Google Maps led police to Leslie Parvin in Columbia, after he fled following a double homicide in 2010 related to a dispute.
Police used Google Maps to find him. Parvin was a veteran and had served five tours overseas. He had vanished after the shootings.
The incident happened on July 30, 2010. Parvin, Lopez, and Gutierrez-Guzman were socializing. An argument began during their gathering, and Parvin pulled a gun, fatally shooting both men.
The argument may have been about money. Parvin allegedly offered Lopez money for sex, but Lopez changed his mind, which may have caused the argument.
Witnesses saw Parvin leave in a green Kia minivan. One person gave police part of the license plate, while Parvin’s family was shocked by the crime.
Police thought Parvin might be in Louisiana, so they checked license plate records and found an address in Columbia for Parvin.
A Google Maps search showed a green minivan that matched the witness description. The car was parked at Parvin’s address, confirming his location to the police.
Parvin shaved his head and destroyed the van. A family member convinced him to return, after which Parvin was arrested and charged.
Parvin said he acted in self-defense and had PTSD from his time in the army. Despite this, the jury found him guilty, and he received a 35-year prison sentence.