification form

Doyle selected Miller photo with 70% confidence. Miller photo was the only one with a visible neck tattoo, and Doyle had told police the robber might have a neck tattoo from a prior visit. Trial use: Links Doyle identification to Miller, while confidence level and tattoo-related suggestiveness create a strong due-process attack. Foundation: A custodian, author, recipient, or investigator should authenticate when it was made, how it was preserved, and how it connects to the disputed event. Cross-examination focus: Suggestive Procedure; Reliability Concern.

Gloves and DNA report

Black gloves recovered two blocks away contain a three-person DNA mixture. Miller cannot be excluded as a contributor; random match statistic for the partial profile is 1 in 940. No cash or weapon was recovered. Trial use: Connects Miller to discarded gloves only weakly, because the mixed DNA profile and low statistic leave identity highly contestable. Foundation: A collecting officer or evidence custodian should identify where it was found, how it was packaged, and each chain-of-custody handoff. Cross-examination focus: DNA Mixture FRE 702; Chain of Custody.

Cell tower location records

Miller phone connected to a tower sector covering the market and several surrounding blocks at 8:17 PM. Robbery occurred at 8:29 PM. Defense says cousin apartment is also in the sector. Trial use: Places Miller phone in the broad robbery area, but tower-sector coverage also includes innocent locations tied to the defense. Foundation: A custodian, author, recipient, or investigator should authenticate when it was made, how it was preserved, and how it connects to the disputed event. Cross-examination focus: Precision Dispute FRE 702.

Prior customer encounter receipt

A store receipt and loyalty-camera still show Miller bought cigarettes at Lakeview Market two days before the robbery. Doyle says she remembered his voice and eyes. Defense says the prior visit made Miller an easy target for mistaken identification. Trial use: Explains why Doyle recognized voice and eyes, while the same prior contact supports mistaken targeting or familiarity bias. Foundation: A custodian, author, recipient, or investigator should authenticate when it was made, how it was preserved, and how it connects to the disputed event. Cross-examination focus: Prejudicial Impact FRE 403.