Caleb Flynn Trial Day 6: Defense Attacks Wilhelm’s Digital Evidence Reliability

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

You're listening to continuing coverage in the trial of Caleb Flynn from the Hidden Killers podcast and True Crime Today. Now, back to the courtroom.

SPEAKER_2 (0:11)

Take a minute to get acclimated.

Make sure your phones are off, completely off those in the gallery as well. And we are going to continue with the direct examination of Special Age of Wilhelm. I'll remind you, sir, that you're still under oath.

SPEAKER_4 (0:34)

Yes, Your Honor. Okay.

SPEAKER_2 (0:35)

Mr. Watkins, if you'd like to continue.

SPEAKER_4 (0:37)

May I approach the witness? You may.

Agent Wilhelm, I'm now showing you what's in the report, but as previously marked by identification purposes, it states the exhibit 227

SPEAKER_5 (0:55)

Do you recognize that?

Joseph Wilhelm (1:00)

This is a celebrate report created from this device.

SPEAKER_5 (1:13)

Created from Caleb Flynn's iPhone?

Joseph Wilhelm (1:16)

Yes, correct.

SPEAKER_5 (1:17)

And what does that report document?

Joseph Wilhelm (1:22)

This report documents a note found on the device.

SPEAKER_4 (1:30)

And what's contained within the note?

Joseph Wilhelm (1:33)

The note's body is You Gave It All. And the context, the content of the note is the lyrics heard and the songs yesterday.

SPEAKER_5 (1:47)

And is that note a fair and accurate depiction of what you extracted from the defendant's device?

Joseph Wilhelm (1:53)

Yes.

SPEAKER_5 (1:56)

What type of file did you find played shortly after 9 p.m. on February 15th on the defendant's phone?

Joseph Wilhelm (2:05)

I'm sorry, can you ask me again?

SPEAKER_5 (2:06)

Shortly after 9 p.m. on February 15th, you find there was an audio bot played on the defendant's phone?

Joseph Wilhelm (2:14)

I think it was at 8 something p.m. There was an audio file played on the phone.

SPEAKER_4 (2:22)

Now, Hannah, you have been previously marked for identification purposes as Stacey, to be true, and it's your report that opened your test.

SPEAKER_5 (2:31)

What audio file did you play that played sometime after 8 o'clock?

Joseph Wilhelm (2:36)

The title of it was Untitled, which was the same file name of one of the audio files that we heard yesterday.

SPEAKER_4 (2:49)

Through what audio source was it played?

Joseph Wilhelm (2:53)

It was played through the airpods.

SPEAKER_5 (2:56)

What did you see in terms of volume?

Joseph Wilhelm (2:59)

I saw that there were volume levels, record.

SPEAKER_5 (3:05)

What was played from Group B at approximately 8:45 p.m.?

Joseph Wilhelm (3:10)

That audio file was played.

SPEAKER_4 (3:41)

You might put some buzz on and tell me if you recognize this.

Joseph Wilhelm (4:09)

These are the, this is the charging case to the AirPod's found at the residence, the sign of the veteran and the nightstand.

SPEAKER_5 (4:18)

That's charging case for AirPod's for active North Stamson?

Joseph Wilhelm (4:22)

Correct.

SPEAKER_5 (4:24)

What else can you tell us about that case, as it pertains to your investigation?

Joseph Wilhelm (4:28)

It's the same make and model as the, as the AirPod's found inside of the phone.

SPEAKER_5 (4:38)

Did you separately examine an Apple Watch Series 9 on March 26th, 2026?

Joseph Wilhelm (4:44)

Yes.

SPEAKER_4 (5:04)

Now, during what's been entered into evidence, the States Exhibit 266, do you recognize that?

Joseph Wilhelm (5:13)

I do.

SPEAKER_4 (5:14)

What do you recognize it to be?

Joseph Wilhelm (5:16)

It's an Apple Watch Series 9 that was reported from the residents.

Did you analyze that? I did examine it, but found essentially no forensic tools that I'm aware of support and extraction from the device.

SPEAKER_5 (5:41)

So how did you do that?

Joseph Wilhelm (5:43)

So I looked at it manually.

SPEAKER_5 (5:46)

How did you do that?

Joseph Wilhelm (5:47)

By manipulating the device.

SPEAKER_5 (6:02)

What can you tell us about password protection on a device?

Joseph Wilhelm (6:06)

It was protected with a pin.

SPEAKER_2 (7:21)

We're going to go off the record briefly. The state has to acquire some evidence for this witness.

If you all want to stand up and stretch a little bit.

Yes, we're back on the record in 26 CR 88, State of Ohio v. Caleb Smith. We're going to continue with the direct of the prosecution with regard to Special Agent Wilhelm. Mr. Watkins, go ahead. Thank you. May I approach? You may.

SPEAKER_5 (8:08)

Special Agent Wilhelm, I'm National New West Brunette, privacy mark for identification purposes. The State's Exhibit 229, do you recognize that?

Joseph Wilhelm (8:18)

I do.

SPEAKER_4 (8:19)

What do you recognize it to be?

Joseph Wilhelm (8:20)

It's a copy of my report regarding the examination of the Apple Watch.

SPEAKER_4 (8:27)

State's Exhibit 266 there in front of you?

Joseph Wilhelm (8:33)

The one you just handed me?