Burning Evidence: A Case Study in Digital Detection and Legal Innovation

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM MT

Location: 503/504, Colorado Convention Center

This case study examines the 2020 arson homicide that claimed five lives in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood. Presented by the lead homicide investigators, an ATF agent, and prosecutors, the session offers an in-depth overview of the multi-agency investigation that drew national attention. It explores how a novel reverse Google keyword search led to the identification of the suspects, the legal and constitutional questions that followed, and the case’s subsequent review by the Colorado Supreme Court. Attendees will gain insight into investigative innovations, the challenges of digital evidence, and the successful prosecution of a complex, high-profile case.

Speaker(s)

Neil Baker

Detective, Homicide Unit
Denver Police Department
Denver, Colorado
Ernest Sandoval

Detective, Homicide Unit
Denver Police Department
Denver, Colorado
MS

Mark Sonnendecker

Special Agent, Contingent Worker
Denver Police Department
Denver, Colorado