November 12, 2010
Expert Opinion: The "Felon With a Gun" Photo Is Real
I asked you yesterday whether or not you thought the purported photo of a felon holding a gun was real.
Those of you who responded, either in the comments or via email were convinced that the photo is real... and according to an expert I've contacted you are most likely correct.
Bob,I have reviewed the photo you sent me showing two men win one apparently holding a pistol in each hand.
It is my opinion that there are no picture elements or artifacts consistent with manipulation of the photo in the area of the arms, hands, and pistols. The shadow patterns on the clothing are consistent with shadows produced by the pistols and they are consistent with the shadows on the ground. The light reflecting from the pistol surfaces are consistent with the scene illumination.
The photo does not appear to have been manipulated. The pistols appear to have been in the man's hands when the photo was taken.
Alexander Jason, CSCSA, CFPH
Senior Certified Crime Scene Analyst
Certified Forensic Photographer
www.alexanderjason.com
This analysis by Mr. Jason validates the two eyewitness accounts from the photographer and the other man in the photo, who claimed to have gone shooting with Lee Booth in a range near the North Carolina/South Carolina border.
BATF Supervisory Special Agent Earl Woodham told me last week on the phone that BATF managers had reviewed all the claims about Booth made in the Pajamas Media article, and that the were "not interested" in pressing charges again him.
I somehow suspect that something more is going on here than a felon holding a gun.
Does that mean the BATF doesn't mind my stills? Or do I need to get a felony conviction on my record before they'll ignore me?
Posted by: Gus Bailey at November 12, 2010 01:52 PMOooh, what about my illicit (not necessarily illegal) AmFO facility.
Sorry, I don't have any bootleg ciggies.
Posted by: Gus Bailey at November 12, 2010 01:53 PMMr Jason, how does that prove the firearms are real? Mr Ahern has long made firearms for movies and tv. detonics guns were in miami vice, mr and mrs smith and several others. It is well known Mr Ahern has issues due to business with Mr Booth. If Ahern is the witness and he says the guns are real how is that credible? Trial by news media. I think Mr Owens has made some errors in his story and he is waiting for the legal action that will most likely be coming. I suspect Mr Ahern put him up to it. I also know NC is one of the many states that has or did have automatic rights Restoration programs. I think Mr Owens last statement is more a plea for help with legal fees. I would like to hear Mr Booth's side of the story personally. JMHO
Posted by: Bill at November 12, 2010 03:54 PMSo let me see if I understand your assertion, Bill.
Are you claiming that Mr. Booth was supplied with movie guns to frame him? And that Booth couldn't tell the difference between a movie gun and a real one?
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at November 12, 2010 05:33 PMThere is an anomaly. The mini- in his right hand is cocked. What moron poses holding two handguns with one of them obviously cocked. Also the way his hands are held; it is more like you would hold them if you were holding a long gun.
The shadow against the shirt for the other one looks to be slghtly off angle. I can see why there might be a question.
When I question whether a picture is real; I look at the edging around the object or person. It is right at the edges that there will be surreality. In this case I wonder what is the deal just under the left thumb just after the rear sight.
Could be my imagination but this picture does look tampered.
Posted by: ron at November 13, 2010 01:59 AMRon,
If you would look, you would see that BOTH weapons are cocked.
So much for anomalies.
Posted by: Bill Smith at November 13, 2010 07:08 PMI thought so, it was not as particularly obvious on the one in the left hand. Still stupid.
All this concern for a felon possessing guns reminds me that I don't agree that felons should lose their right to own guns, or vote or anything else once they have served their sentences.
Maybe if they are murderers or otherwise violent can I see this lifetime ban.
Lets not fall in line with the anti gun crown over this "felon with gun" idea.
"Are you claiming that Mr. Booth was supplied with movie guns to frame him?"
More likely he knew the guns were fake and so does the FBI, the shot being set up as a promo for his company in such a way that there's no legal problem.
And you got all upset and are the one duped by mistakenly believing what your eyes want you to believe, that your chosen villain has broken the law and the federal government is complicit in it.
Posted by: JTW at November 15, 2010 03:12 AMJTW, both handguns are real. Booth had just fired both of them at a firing range, in front of people more than willing to testify witnesses in a court of law as witnesses, and I happen to know the exact location of the Detonics .45 in Booth's left hand (on the right in the photo), because I know who currently owns it.
Do you have any other inane commentary to add?
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at November 15, 2010 09:27 AMSo? Intent is what matters. There are all kinds of felonies. I know a few felons who continue to hold their law enforcement jobs. They are a real danger.
Posted by: Odins Acolyte at November 15, 2010 10:40 AMSo you got George Costanza as your photo manipulation expert?
Posted by: Free pioneer at November 17, 2010 08:02 PM