FBI doubts unlocking teen suspects' Apple devices will help the Arkansas couple murder case

An Arkansas prosecutor previously stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigations agents will assist to unlock the iPhone and iPod owned by two teens accused of a couple's murder in Conway. However, the intelligence and security service doubts it will help much to the case.

The FBI issued a statement Thursday that it didn't rule out such help, however, they said it does not know enough about the devices to say whether it could help the state's investigators, the Las Vegas Sun reported. It was also not determine if the FBI would use the same method as the San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone. They had not yet revealed yet how their agents managed to get into the said terrorist's device.

Faulkner County Prosecutor Cody Hiland announced on Wednesday that the FBI would assist him in unlocking the two devices, according to ABC News. The prosecutor believed the devices have evidence that can be used against the four teens who are currently suspects for shooting Robert and Patricia Cogdell of Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock. The Little Rock-based office of the FBI received the request and has considered helping the local agencies on a case-to-case basis.

The accused 18-year-old Hunter Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton both took a not guilty plea to the murder, the Verge reported. Patrick Benca, Drexler's representing attorney, stated they are not concerned about the phone. However, prosecutors believe that the Apple devices will be essential to the state's case. It reportedly has recorded phone conversations with Staton, allegedly indicating his involvement in the crime.

The FBI has received a number of the same requests since first cracking the San Bernardino device. The ability to bypass Apple's security has become a never ending privacy debate between tech companies and the American government. Despite the agency's success in unlocking an iPhone without its maker's help, the issue is still controversial.

Tags

FBI, Arkansas Case, Conway Murder, Cody Hiland, IPhone Cracking, Apple encryption

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