Do we even know which version of iOS the device runs? I get it might not be the original 7.0.1 which could have the lock screen bypassed but some of the iOS 9 versions exposed some information on a locked device.
Now given that some iOS updates have done unspeakable things to some devices I have to wonder how the FBI would react if such an error occurred on this device should Apple finally capitulate.
Lastly, how do we know whose phone this is really? The answer is, we don't. It was taken from a black Lexus sedan with California plates but the attackers were gunned down in a rented black SUV with Utah plates. Oddly the order states the plate number as 35KGD203 which doesn't match typical CA numbering so it's probably a typo and likely should be 5KGD203 as a quick search turns up a pointer to a court docket referring to USA v. Black Lexus IS300 Cal. Plate 5KGD203, handicap placard 36..., VIN JTHB... Now some reports say the Lexus belongs to a member of the gunman's family and not the actual shooter, which might make sense given the handicap placard, and it may be that the phone belongs to someone else entirely. One would think it would be easy enough to trace the phone through Verizon and maybe LE already has and found it to be a PAYG perhaps? Then again, if that is so, why not simply say it instead of hiding behind the legalese?
Biting the hand that feeds IT
