Digital Forensics Dispatch

State Presents Computer and Cellphone Evidence in Murder Trial

February 1, 2022

Melissa Gregory of the Alexandria Town Talk recently reported that digital evidence was presented in the murder trial of Kayla Giles. Giles is facing second-degree murder charges for the death of her estranged husband Thomas Coutee Jr.

In testimony on Friday January 28, 2022, the State’s forensic examiners took to the stand to explain digital evidence recovered from a computer and a cellphone. First up was Detective Curtis Gunter, a cyber forensics examiner at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Gunter analyzed the data from Giles’ MacBook Pro laptop.

The analysis of the laptop included documents such as other court related files, and information about the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Additionally analysis revealed deleted information recovered from the laptop as well as browser history both existing and deleted. MacBooks also can send and receive iMessage data, and logs of chats were also introduced during the trial.

A second examiner took the stand on Friday, Sgt. Doug Alford with the Alexandria Police Department. Alford extracted and analyzed data from Giles’ cellphone. Gregory writes “He extracted information from Giles’ cellphone, he testified, although it took about a year and a half before Giles provided its passcode through Higgins [her defense attorney].”

The focus of the testimony from the cellphone revolved around text message data between Giles and Coutee, as well as call log data. Browser history from the cellphone was introduced including some deleted browsing data.

Gregory reports that Giles was found guilty of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

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