Posted on 03/30/2004 6:44:51 AM PST by BunnySlippers
U.S. Crime Specialists Examine Chen's Abdominal Wound
By Koh Chin Ling
March 30 (Bloomberg) -- Forensic specialist Cyril Wecht, one of three U.S. crime-scene specialists investigating the assassination attempt on Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, said the team interviewed Chen and determined his abdominal wound was caused by gunshot.
``We looked at the wound, we took some photographs, and we made some measurements,'' Wecht said in an interview broadcast on television in Taipei. ``It's consistent with that of a gunshot wound.''
Wecht, ballistic expert Michael Haag, and criminal- investigation specialist Timothy Palmbach are assisting Henry Lee, the defense forensic witness to the O.J. Simpson murder trial, in the probe of Chen's shooting. Opposition parties allege Chen may have staged the shooting on the eve of the presidential election to win sympathy votes. Chen, 53, has denied the allegation.
Haag said the particular ammunition used was ``more or less of the home-grown variety.'' This factor makes the investigation more complicated, he said.
The three specialists visited the southern city of Tainan, where Chen was wounded along with Vice President Annette Lu on March 19 as they were riding in a open-top sport-utility vehicle as part of a motorcade. The scientists took measurements at the crime scene, examined the vehicle and recorded other data.
``Whoever the shooter or shooters may have been, and for what purpose, these are all very important,'' Wecht said at a briefing at the end of the group's two-day investigation in Taiwan. ``It's not for us to do that. Forensic scientists, unlike what you see on American television, are not homicide detectives.''
Review
Lee is scheduled to arrive in Taipei as early as April 13, Wecht said. The scientists anticipate giving Lee their final reports before he visits Taiwan, Wecht said.
``We have compiled a substantial amount of investigative data: that which has been shown to us and that we have developed ourselves,'' Wecht said. ``All of that must be carefully reviewed.''
The team is taking its data back to the U.S., where the scientists will make their analyses before submitting their recommendations and conclusion to Lee, who will give the Taiwan government a formal report. Palmbach said the team asked for more information from authorities that will take time to be made available.
The Taiwan government is paying the three-member team NT$900,000 ($27,000) for two days of work, according to TVBS news.
Where's the data?
Why is it consitent for a gunshot wound?
What did you find?
Explain yourself, we're not American sheeple here! (flame retardant suit in place)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.