Though the article stipulates the Echo was streaming something (music?) at the time - which could infer more 'active' attention - I also think this is more of a fishing expedition. I have serious doubts that the Echo recorded anything of value. I base this perspective of having numerous interactions with Echo devices and observing how routinely poor they are at listening in even completely silent rooms.

I enjoy the devices, but also scoff at the "OMG CSI TECH ENHANCE!!" spin that can kind of find its way into discussions via less-than-knowledgeable journalists. Or ones who want to amp it up. Whatever the case, I think it's kind of interesting to hear about.

I do pity the audio tech who might have to get the audio file, put it in a DAW and turn it all the way up to listen for, uh, evidence. Ouch.