That keeps the lines clean. Dugan stepped forward. I'd like it noted that the department has been cooperating. Blake looked at him.
We'll note whatever the records show. Her answer was neutral, but Dugan's face tightened slightly. The preservation team began with the evidence room access log. They secured the dash camera, the damaged memory card, the black case, all related packaging, and the intake paperwork.
Digital staff made copies of the evidence management system logs before any further work continued. Blake reviewed the first inventory sheet. dash camera listed as corrupted on arrival. Mercer spoke immediately. That's correct.
Blake looked up. You personally determined that. Yes. When on the roadside, Noah's eyes shifted toward him.
Blake noticed. Deputy Bennett. Noah looked at her. Did you see the camera operating?
Yes, ma'am. Mercer turned toward him. Noah continued. The indicator was active before Mercer removed it from the Bentley.
Mercer interrupted. That doesn't mean usable footage existed. Blake held up one hand. I'll ask you separately.
Mercer, stopped talking. The digital specialist examined the intake record. The equipment entry shows the device responded when it was first connected here, Dugan said. Responding hardware does not prove readable media.
No, the specialist replied. It doesn't. Maya remained silent. She had no need to argue.
Each answer was now being documented by people outside Dugan's authority. Blake moved to the black case. "The original seal?" Dugan replied, "Compromised during the roadside search."
"Where is it?" No one answered immediately. Blake looked at Mercer. You broke it?
Yes. Was the seal retained? I assumed. Evidence processing handled that.
Blake turned toward Dugan. Dugan said, "I reviewed the packaging. The seal was damaged. That wasn't my question.
Where is it now? Dugan's voice became firmer. I don't know. Blake wrote something down.
The second investigator began comparing the surviving contents of the case against the preliminary inventory. There are gaps in the numbering. Dugan looked over. What kind of gaps?
Several documents jump out of sequence. We have 14, 15, then 19. Another section skips two control pages. Mercer looked at Dugan.
Dugan remained still. Maya asked Blake, "Do you need me here?" "Not for this part."
"Then I'll step away." That decision surprised Mercer. You're not even going to look at what's missing. Maya turned toward him.
"No," he frowned. "Why not? Because if I become the person deciding what the evidence means, every conclusion can be challenged as personal."