I have to believe that Claypool would go to the trouble of announcing the recovery of the shell casing evidence if it were false.  That would not help the civil rights suit.  Like you, I am left wondering why the FBI or the US Justice Department can't be a little more forthcoming with what they have found during this time?  I'm sure it has something to do with the trials as well as the Grand Jury investigation.  Maybe a legal eagle can shed some light on this?    It's been over seven months since the shooting.   Not having any answers still leaves a lot of pondering over why the FBI agents allegedly lied?  It has also led to much speculation without facts.