The issue here is very simple and easy to learn, on cars of this past era, one confirmed VIN is not clear proof of a crime nor ownership, unless cognitive bias rules the process, and why we have or are supposed to have Judges who rise above sentiment at play, which seems we did here, less maybe $10K in lawyer's fees, unfortunately.

"you can beat the rap, but not the ride"

Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.