PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A new independent report found Rhode Island Crime Lab forensic examiners did not critically compare gun evidence, leading them to inaccurately connect a gun to a 2021 murder case out of Pawtucket. Karel Martinez-Scarlet was accused of murdering Keshaudas Spence, of Massachusetts, and was scheduled to go on trial April 2025. But a judge canceled the trial date after the Attorney General's office said a weapon found in Boston was a better match to the 2021 scene. The 24-page report discussed at the state's crime lab commission Wednesday recommended one of the examiner's should not be handling cases. Dennis Hilliard, director of the crime lab at the University of Rhode Island, said they are following that guidance, however, that employee still works there. TARGET 12: Rhode Island halts firearms forensics after discovering issue in 2021 murder case He said the 2021 case was reviewed recently because that examiner had issues with his proficiency test. "He was taken off casework in January and the Attorney General's office asked us to re-examine the case," Hilliard said. R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha then paused all firearms forensic testing in September as they worked to determine if this was an isolated incident. The report reviewed 15 cases and found two other incidents where the independent consultant determined there were two false negative cases. "A false positive is more impactful than a false negative because a false positive means someone could go to jail," Hilliard said. The report stated all three examiners involved in the review of the 2021 evidence should have been able to spot the difference under the microscope and taken better notes. The report also said two other examiners tied to the case have since left the crime lab. Hilliard said the state will continue to review dozens more cases conducted by all three examiners, as part of the report's recommendations. "I've been here for 40 years," he said. "This is the first time we've had this kind of issue." Kate Wilkinson ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW