A few observations:
1. The simple solution is usually the best “guess”. Perp parked at the rear of the building (to the right side of where victim parked under cover). Probably the vehicle seen in video, may well be same one in gun shop video from earlier in time line. Wet weather would complicate parking on dirt/mud, walking to scene, the mud would be easily visible on sidewalk outside entry door and on floor in church. Had clothing on while on the exterior. Most likely came in pants and shoes, put top and helmet on when exiting vehicle.
2. It took some time (thus the thought the gun shop vehicle is the same one in church parking lot indicated in earlier LE press, left gun shop then drove to church, thus the time fits) to break in rear door. Look at the video that shows the single metal exterior door, which has the door handle removed and the sight glass broken. Perp likely broke glass to stick hand in to push the exit hardware to open the door. Doesn’t seem like there is a deadbolt, thus the “panic” bar would unlock door. This is the same area where a window screen is partially torn from window. There are a number of tool marks visible. Perp had tools with him. The exterior door hardware is crazy hard to remove, it took some strength, leverage and time. Best “guess” male perp from this info. Door handle and screen removal indicate, “staged” crime scene. Again, this took time and effort.
3. Limited security video release not unusual, I find it hard to imagine that they do not have video of perp leaving building unless they left thru double glass doors most likely where victim entered. This would indicate a hasty exit and/or excited perp. Wounds on victim would create tremendous blood splatter and pooling in short order. Perp would have transfer DNA and most likely covered in blood, most especially shoe prints would be available to collect. Wore clothing out most likely removed shirt top and helmet in vehicle, drove away. At some point perp tossed clothing (likelihood of recovering clothing is low).
4. They will have a good sense of height and shoe size from Fort Worth team and forensics team. Would not agree with earlier comment about clearing crime scene to quick. It was a semi sterile environment, hard floor, knew the movements inside of building rather well from video, it doesn’t take that long to collect trace evidence in that type environment.
5. Local LE got the SW persons garbage; Feds wouldn’t in this case most likely. The garbage deal doesn’t mean anything. Its common practices though you usually don’t want the person or his neighbor to see you. It gives you some background info if nothing else prior to interview.
6. FBI would be involved simply because Chief and Asst Chief attended FBI academy. Most Chiefs and Asst do this in their career. It is to train them in LE tactics, management, etc. and to build rapport with local LE so if they ever need to take a case they can have that professional relationship to come in and have influence and gather info or help when they need it. FBI says call us if you ever need us, we are here to help. MPD simply called to cover the bases and get resources, same with Rangers, NYPD and FW. They can get stuff expedited and have resources that MPD would not have. NYPD crunched data, not sure why they didn’t use Dallas PD, they have the same resources, probably to busy. That’s all for now.
