Amazon must release Echo audio files linked to murder case, judge rules

The privacy pitfalls of smart speakers, these small Trojan horses in your home, could turn out to be life savers. Their increase in popularity has raised a number of security concerns around consumers, as they have proven vulnerable repeatedly. As odd as it may be, though, their eavesdropping and audio recording features could even solve murders.

On Friday, a New Hampshire judge ordered Amazon to release audio files collected by the Echo of the victims of a double murder, as well as information on the type of phones used with the device, to shed more light on the case, writes ABC News. The Echo has been in police custody since they served the premises and they now want to thoroughly examine the data.

“Accordingly, the State’s motion to search in lieu of a search warrant is granted,” ruled Strafford County Superior Court Presiding Justice Steven M. Houran. “The court directs Amazon.com to produce forthwith to the court any recordings made by an Echo smart speaker with Alexa voice command capability, FCC ID number ZWJ-0823, from the period of January 27, 2017 to January 29, 2017, as well as any information identifying cellular devices that were paired to that smart speaker during that time period.”

The police already have placed a New Hampshire man, Timothy Verrill, at the sceme of the crime thanks to the home surveillance system. He was charged with first-degree murder of Christine Sullivan and Jenna Pellegrini and pleaded not guilty. As his trial is coming up in May 2019, police hope Echo will clear up the investigation.

“Investigators believe Sullivan was attacked in the kitchen of 979 Meaderboro Road where the Echo was located, and prosecutors believe there is probable cause to believe there is evidence on the Echo, such as audio recordings of the attack and events that followed it,” according to CBS Boston.

This is not the first time Amazon has received a data release order to help an investigation. But, according to the Associated Press, a company spokesperson said they wouldn’t release data “without a valid and binding legal demand properly served on us.”