After 5 Years, Waterlogged iPad Solves Murder Attempt
- In a story that could be ripped from the script of a police procedural,an iPad spent more than five years submerged in the Thames River before being recovered.
- Together, authorities were investigating a series of seemingly unrelated robberies, including a high-profile heist at a British museum.
- The suspects were apprehended after attempting to sell one of the stolen items at a public auction.
iPad Pulled From Thames After 5 Years Helps Solve Attempted Murder case
Table of Contents
- iPad Pulled From Thames After 5 Years Helps Solve Attempted Murder case
- iPad Solves attempted Murder: A Case Study in Forensic Technology
- Introduction: The Unexpected Role of an iPad
- What Happened? The crime and the Clues
- The Discovery: An iPad’s Unexpected Journey
- How Did the iPad Help Solve the Crime?
- Key Findings and Outcomes
- Technical Insights: How Coudl an iPad Survive Five Years Underwater?
- Could data recovery always be possible after water submersion of electronics?
- Recovery Mode
- Table of Key Facts
- Conclusion: Technology’s Impact on Justice
In a story that could be ripped from the script of a police procedural,an iPad spent more than five years submerged in the Thames River before being recovered. The device ultimately provided crucial evidence in an attempted murder case.

The inquiry began with the attempted murder of Paul Allen. Together, authorities were investigating a series of seemingly unrelated robberies, including a high-profile heist at a British museum. During the museum robbery,thieves forced their way in,broke display cases,and made off with three Ming Dynasty Chinese antiquities valued at £2.8 million.
The suspects were apprehended after attempting to sell one of the stolen items at a public auction. The auction house alerted the police, who set a trap and arrested the suspects.
During questioning,one of the accused mentioned a car stopping near the Thames shortly after the shooting of Allen. Investigators suspected the weapon used in the shooting may have been discarded in the river.
Underwater iPad Yields Key Evidence
While searching the Thames for the firearm, police discovered an iPad mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular) buried in the mud. despite being submerged for five years, the device was remarkably intact.
Experts were able to examine the iPad and access the SIM card drawer, which still contained a Vodafone SIM card. by analyzing the call data, investigators found compelling evidence linking the three men to the attempted murder of Allen.

Further investigation revealed the SIM card was associated with a GPS tracker that had been placed on Allen’s car to monitor his movements. Investigators concluded the group was attempting to kill Allen over an unpaid debt.
Without the finding of the submerged iPad,police might have missed a critical piece of evidence. The data extracted from the device led to Louis Ahearne, Stewart Ahearne, and Daniel Kelly being charged with both the museum robbery and the attempted murder of Paul allen.
iPad Solves attempted Murder: A Case Study in Forensic Technology
Introduction: The Unexpected Role of an iPad
in a gripping case that reads like a scene from a crime drama,an iPad pulled from the depths of the Thames River after five years played a pivotal role in solving an attempted murder.This article delves into the details of this engaging case, highlighting the critical role technology can play in forensic investigations.
What Happened? The crime and the Clues
The story begins with the attempted murder of paul Allen. Authorities began investigating a series of related crimes, including a museum robbery where valuable antiquities were stolen. The suspects were apprehended while attempting to sell a stolen item. During questioning, one of the suspects mentioned a vehicle stopping near the Thames River shortly after the shooting of Allen, leading investigators to believe key evidence might have been discarded in the water.
The Discovery: An iPad’s Unexpected Journey
While searching the river for the suspected firearm, police recovered a key piece of evidence: an iPad mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular) buried in the mud. Despite being submerged for five years, the device was remarkably intact, offering a potential treasure trove of information.
How Did the iPad Help Solve the Crime?
The recovered iPad became a central piece of evidence. Forensic experts were able to:
Access the SIM Card: They accessed the SIM card drawer, which still contained a Vodafone SIM card.
Analyze Call Data: By analyzing call data,investigators uncovered compelling evidence linking the suspects to the attempted murder of Allen.
Trace the GPS Tracker: The SIM card was associated with a GPS tracker that had been placed on Allen’s car, used to monitor his movements.
Key Findings and Outcomes
The data extracted from the iPad provided critical links, confirming the group’s intent to harm Allen over an unpaid debt. This led to Louis Ahearne, Stewart Ahearne, and Daniel Kelly being charged with both the museum robbery and the attempted murder of Paul Allen.
Technical Insights: How Coudl an iPad Survive Five Years Underwater?
The durability of the iPad, even after being submerged for such a long time, is remarkable. this highlights the protective measures implemented during design and manufacturing. The iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular) model, in particular, has features that may have helped:
Sealed Components: Modern electronics are often designed with sealed components, which protect the internal circuits from water damage.
Corrosion Resistance: The materials used in the iPad are often designed to be resistant to corrosion, which can help preserve the device over time.
Could data recovery always be possible after water submersion of electronics?
Data recovery from water-damaged devices is a complex process with varying success rates depending on several factors:
Depth and Water Type: Fresh water is generally less damaging than saltwater.
Time of Submersion: The longer the device is submerged, the more damage may occur.
Type of Device: iPads, due to construction, may fare better than others submerged for extended periods.
Recovery Mode
while the article does not offer information on how to place an iPad into recovery mode, here is some basic information from the search results to understand what recovery mode is. iPads use recovery mode, which might be needed to restore the device or troubleshoot issues.
How to Put iPad in Recovery Mode
Based on the iPhone Life source([1]), here’s how to access recovery mode on different iPad models:
iPads without a Home button:
1. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button until the recovery mode screen appears.
iPad with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
Table of Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
| —————— | ————————————————————————— |
| Crime | Attempted murder and museum robbery |
| Key Evidence | Submerged iPad mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| Recovery Time | Five years underwater |
| Data Recovered | SIM card data, call history, GPS tracker information |
| outcome | Suspects charged with attempted murder and robbery |
Conclusion: Technology’s Impact on Justice
This case underscores the increasing role of technology in solving criminal cases. The story of the iPad from the Thames River illustrates how seemingly lost devices can reveal critical evidence, bringing justice to those who have been harmed.
