ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – GPS data will be admitted in the trial of the Escanaba man accused of murdering pregnant 22-year-old Harley Corwin last July.
33-year-old Tavaris Jackson is being charged with open murder, felony possession of a firearm at the time of the murder, and assault intentionally causing the death of a fetus. GPS location data from two apps, Life360 and Snapchat, was used in the preliminary exam to show Corwin’s phone’s last known whereabouts before her body was found in the woods in Ford River Township.
On Monday, Jackson’s defense made a motion to preclude the location data as evidence in Jackson’s trial, arguing that because Corwin’s phone has not been recovered, it is impossible to know what settings on her phone or in the apps could have affected the results. The defense also cited weather, terrain, and other factors that can potentially block GPS signals.
The prosecution said those issues would count toward the weight of the evidence rather than its admissibility. Judge John Economopoulos agreed, denying the defense’s motion.
“Whether the evidence is actually authentic or genuine as a matter of fact is for a jury to decide,” Economopoulos said. “Parties can argue to the jury whether the evidence is, in fact, genuine and reliable.”
Jackson’s defense also brought another issue before the judge. The defense stated that the witness filed a complaint, saying she had contacted a Delta County Sheriff’s Office sergeant to provide information about the case. The defense says the complaint alleges the off-duty sergeant was too drunk to drive, invited the witness to his home, and gave the witness an alcoholic beverage. According to Jackson’s defense, the witness also alleges the sergeant “indicated that he would get her in trouble regarding using cocaine if she did not cooperate with him.” A separate document indicated that the sergeant received a two-day suspension.
“What we are simply asking for at this point is that the court do an in camera review of the employment records from the officer in question and that if there is any further information that the court thinks that they are entitled to…that that be provided,” said Defense Attorney Diane Kay-Hougaboom. She continued, “It seems to me that in an employment record from an agency such as the Delta County Sheriff’s Department, there should be more information than a one-page letter indicating the disposition of the matter.”
The judge ordered an in camera investigation into the incident. Jackson’s trial is scheduled for August 5.
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