Transcript: Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission, William C. Richmond and Frank Scipione, 1985 October 30

The second series consists largely of testimonies, summaries and reports produced by the actions of the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (PSIC). On May 22, 1985, Philadelphia Mayor, W. Wilson Goode appointed the PSIC to investigate the events leading up to the MOVE incident of May 13, 1985. The PSIC was given access to all records of individuals, departments, boards, or agencies related to the MOVE confrontation as well as the power to subpoena witnesses. The reports are mainly from fire, police, and city officials that were undoubtedly used to help the Commission reach its findings. Of note is Dr. Ali Z. Hameli's evaluation and scathing criticism of the medical examiners and crime scene investigators that handled the remains of the fire victims. Hameli was hired by the Commission as part of its pathology team. Also of note is the testimony of Birdie Africa (Michael Moses Ward), the only other survivor of the MOVE incident.