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Computer Forensics Community Recognizes Investigators for Innovative Breakthroughs on Laci Peterson and Bobbie Jo Stinnett Cases

Guidance Software CEO Presents Inaugural Timothy Fidel Memorial Award

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (June 14, 2005) - Guidance Software, a leader in incident response and computer forensics, today awarded the first annual Timothy Fidel Memorial Award in honor of the late Timothy Fidel, a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service who was best known for his tireless efforts to modernize computer forensic standards. The announcement came during the keynote address, given by Guidance President and CEO John Colbert, kicking off the second day of Techno Security/CEIC 2005, a gathering of leaders in the cyber-security industry.

The Timothy Fidel Memorial Award, created this year by Guidance Software to recognize excellence in the field of computer forensics, honors the men and women who carry on the standards of computer investigations pioneered by Timothy Fidel. The inaugural award was presented to law enforcement officials whose work was integral to the solving of two of this year's most notable cases: the Laci Peterson investigation and the Bobbie Jo Stinnett investigation. The awards were presented by Timothy Fidel's widow, Denise Fidel.

"In both cases the individuals involved in the investigations demonstrated outstanding and innovative use of computer forensics to solve two murders and in one case, also save a baby. These investigators were the obvious choices as the inaugural recipients of the Timothy Fidel Memorial Award," said John Colbert, President and CEO of Guidance Software. "Tim was instrumental in creating some of the leading investigative tools and techniques that have become standard in today's high-tech world of criminal investigations. The award recipients clearly embodied the innovative style with which Tim approached the field of computer forensics investigations."

The Laci Peterson Investigation
From the Modesto Police Department, retired officer Kirk Stockham, who conducted the initial computer investigation, was specifically recognized with a Timothy Fidel Memorial Award for his efforts on the case, representing the entire Sacramento Valley High Tech Crimes Task Force, which has more than thirty participating Local, State and Federal agencies, and is affiliated with at least 13 other organizations. Modesto Police Detective Jon Buehler accepted the award on behalf of those involved.

From the Stanislaus County Sheriff's office, Lydell Wall, who conducted the follow-up investigation and testified at the hearing also received a Timothy Fidel Memorial Award for his case preparation and critical role in this investigation.

The Bobbi Jo Stinnett Investigation
With respect to the Bobbie Jo Stinnett investigation, those investigators were assigned to the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Kansas City. Corporal Jeff Owen of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who examined the victim's computer and found the critical evidence that led to recovery of Baby Stinnett and the arrest of the suspect, accepted the Timothy Fidel Memorial award from Denise Fidel.

From the U.S. Attorney General's office, Guidance Software also honored Mark Johnson with a Timothy Fidel Memorial Award for his supporting role in the investigation. It was Mark who examined the suspect's computer, providing evidence key to bringing the suspect to trial.

Additionally, from the St. Joseph's (MO) Police Department, Curtis Howard was recognized for his role in the investigation, having done the first analysis of the victim's computer before turning it over to Jeff Owen to complete the investigation. Unable to attend the ceremony, Howard's award was accepted by Corporal Owen on his behalf.

Among law enforcement officials, these cases are widely recognized for the innovative techniques the investigators used and for setting new standards for the use of computer forensic evidence. In the Peterson case, forensic evidence was critical to locating the bodies of Laci and her unborn child and was instrumental in the ultimate conviction of Scott Peterson. In the Bobbie Jo Stinnett case, the quick use of forensic analysis led investigators directly to Lisa Montgomery, who is currently awaiting trial for the crime. This fast response time was critical not only to the capture of Montgomery but also to the recovery of the child, Victoria Jo Stinnett.

Timothy Fidel passed away on Oct. 29, 2004 at the age of 50. Fidel was a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division. He was a major participant in the design of the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Special Agents Program. Fidel was a certified computer forensic examiner and a respected member of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. Fidel's last post of duty with the Secret Service was with the Ronald Regan Protective Division for then-retired President Ronald Reagan and former first lady Nancy Reagan.

Each investigation team received a pledge of $2,500 to give to the charitable organization of their choice. For the work on the Laci Peterson investigation, "Victims Voice" received the donation. This organization campaigns to remind the public about unsolved murders and develop new leads for old and often forgotten investigations. For the work on the Bobbie Jo Stinnett case, the "Special Olympics Missouri" received the donation. This group's mission it is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental disabilities.

About Guidance Software
Founded in 1997, Guidance Software is recognized worldwide as the industry leader in investigative technologies. Its EnCase® solutions provide the foundation for both law enforcement and corporate enterprise investigations that enable corporate, government and law enforcement agencies to conduct effective investigations of all types, respond promptly to eDiscovery requests, and take decisive action in response to external attacks, all while maintaining the forensic integrity of the data. More than 20,000 investigators depend on EnCase software, and nearly 4,000 investigators attend Guidance Software’s forensic methodology training annually. Validated by numerous courts worldwide, EnCase is also frequently honored with top security awards from eWeek, SC Magazine, Network Computing and others.