In a story that sounds like it could be straight out of a crime thriller, investigators in Macomb County, Michigan, used an unexpected form of evidence—bird droppings—to help arrest a man accused of shooting Detroit businessman Eddie Jawad. The case, which unfolded over several days in October, demonstrates the ingenuity of law enforcement in tracking suspects when traditional methods are complicated by deceptive tactics.
Jasan Martin, 32, now faces a string of serious charges, including assault with intent to murder, after allegedly targeting Jawad in a shocking daylight attack. While the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, the methods used to identify and capture Martin highlight the evolving sophistication of forensic investigations.
Tracking a Criminal With Unorthodox Evidence
The events leading to Martin’s arrest began on October 14, when he allegedly scaled a fence at Eddie Jawad’s home before opening fire. Jawad, a businessman involved in managing construction projects, was reportedly shot in his right leg and grazed on the left leg by another bullet. Jasan Martin then fled the scene in a Ford Escape, creating a challenging situation for law enforcement. The vehicle itself posed significant difficulties in tracking: it was borrowed from a family member, and the license plate affixed to it had been stolen from a different car. These factors initially masked Martin’s movements, making conventional tracking methods less effective.
Police initially relied on traffic cameras to locate the SUV on October 17, three days after the shooting. By this point, the vehicle displayed a legal license plate and was back in the possession of Martin’s relative. While locating the car was a breakthrough, authorities still needed to confirm that this particular vehicle had been involved in the shooting. It was at this stage that forensic detectives turned to an unusual but telling clue: bird droppings.
By comparing bird feces found on the car at the time of its discovery to samples collected near the crime scene, investigators were able to verify that the vehicle in question was indeed the one used in the attack. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham elaborated on the process during a press briefing, highlighting the precise comparison techniques that made the evidence credible.
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“We were able to compare between the two vehicles — one with the bad license plate, one with the good license plate — to solidify that we had the right vehicle; that being the amount of brake dust on the wheels,” Wickersham explained. “There was a specific smudge on this vehicle in the same location, and it was actually bird poop in the exact same location on both vehicles.” This unconventional forensic clue, coupled with analysis of brake dust and smudges on the SUV, allowed authorities to conclusively link Jasan Martin to the shooting.
The Background and Criminal History of Jasan Martin
Jasan Martin was not a stranger to law enforcement at the time of the alleged shooting. According to Macomb County prosecutor Peter Lucido, Martin was on his fourth offense notice, which significantly increases the potential consequences he faces if convicted. Already on parole for crimes including kidnapping, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon, Martin’s prior record paints a picture of a repeat offender whose criminal trajectory had escalated over time. The serious nature of his alleged actions in the Jawad case further amplifies concerns about public safety and the threat posed by repeat offenders.
The alleged circumstances of the crime itself add a disturbing dimension to Martin’s criminal profile. Authorities stated that he parked near Jawad’s home and hid under a vehicle in the driveway before emerging to open fire on the businessman. The audacity of the attack, conducted in broad daylight, underscores the calculated risk Martin allegedly took and the immediate danger posed to Jawad. Prosecutors have framed the assault as both shocking and appalling, emphasizing the level of premeditation and disregard for human life involved.
As Martin awaits trial, he faces a host of charges, including one count of assault with intent to murder, three counts of felony firearms, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond, and if able to post bail, would be required to wear a GPS tether to monitor his movements. Jasan Martin has pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious and closely watched legal process.
Unusual Forensic Techniques and Modern Crime Solving
The use of bird droppings as evidence in criminal investigations is rare, but this case illustrates how law enforcement can think creatively when traditional methods are insufficient. While digital surveillance, traffic cameras, and license plate tracking are standard investigative tools, criminals who use stolen plates, borrowed vehicles, or other deceptive measures can complicate the process. In such scenarios, forensic experts must rely on smaller, less conventional clues to establish connections between suspects, vehicles, and crime scenes.
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Bird feces, in particular, can serve as a surprisingly reliable identifier in certain circumstances. In Martin’s case, investigators matched the exact location and characteristics of bird droppings on the SUV to samples found near the crime scene. Alongside other physical evidence, including brake dust and smudges, this created a chain of evidence that firmly tied the suspect to the shooting.
Sheriff Wickersham’s explanation of the forensic process highlighted the meticulous nature of modern investigative work, demonstrating that even seemingly trivial or bizarre details can play a critical role in solving complex cases. The Martin case also underscores the broader role of forensic science in overcoming challenges posed by technologically savvy or resourceful criminals. With stolen license plates and borrowed vehicles intended to obscure identity, authorities had to adopt a multi-pronged investigative approach.
By combining surveillance technology, careful analysis of physical evidence, and innovative forensic techniques, law enforcement ultimately secured the arrest and laid the groundwork for prosecution. It is a reminder that modern policing often requires a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and scientific expertise to hold suspects accountable for serious crimes.
In conclusion, the arrest of Jasan Martin in connection with the shooting of Detroit businessman Eddie Jawad is remarkable not only for the severity of the alleged crime but also for the unorthodox methods used to apprehend the suspect. The case highlights the ingenuity of investigators who turned a seemingly mundane clue—bird droppings—into a pivotal piece of evidence, demonstrating that even the smallest details can make a significant impact in criminal investigations.
With Jasan Martin facing a range of felony charges and a potential life sentence due to his prior record, the outcome of this case will be closely watched as a striking example of how forensic science and investigative persistence can converge to deliver justice.