Digital Forensics Dispatch

Cell Phone Forensic Analysis Aids Driver Accused in Fatal Crash

August 3, 2021

Rosalio Ahumada recently reported in an article for the Sacramento Bee about a plea deal reached, in part, because of the results from digital forensic analysis of Sean Walker’s cell phone.

Walker had initially been charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter after crashing his truck into a traffic stop involving California Highway Patrol officer Kirk Griess and civilian Jamie Manuel Bueza. Both Griess and Bueza died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Upon initial investigation, CHP officials believed Walker was distracted by using his cell phone as well as  speeding at the time of the crash. However, in announcing the plea deal, they reversed that assessment and concluded that forensic analysis proved Walker was actually not using his phone at the time of the incident.

Further toxicology reports indicated he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol either. It was instead determined that he had “suffered from a medical condition that resulted in sudden, temporary loss of blood flow to the brain, often resulting in loss of consciousness,”.

Walker has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts instead of the two gross vehicular manslaughter charges he previously faced. His sentencing is scheduled for October. 

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