DFIRL Episode 01: Murder in St. Louis

In this episode of Digital Forensics In Real Life (DFIRL) podcast, we’ll be speaking with Larry McClain about the case of Pam Hupp, a case out of St. Louis, Missouri, that involves at least two murders, three court trials, and as many twists and turns as a Hollywood movie. Literally! The Hollywood film about this case is in production as I record this, with Rene Zellweger playing the lead. 

But the real star of this case is digital evidence, as the data that Detective McClain was able to pull from Pam’s cellphone was essential in uncovering the truth and bringing the killer to justice. 

Our guest Larry McClain served as a Scout/Sniper in the United States Marine Corps before transitioning to a 23-year career in law enforcement, spending most of that time in investigations, specializing in digital forensics. 

He served with the O’Fallon, Missouri Police Department in the St. Louis metro area as a detective, and also managed a digital forensic laboratory for the Region. He served on several task forces, including the FBI Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task force. 

The big takeaway from the digital perspective here is the way Larry describes Pam’s cellphone: he calls it the third witness to the tragic events of August 16, 2016. One that doesn’t have a bias or a perspective, and only reports the truth.  

Listen now to hear the story!

Stay up to date with Digital Forensics In Real Life podcast here.