LINUS Investigations and Consulting

05/27/2026

What a crazy week it has been. After arriving in Sofia, we took a day trip and guided tour of Plovdiv, Bulgaria (the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe); a day trip to Nis, Serbia and a guided tour of the city; and then another day trip (long day trip) to Skopje, Northern Macedonia for a guided tour. After running all over Eastern Europe we settled back in for the IAFS conference. What a great experience of history, Communism, bone churches, concentration camps and Jewish history, great food and even better wine. Ready to head home.

02/09/2026

If you are available on March 19, please consider joining San Antonio Magazine at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the Women Who Shape Our City.

More information about the event can be found here:

https://www.sanantoniomag.com/dream-big-2026-women-shaping-san-antonio/

We are especially proud to share that one of the women featured in the upcoming issue of San Antonio Magazine, and a participant on the Women’s Panel Discussion preceding the happy hour and networking reception, is Joanna Collins—Colonel (Retired), United States Air Force, and Co-Founder of LINUS Investigations and Consulting.

Joanna is currently in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she is presiding as President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) during its 2026 Annual Conference. Her presidential theme, “Getting Back to the Basics,” emphasizes foundational excellence in forensic science while also addressing the critical issue of vicarious trauma within the forensic profession. Under her leadership, AAFS continues to advance professional standards across a multidisciplinary membership of more than 6,500 practitioners, including pathologists, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, anthropologists, document examiners, digital evidence experts, psychiatrists, engineers, physicists, criminalists, educators, and researchers.

In the January 2026 edition of the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Joanna published a peer-reviewed article titled “Vicarious Trauma in Forensic Scientists,” further contributing to the national and international dialogue on practitioner well-being.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70247

Later this summer, Joanna will also serve as one of two official representatives of AAFS at the International Educational Outreach Program and the International Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, continuing her work on the global stage.

We invite you to join us in recognizing Joanna’s leadership and the many women shaping the future of San Antonio.

09/16/2025

Another job well done by the LINUS team!

Second of two important murder/self-defense cases in the last 18 months for our team.

🔔 NOT GUILTY | JUSTICE IN SAN ANTONIO 🔔

In a recent high-stakes murder trial in San Antonio, the jury got it right: NOT GUILTY in what was clearly a case of self-defense.

LINUS Investigations and Consulting was honored to support John Hunter of Hunter, Lane, Jampala PLLC — one of Texas' most respected and relentless criminal defense attorneys — in defending a client whose actions were lawful, necessary, and justified.

Our role in this case:

- Evidence assessment that challenged the prosecution’s theory
- Expert support that helped clarify key elements of self-defense
- Standing ready as testifying experts, prepared to defend the truth

This case highlights exactly why investigative integrity matters — and why it’s so important to partner with attorneys who will fight for their clients without backing down.

We’ve worked alongside John Hunter for years, and once again, he proved why he’s one of the best in the state. His dedication to justice, his strategic courtroom approach, and his ability to cut through the noise made this win possible — and we’re proud to have had his back every step of the way.

At LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we dig deeper, stand stronger, and support the pursuit of truth above all.

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09/10/2025

The right to self-defense is one of the most fundamental liberties we possess. At its core, it recognizes a simple truth: no government, no police force, and no court can be everywhere at once to protect us in the moment of danger. When a life is threatened, the first and often only line of defense is the individual.

Ultimately, the right to self-defense is not just a legal concept. It is a moral one, grounded in the belief that every human being has the inherent authority to safeguard their own existence. Without it, all other rights would rest on shaky ground.

Our team works on many cases in which defendants are charged with murder. But in two recent instances, this was the case in Bexar County despite the circumstances clearly pointing to self-defense. In each case, the individuals were facing imminent danger or the threat of death and acted accordingly.

While the DA's decision to prosecute in these cases remains uncertain, what is clear is that the juries quickly recognized the reality.

At LINUS Investigations & Consulting, we are committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring every defense team has the tools needed to protect their client’s rights.

🔥 NOT GUILTY | NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON JUSTICE IN SAN ANTONIO 🔥

A young man’s life was on the line, a military veteran with a wife and young children — charged with murder for defending his family from imminent death, his future hung in the balance.

But thanks to the relentless work of criminal defense attorney Joe Hoelscher and the entire investigative team at LINUS Investigations and Consulting, the jury saw the truth: this was a clear case of self-defense — and they returned the right verdict: NOT GUILTY.

Our team provided:

🔎 Strategic investigative support that uncovered critical facts and missed evidence

🧑‍⚖️ Compelling expert testimony by Duane Collins that brought clarity to the courtroom regarding self-defense and crime scene handling

⚖️ A dedicated partnership with Joe Hoelscher to fight for justice from crime scene to courtroom

This wasn’t just a win — it was a life saved.

And the impact of this case? Nationally recognized.

The story was featured on A&E’s “Accused: Guilty or Innocent?”, shedding light on the complex realities of self-defense and the high stakes of the criminal justice system.

We’re proud to have stood beside Joe Hoelscher, one of Texas’ most formidable defense attorneys, in this unforgettable case.

At LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we don’t just investigate — we help protect the innocent.

https://play.aetv.com/shows/accused-guilty-or-innocent/season-6/episode-6

# SACDLA

07/29/2025

At LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we remain discreet about the majority of our work and Justice does not always equate to a not guilty verdict—but when an innocent individual faces prosecution based on evidence that fails to withstand proper scrutiny, we are proud to support efforts that uphold due process and truth. We commend the outcome achieved by the legal team and are honored to have contributed to another meaningful result in the pursuit of justice.

🎉 NOT GUILTY VERDICT SECURED 🎉
Justice prevailed in San Antonio, TX, in a hard-fought case where the defendant faced multiple serious charges, including indecent exposure. Thanks to the skilled legal defense led by Attorney Steve Wilson of The Mohr Law Firm and the investigative and expert support of LINUS Investigations and Consulting, the truth was brought to light—and the jury returned with the only fair verdict:

Not Guilty.

Our team at LINUS Investigations and Consulting conducted a comprehensive investigation of the facts, including cutting-edge digital forensics, to uncover key evidence that dismantled the prosecution’s narrative. Expert testimony by Drew Sustaita of LINUS Investigations and Consulting during trial played a pivotal role in guiding the jury to see the facts clearly and confidently and acquit an innocent person.

We’re proud to stand beside the defense team at The Mohr Law Firm and contribute to a just outcome. When your freedom is on the line, experience matters.

🔍 LINUS Investigations and Consulting is one of the most trusted, experienced, and professional criminal defense and expert witness firms in the state of Texas. When the stakes are high, we deliver.

07/14/2025

🔔 NOT GUILTY VERDICT | MIDLAND, TEXAS 🔔

Another win for justice — and another powerful example of what happens when skilled advocacy meets dedicated investigative support.

In Midland, Texas, a man’s freedom was on the line. Facing serious criminal charges of murder and potential life in prison, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But with the relentless courtroom advocacy of attorney Aaron Eckman from Eckman Law Firm, and the tireless investigative expert work from LINUS Investigations and Consulting, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. ⚖️

From the very beginning, LINUS Investigations and Consulting stood shoulder to shoulder with Aaron Eckman in the pursuit of justice.

Our team provided:
🔍 Advanced digital forensics analysis that challenged the prosecution’s narrative
🧬 Expert crime scene evaluation that helped uncover key inconsistencies
📂 Strategic investigative support that ensured no detail was overlooked

This wasn’t just a legal victory — it was a human one. A person’s future was returned to them because of the power of persistence, evidence-based investigation, and collaboration between legal and investigative professionals.

We’re proud to have worked alongside a brilliant defense attorney like Aaron Eckman, whose commitment to his client was unwavering. Together, we turned doubt into clarity — and accusation into exoneration.

At LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we don’t just investigate cases — we help defend lives.

Send a message to learn more

07/05/2025

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from LINUS Investigations and Consulting! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the freedom we hold dear, the sacrifices made to protect it, and the resilience of the American spirit.

As a military disabled veteran-owned company, the Fourth of July holds a special place in our hearts. We honor not only the founding of this great nation but also the brave men and women—past and present—who have defended it with courage, integrity, and commitment.

💥 Here's to family, freedom, fireworks, and the flag.
💼 Here's to justice, truth, and service—on the battlefield and in the courtroom.

From all of us at LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and joy-filled 4th of July. 🇺🇸🦅🎆

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06/27/2025

🚨 WHEN GUILTY ISN’T REALLY GUILTY 🚨

A man in La Salle County, Texas, was convicted of sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 20 years in prison—but what if we told you the full truth hadn’t yet been heard?

Thanks to powerhouse legal team Hunter, Lane & Jampala PLLC, an appeal was filed based on ineffective counsel. Why? Because his original attorney failed to bring in a criminal defense investigator, ignored key investigative issues, and faltered at trial. The court agreed — and granted a new trial.

Enter Attorney Vivek Jampala and the expert litigation team at Hunter, Lane & Jampala PLLC. They knew the stakes and brought in their long-standing expert investigative partners—LINUS Investigations and Consulting.

🔎 What followed was:
✔️ A thorough criminal defense investigation
✔️ In-depth forensic evidence review
✔️ Expert insight from seasoned investigators & experience trial attorneys
✔️ Sharp, strategic courtroom litigation from high-performing attorneys

And the result? After a week-long trial, the jury returned yesterday with the correct decision – a NOT GUILTY verdict after under 3 hours of deliberation — a total reversal from the original conviction. 🙌

This case is a powerful reminder: when your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line, you need a team of real experts on your side.

💼 Investigators. Forensics. Experts. Trial-tested attorneys.
💣 Because anything less could cost you everything.

Send a message to learn more

06/24/2025

⚖️ NOT GUILTY VERDICT — JUSTICE FOR THE WRONGFULLY ACCUSED ⚖️

A life-altering victory was won in the courtroom recently in Atascosa County, Texas. A man who had been wrongly accused of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 6 was found NOT GUILTY — restoring his freedom, his dignity, and his future.

Led by attorney Stephanie Esparza, Assistant Chief Public Defender with the Atascosa Area Advocates Public Defender’s Office, the defense team built a powerful case rooted in truth. At the heart of this defense team was Joanna Collins of LINUS Investigations and Consulting, whose expert consultation played a crucial role from the very beginning.

Through meticulous analysis of the discovery, forensics, and trial support, Joanna helped identify key inconsistencies and investigative insufficiencies that cast serious doubt on the accusations. Her expertise and unwavering commitment to justice were instrumental in uncovering the truth.

This case is a sobering reminder: wrongful accusations happen — and without strong, ethical defense teams and experienced experts and investigators, innocent lives can be shattered.
At LINUS Investigations and Consulting, we are proud to stand alongside public defenders and defense attorneys in the pursuit of justice. As one of Texas’ leading criminal defense and expert witness firms, we bring decades of experience, professionalism, and integrity to every case we touch.

👊 Truth matters. Justice matters. Innocence matters.

Send a message to learn more

06/11/2025

💥 JUSTICE SERVED — INNOCENCE PROVEN 💥

After nearly six years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit, one man is finally free and the actual perpetrator of the crime is behind bars — and the truth is now undeniable. 🙌

LINUS Investigations and Consulting is proud to have played a pivotal role in a recent post-conviction exoneration, working alongside exceptional criminal defense attorney Dayna Jones.

Over the course of an almost year-long post-conviction investigation by LINUS Investigations and Consulting, our team dug deep, challenged assumptions, and uncovered the truth — not only helping prove the client’s innocence, but also identifying the actual perpetrator who is now serving time.

And yes — DNA evidence supported and confirmed our findings. 🧬💥

This case is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why we do what we do. Innocent people deserve relentless advocates — at LINUS Investigations and Consulting, that’s exactly what we are.

“We love working with Dayna because she is not only a great lawyer, but she is a relentless advocate for the truth and works hard for clients who wouldn’t otherwise have a voice” says Duane Collins, Managing Partner at LINUS Investigations and Consulting.

“This case took some twists and turns, but Dayna was insistent that we keep pressing, which ultimately led to the discovery of several facts not previously known to law enforcement. As the leads kept building, we were able to prove what we initially suspected, Travis Cobb was not the one who committed the crime. It is rare that you are able to get an exoneration or actual innocence finding, but in this case being able to bring evidence of the actual perpetrator of the crime to the courts and prove it was very rewarding.”

⚖️ Truth matters. Evidence matters. Persistence matters. And justice? It’s worth fighting for — every single time.

https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/san-antonio-man-exonerated-walmart-robbery-20313668.php

https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/texas-man-exonerated-after-six-years-in-prison-for-wrongful-conviction

SAN ANTONIO — A man convicted in the robbery and stabbing of a Walmart loss prevention worker was declared innocent by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals late