2015/04/26

3DPrint April 20, 2015: 3D Printed Beer Bottle is Instrumental Evidence in UK Murder Conviction

While the world of 3D printing is still in a fairly lawless, unregulated state (one to be enjoyed while it lasts by those on the right side of the law), that doesn’t mean it can’t be used to the law’s benefit.

With murder at hand, and a conviction being sought, the technologically savvy staff at the UK’s Plymouth City College was enlisted to turn their making skills toward forensics.

“It was the first time that Devon and Cornwall Police had used this technological process in a court case,” said a spokesman for Plymouth City College.”When we were approached by a senior detective who was involved with the murder trial, our highly trained staff at the college were able to design and produce the weapon using the latest software.”

Using the college’s Cubex 3D printer, usually reserved for engineering projects, staff spent 28 hours making a 3D model of the bottle said to be responsible for the brutal death of minor Alex Peguero Sosa last summer, during an attack by 42-year-old Lee Dent. more