NCJ Number
147809
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 361-374
Date Published
1993
Length
14 pages
Annotation
In the reported homicide investigation, chewing gum was an important evidence factor; it was found that salivary traces on bitten food and other materials, such as beverage containers, may be used to determine suspect blood type.
Abstract
The case involved close cooperation between investigators, including police detectives, evidence technicians, criminalists, investigation technicians, and a forensic odontologist. In 1975, acting on information supplied by the San Diego, California, Police Department, a homicide team forced the door of a private residence and found an adult male lying dead across a bed; he had been shot and stabbed. Two female adults were arrested in connection with the murder. Used chewing gum found at the crime scene was analyzed, and investigators found that chewing impressions matched those of one suspect. Remarkably, the suspect had an opening drilled in the back of her upper incisor and the same tooth was missing a filling. These same defects were noted on the chewing gum. Other criminal cases are described in which forensic techniques played an important role. 3 footnotes and 2 tables