The Unglamorous Real Life Detectives Get the Job Done

Over the past two weeks, two high-profile cases in Sandy Springs are at, or coming to successful conclusions. Five indictments were handed down from the Fulton County Grand Jury in the murder case of Melvin Vernell III AKA Lil' Phat who was shot in his car last year at Northside Hospital's Women's Center Parking lot.

In another case, Michael Parson was convicted by a Fulton County Jury last week in the shooting of his now ex-wife Adina.

What you didn't see on the news coverage was the day-to-day work the officers and investigators did to get these cases, especially the Lil' Phat case, to the prosecution process. Starting with the crime scene, the work began to secure and preserve the evidence so that in court, they could show a "chain" of evidence that led to the courtroom. The patrol staff immediately secured the area and began logging everyone and everything that crossed the yellow tape--something that can be a nightmare in court if you can't account for who was in the crime scene. The crime scene investigators (yes CSI) for SSPD are some of the best I've seen and the skill they use to obtain and preserve evidence is unbelievable.

When you see a news report on a murder or other high-profile case, after a few days, the case disappears from public view. The investigators however, continue to work on established leads and / or looking for new ones. Long hours and a job that is not for someone who doesn't handle rejection well. They wade through a dozen dead ends before  they find a piece of the puzzle that gets them closer to the arrest and conviction.

Many times this is amid criticism from victim's friends and family who want the case solved quickly like on television, self-centered media reporters looking for rating points, uncooperative witnesses--especially associates of bad guys who themselves have a lot to hide, and attorneys who are doing everything they can to keep their clients from going to jail. Bottom line: It's not easy.  

So, as far as the frequently-asked question of "Are investigations like the TV shows?," Answer: Hell no. Not even close. 

It's hard work. It's not glamorous. It's disappointing at times but it is a major link to the success of any police department and especially so for the Sandy Springs Police. 

The highest compliment I heard about the CID staff was made by someone who recently said:

"I would hate to have that bunch coming after me."