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Certified Forensic Death Investigator (CFDI) Program
Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI, CFDI-Expert and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI, CFDI-SME
Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) Accredited

if the reported Catastrophic Event and official findings are consistent with the reported evidence, as well
as any new evidence determined during the resulting investigative process. Therefore, two investigations

are taking place – a re-investigation of the initial official investigation, and the concurrent investigation for
which the CFDI has been retained. The common death / SBI investigation types, and ultimate questions

are:
▪ Is it homicide investigation?

▪ Is it accident investigation?
▪ Is it suicide investigation?

▪ Was the use of force justified (i.e. defense, use of force continuum)?
▪ Was a crime committed?

▪ Are the charges founded by the facts in evidence?

The fact is at the onset it is not known – and should not be predetermined. We have had questioned

deaths – including criminal defense – in which there was no crime (ruled a homicide, determined to be a
suicide or accident no involvement of the defendant). At the conclusion of the investigative process the

findings may be the same as officially reported, or may be different. The difference may be in the facts and
evidence, or in the interpretation of the facts and evidence. Conclusions cannot be made without a

thorough investigation and evaluation of the evidence. There are only four possible conclusions for the
CFDI and we cannot know until the initial review and analysis is concluded:

1) The official investigation/s was/were competent, with the official findings consistent with the
facts and evidence; or

2) The official investigation/s was/were not competent, with the official findings consistent with
the facts and evidence; or

3) The official investigation/s was/were competent, with the official findings not consistent with
the facts and evidence; or

4) The official investigation/s was/were not competent, with the official findings not consistent
with the facts and evidence.

Once the CFDI has their conclusions, a fully informed investigation is next, depending on the defense

strategy and direction of the attorney-client. This is the first process in ‘Uncovering Reasonable Doubt’ in
the Component Method in the CDITC program and CCDI protocol. This is the same for CFDIs. In the above,

only the first does not immediately uncover reasonable doubt. This will require conducting and completing

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