In Lee County, crime scene analysts are taking real-life investigations to the next level. WINK News got an exclusive look at the forensics lab to see how the team cracked a March 2023 shooting case.

An innocent couple drove through an intersection when an unidentified man shot them. The responsibility of finding the shooter fell to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with the forensics team stepping in to help.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno has put together a team of more than 30 crime scene technicians and forensic specialists. Their task is to sift through evidence to find the critical lead.

“Since I’ve been here, we have changed things tremendously, the facilities, our abilities, the equipment, game-changing,” said Marceno.

The team’s work often involves analyzing DNA, firearms, fingerprints, and digital forensics. Randy Butrim, a crime scene technician, shared the dedication required in difficult situations.

“A house that was very messy, working non-stop,” said Butrim.

The lab in Lee County now uses a new tool, the ANDE DNA machine, which quickly identifies subjects and victims. It requires a simple swab. After inserting the chip, the machine takes about 90 minutes to extract DNA.

In this particular case, fingerprints were key. Harley Vititoe, an expert in the lab, demonstrated how fingerprints are collected and analyzed.

“Almost every day in the lab, or out on a scene. I do this every day, in the field, or in the lab,” said Vititoe.

The fingerprint found on the truck led to an arrest, and the trucks are always ready for the next crime scene.

“It’s the behind-the-scenes heroes that put together the foundation and structure of the evidence, of the case, of the testifying and all the above, again, that team comes together. People are safe, and we’re the safest we’ve ever been,” said Marceno.

The ANDE DNA machine, funded by a donation from Carol Culliton, is one of only four in the state. It has been instrumental in several investigations and natural disasters like Hurricane Ian.

The shooter received a 17-year prison sentence, thanks to the forensics team finding the fingerprint.