Crime Scene, Part 2: Biological Evidence on the Human Body (From Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation, Fourth Edition, P 45-61, 2006, Werner U. Spitz and Daniel J. Spitz, eds. -- See NCJ-214126)

• NCJ Number: 214128
• Author(s): Heather Miller Coyle; Carll Ladd; Henry C. Lee
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses the nature and analysis of biological evidence that may be found on a human body and can help in determining the cause of death and, in the case of a homicide, the identity of the killer.

Abstract

There are five major categories of physical evidence commonly found on a body: transient evidence, conditional evidence, pattern evidence, transfer evidence, and associative evidence. Transient evidence is subject to change over time either due to aging or environmental changes. Conditional evidence results from an event or action and can be altered or lost if it is not properly recognized and documented. Pattern evidence is generally produced by physical contact between persons, vehicles, weapons, and other objects. Transfer evidence is produced by physical contact between persons, objects, or both; and associative evidence can connect a victim or suspect to the place where the death occurred. One section of the paper outlines the types of transfer evidence and trace evidence that may be found on a human body. They are in the broad categories of biological evidence, such as blood and bloodstains, hairs, and bones and teeth; chemical evidence, such as drugs, poisons, and explosive and gunshot residues; mineralogical and metallic evidence, such as glass, soil, and bullet fragments; polymeric material evidence, such as fibers, film, and plastics; pattern transfer evidence, such as fingerprints and handprints; and vegetative matter evidence, such as plant material, wood, and fungi. Other sections of the paper discuss the recognition, collection, and preservation of biological evidence; field and laboratory tests of biological evidence; chemical screening tests; species determination from blood; and genetic typing of human blood and other biological evidence. The paper concludes with an overview of DNA typing methods, DNA databases, and the identification of human remains. 5 tables, 7 figures, and 58 references