Fitness Tracker Data Helps Solve Murder Case

A fitness tracker played a key role in solving a murder, according to the New York Times. The Fitbit Alta HR worn by the victim provided crucial evidence, confirming that her heart stopped beating while her 90-year-old stepfather was still present in her home.

Karen Navarra was killed on September 8. Her body was discovered five days later by a coworker who became concerned when she failed to show up for work.

Stepfather’s Story Contradicted by Evidence

According to Karen’s stepfather, he visited her briefly on the day of her death, bringing homemade pizza and cookies. He claimed he left after about fifteen minutes, that she walked him to the door, and even gave him two roses as a thank you. He also stated that later that day, he saw his stepdaughter drive past his house with someone else in the car.

Fitbit Data Reveals the Truth

Police obtained a warrant to extract data from Karen’s fitness tracker, working with a Fitbit representative. The device recorded a sudden spike in her heart rate around 3:20 p.m., followed by a rapid decline. Eight minutes later, her heart stopped beating.

By comparing the tracker’s data with home surveillance footage, investigators determined that Mr. Aiello was still in the house when Karen’s heart stopped. He left only five minutes later, and his car was still parked outside at the time. Blood-stained clothing was later found in his home. Aiello was arrested and held in custody awaiting trial.

During questioning, Aiello was reportedly shocked to learn about the capabilities of fitness trackers and how pulse measurements could be matched to exact times.

Fitbit’s Role in the Investigation

Fitbit representatives provided the biometric data to investigators without issue. The company’s privacy policy clearly states that it “collects data in the interest of user and public safety” and “may use the information to respond to official requests.”

Fitness Trackers in Criminal Investigations

This is not the first time a fitness tracker has helped solve a crime. Data from such devices have previously aided in investigations of rapes, assaults, and murders. For example, in 2017, Fitbit data was accepted as evidence in a Connecticut murder trial. There have also been cases where investigators requested data from Amazon Echo speakers to determine if they had “overheard” events during a crime.