CSI:
The Science Behind the Alan Gell
Case
Thursday,
July 14, 7-8 p.m. Free
July 12, 2005
For Immediate Release
For calendar & event editors
Contact: Jon Pishney
at (919) 733-7450, ext. 304
RALEIGH -- Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh and discover the science behind one of the most unique and notable legal cases in our state's history -- the first in North Carolina in which forensic entomology was submitted as evidence by the defense.
In 1998, a jury convicted Alan Gell of murder and sentenced him to death. Four years later, a series of articles in the News & Observer presented entomological and other evidence that the jury never heard. Even before the series ended, a judge ordered a new trial. Join us for a public presentation that brings together the reporter who broke the story, Gell's defense attorney, and the forensic entomologist who consulted on the case. This special presentation will be moderated by Gerald Owens of WRAL-TV5.
This presentation is focused upon the forensic science of the case -- it is specifically not designed or intended to promote or refute the outcome of the case or to take sides in any ongoing debate over that outcome. Our sole purpose is to educate the public about this important field of science that affects their daily lives.
[NOTE: We expect this presentation to be well attended. To reserve a seat, please pick up a ticket, free of charge, at the Museum's front desk after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.]
Before the presentation, please visit the Museum's latest special exhibit, CSI: Crime Scene Insects, open from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Inspired by the hit television shows CSI and CSI: Miami, this interactive exhibit explores criminal investigations through lively and hands-on components of forensic entomology -- or the use of insects such as flies, maggots and beetles to reveal critical details of a crime scene. Visitors can observe real crime scene insects -- including live flesh-eating beetles, blowflies and their maggots -- and investigate recreated crime scenes with a natural sciences flair. CSI: Crime Scene Insects runs through September 18, 2005. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids (5-11) and seniors (60+). For more information, contact 919-733-7450 ext. 304, or visit www.naturalsciences.org.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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