AI-Enhanced Camera Technology Helps Solve Murder Case

A recent shooting incident at a Blue Springs Park has led to a first-degree murder charge and subsequent arrest, thanks in part to the innovative use of AI-equipped camera technology.

The incident, which occurred on April 13, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured. The police investigation that followed was aided by an AI-enhanced camera system provided by Atlanta-based company Flock Safety. This cutting-edge technology has been instrumental in helping law enforcement agencies solve crimes more efficiently.

The Flock camera system, which has been in use by the Blue Springs Police Department for approximately one year, is a significant upgrade from traditional license plate readers. Stationed at high-traffic intersections and frequently visited areas like parks, these cameras can capture more areas, operate 24/7, and read more than just license plates.

“It’s super helpful. We use it constantly during our investigations,” said Capt. Kyle Flowers, investigations captain for the department.

The camera system played a crucial role in identifying the getaway driver, a minor, and subsequently led to the arrest of Marquis Earl-Lee Savannah on a warrant for first-degree murder. The probable cause statement detailed the events of the shooting, which involved a fistfight and at least three individuals firing shots, resulting in 28 shell casings found at the scene.

The investigation began with city-owned cameras, which provided the order of events and a description of the car involved. However, it was the Flock camera system that proved instrumental in tracking down the suspect. Unlike traditional license plate readers, the Flock system doesn’t require a plate number to search for hits. Instead, it uses AI technology to identify vehicle characteristics such as make, model, and other features.

“We can also search by make, model, and other characteristics,” explained Capt. Flowers. “If it has a roof rack, if it has bumper stickers, things like that.”

The cameras take snapshots of passing vehicles, coding them with these descriptors. Investigators can then enter the descriptors and narrow their search based on location and time to get photos of every vehicle that matches. A human analyst then examines the photos for a more precise match that includes a plate number. From there, they can put an alert on that vehicle to get a ping when it’s spotted.

Flock Camera System

In this case, the Flock camera system helped identify the sedan involved in the shooting, and a sergeant used the system to track down the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver at a nearby car wash.

The Flock system also allows investigators to track a vehicle’s movements back in time for up to 30 days, providing a hot spot map showing areas where it frequently appears. This can be used to determine where a suspect may live.

The nationwide network of partner agencies using the Flock system has the potential to revolutionize crime-solving, making it easier for law enforcement to track down suspects and bring them to justice.

AI-Enhanced Camera

The successful use of AI-enhanced camera technology in this murder case highlights the potential for innovative solutions to aid law enforcement in their investigations. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s likely to play an increasingly important role in keeping our communities safe.