On January 14, 2025, Shannon Price, the ex-wife of late actor Gary Coleman, underwent a polygraph test conducted by George Olivo, a former FBI agent and experienced polygraph examiner. This examination was part of A&E’s show, Lie Detector: Truth or Deception, and Price was questioned about the circumstances surrounding Coleman’s fatal fall in 2010. The results of the polygraph test indicated that she did not perform well, leading to speculations surrounding her honesty regarding the incident.
The polygraph test included a series of questions designed to ascertain Price’s involvement in Coleman’s death, an event that has long been surrounded by public suspicion, despite her not being formally charged in connection with the incident.
George Olivo explained to The Hollywood Reporter that in a personal investigative setting, he would have posed a more focused question about Price’s direct involvement in Coleman’s death. However, due to the requirements of the television format, A&E necessitated a broader range of questions, which Olivo provided. In a private investigation, he indicated that he preferred to pursue inconclusive responses until he received satisfactory answers, something that was limited by the time constraints of the show.
As part of the compromise with A&E, Olivo was permitted to ask his primary question first, while the show’s producers arranged the questions in a different sequence. Interestingly, had Price’s response to Olivo’s primary question been inconclusive, he would have retested her. Ultimately, that wasn’t necessary as the results indicated Price was not disclosing the entire truth regarding her role in Coleman’s fatal fall.
The contentious nature of the test was underscored by its background. Price took the polygraph in an attempt to quell continuous public doubt about her involvement in Coleman’s death. However, following the airing of her episode on July 10, many speculate that she might regret this decision.
In a recent interview, Olivo reflected on the transition from federal service to the private sector, discussing the importance of maintaining his polygraph apparatus. He shared that upon retiring from the FBI in 2020, he invested in his own equipment, continuing his practice as a polygraph examiner privately. This decision came as he recognized his desire to stay active in the field. His proficiency in working with various legal entities now encompasses a range of clients from defense attorneys to families and individuals where he continues to conduct exams, even maintaining ties with the federal government.
Olivo, whose polygraph exams focus on fidelity testing among couples, noted the prevalence and intensity of these tests compared to more serious matters like homicide cases. This aspect of his work has led him to consider various nuances surrounding truth and deception.
The cost of a new polygraph rig ranges from $9,000 to $10,000, according to Olivo, who uses equipment similar to that utilized during his FBI tenure. Throughout the interview, he affirmed that polygraph tests generally possess an accuracy of about 85 to 90 percent, explaining that while this may seem like a modest figure, he remains confident in interpreting the results. The innate nature of the polygraph, which captures physiological reactions, serves as a critical component in his analyses.
During Price’s test, her fidgeting raised questions among viewers and Olivo about the motivations behind such behavior. He admitted that this could potentially indicate an intentional effort to manipulate the results or it may stem from unrelated stress and anxiety she was experiencing at the time of the examination. The inconclusive responses led to discussions surrounding the involuntary nature of physiological responses during high-pressure tests.
As the interview progressed, Olivo refrained from casting direct blame upon Price, emphasizing that only she truly knows what transpired on the night of Coleman’s fall. His approved speculation suggested that an argument or confrontation could have led to a tragic accident, reiterating that even an unfortunate incident could invoke a level of avoidance in admitting to the full nature of the situation.
Fidgeting behaviors during polygraph tests are not uncommon, and Olivo acknowledged that such reactions could either help or harm the quality of the test results, depending on their source. His training allows him to recognize when individuals are using countermeasures to sway the results of the test, attributing various physiological signs to attempts at deception.
When asked about the admissibility of polygraph tests conducted for television, Olivo was clear that these results do not hold legal weight in court. Such an acknowledgment places the use of a polygraph within a realm of entertainment rather than a definitive legal tool. The interview also noted a cultural reference from the movie Meet the Parents, where Robert De Niro’s character humorously claims to possess the ability to detect lies without the aid of a polygraph.
Olivo clarified that while extensive experience could aid in reading behaviors and responses, the polygraph remains a unique instrument that captures physiological data. He described how his background in teaching interview and interrogation techniques complements his work with the polygraph, as understanding human behavior is crucial for drawing accurate conclusions.
In discussing tactics individuals might consider when attempting to circumvent polygraph tests, Olivo declined to share specifics, stating that revealing countermeasures could undermine the integrity of the polygraph community. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that some individuals resort to methods like inflicting minor physical discomfort to mask physiological reactions or may attempt to alter their state of mind through drug use or mental detachment strategies.
Ultimately, Olivo emphasized that physiological responses tend to be beyond an individual’s control, making it challenging to effectively deceive during a polygraph exam. His insights reveal the complexity of interpreting lie detection results while navigating the intertwining realms of perception and reality.
The upcoming airing of Shannon Price’s episode on A&E’s Lie Detector: Truth or Deception promises to delve deeper into her story and the outcomes of her polygraph test, ensuring public interest remains high leading to what many anticipate could be a revealing and potentially explosive episode.
image source from：hollywoodreporter
