Dr. Michael Sigmanm ,UCF professor, Chemist

Dr. Michael Sigman is called next. He had a PhD in chemistry. He works at UCF.Sigman used to work (90-02) at Oak Ridge National Lab with Dr. Vass. He is explaining what is a peer reviewed article.  Sigman says he became involved in July 2008 after UCF officer called and asked him to speak w/ Sheriff's office about air samples from car. He asked Vass what he wanted and what kind of methodology. 


Sigman says he collected 1 liter of air and put it into a bag. Sigma sent the larger bag (1liter) to Vass. He took a smaller sample to UCF for preliminary testing. Sigman is explaining how samples are passed through the GCMS (gas chromatograph mass spectrometer). Sigman says signal wasn't strong, sample wasn't as good as they needed. He says results show trace amounts of volatile organic components

.  Sigman says tests were consistent with the presence of gasoline.  Sigman says they went back to car- left Samples in trunk For 7.5 hrs. Sample- more concrete. Found gasoline, chloroform, and other chemicals. Sigman says the other chemicals found are common in household products (clorox) (degreaser). Sigman says chloroform could have been detected because of bleach, or human decomposition. Sigman says based on sample he collected and analyzed - results were low- he can't conclusively say human remains were in car. Sigman says there was a total of 6 samples taken.

Recess.

Ashton begins cross examination. asks more about collecting samples. Trunk was only cracked.On July 21, 2008. Dr.  Sigman was not aware trunk liner was removed when he obtained air sample.Ashton points out he took samples 4 days after trunk liner had been removed.    Dr  Vass wanted him to us a triple absorbment trap. You can test a larger sample. Dr Sigman did not have one available. Dr Sigman would consider the triple absorant trap would be the best method in testing. The results only tell you what is present but not where it came from.  Dr Sigman could still detect chloroforma and other chemicals even with the trunk liner was removed. The results and components together  are  particular to decomposition  .


 Sigman says he read an article chloroform can be found in a Swimming pool (and ppl who went swimming) but low amounts- not hazardous.    If there is bromide present, chloroform can be found per Iranian reports, per Dr. Sigman. You would not find the reaction with a bathing suit found in the trunk.  Sigman does not think chloroform  was found due to reactions of chemicals in the trunk. There was an odor coming from trunk but he is not an expert to say what was the source of smell.


Sigman: Was not surprised to find gasoline in air samples from the Pontiac Sunfire.