The investigation into the recent death of Google executive Forrest Timothy Hayes has now developed into a homicide investigation spanning at least two states. Alix Catherine Tichelman, 26, allegedly gave Hayes a fatal dose of heroin in November of 2013 while the two were on his 50 foot yacht that was docked in Santa Cruz, California. Tichelman allegedly fled the scene despite Hayes' medical distress. Video footage on the yacht provides much of the evidence in the case. Forbes, and multiple media sources, report that Tichelman is suspected of second-degree murder, destruction of evidence, and transporting and providing narcotics.  

Though the suspect's whereabouts were unclear for several months, undercover Santa Cruz police officers contacted her through a social networking website and arranged a meeting. They arrested her at an upscale Santa Cruz establishment. Months before Hayes' death, Tichelman's boyfriend in Georgia also died of a heroin overdose. That case was classified as an accidental overdose and Tichelman called 911 at the time.

Many media reports indicate that Tichelman may have revealed unnecessary and potentially damaging details about her life to police. Her social media profiles also may prove damaging. Though details continue to emerge surrounding  the case, Tichelman is clearly in need of a rigorous defense of her constitutional rights. Between video footage, her discussions with police, her involvement with a death in Georgia and her social network postings, an aggressive and experienced criminal defense law firm is absolutely crucial to ensure she gets the protection she deserves. Regardless of how damaging evidence may appear, a skilled defense attorney can reduce the risks of the most severe penalties.