Tracking Device Forensics in Attempted Murder Investigation

In a complex attempted murder investigation, IntaForensics was instructed to provide expert insight into the use of GPS tracking devices found to have been deployed on the vehicles of a targeted individual and his spouse. The case involved long-term surveillance by the offenders, and our role centred on the forensic testing and functionality of the tracking technology used. While our evidence did not stand alone in securing convictions, it formed an important part of the overall evidential picture. 

The victim was shot while seated inside his home, accompanied by two children. The shot was fired from the edge of the garden, through patio doors and a conservatory, striking the victim with precise aim. Investigators later uncovered that tracking devices had been used to monitor the movements of both the victim and his spouse in the lead-up to the incident. 

An iPad Mini used to monitor these devices was recovered years later from the River Thames. Despite prolonged submersion, sufficient forensic detail on the casing allowed investigators to link the device to the offenders. Our expert analysis focused on understanding how the tracking devices functioned, and whether they could operate and log data independently of any third-party monitoring service.

The recovered iPad Mini was no longer functional, and access to the manufacturer’s proprietary platform (Rewire Security) was not available. The investigation required a technical understanding of whether the tracking devices used could store or transmit location data without relying on ongoing access to commercial services. 

Our task was to test these same types of trackers under controlled conditions and report on how they operated — particularly in relation to data logging, GPS accuracy, and independence from centralised tracking infrastructure. 

IntaForensics conducted a digital forensic investigation and functional review of the GPS devices in question using test equipment sourced from the same manufacturer. Our work included:

Attribution of recovered equipment
We reviewed physical identifiers on the iPad Mini casing. Despite being submerged for a significant period, the hardware contained enough distinct detail to allow attribution to the offenders.

Reconstruction of tracking capability
Identical tracking devices were acquired and tested in various conditions to replicate how they were likely used in the original case. This included power-on behaviour, location tracking frequency, and data storage.

Testing for offline operation
We confirmed that the devices were capable of logging and storing location data without needing real-time access to the vendor’s server — meaning a linked iPad or similar device could monitor movements directly.

Assessment of data structure and continuity
We examined the consistency of timestamped GPS points, allowing us to comment on route reliability and whether the devices could support a timeline of movements before the incident.

Expert reporting
A formal expert witness report was prepared outlining our findings. The report was structured to clarify how the devices functioned and to what extent they could have contributed to the offenders’ planning and surveillance.

The report supported other lines of evidence gathered by law enforcement and helped explain how tracking played a role in the case.

Our analysis demonstrated that the tracking devices could effectively monitor and record location data without relying on cloud infrastructure or external services. The iPad Mini recovered years after the offence had likely been used to view live or cached movement data from these devices. 

While the GPS evidence formed only one part of the wider investigation, our findings helped validate the assertion that the offenders had actively tracked the victim’s movements in advance of the incident. 

This case highlights how everyday consumer-grade surveillance tools can be repurposed in criminal activity — and how digital forensic investigation and structured expert analysis can play a vital role in understanding their use. 

Contact IntaForensics to discover how our digital investigation services can support your case with integrity, accuracy, and expert insight. Get in touch at sales@intaforensics.com or call us on: 0247 77 17780.