Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes, Second Edition

• NCJ Number: 177107
• Author(s): Stuart H. James; William G. Eckert M.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 338 pages
• Sale Source: CRC Press
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: CRC Series in Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations

Annotation

This book is intended as a continuing resource for law enforcement officers, medicolegal personnel, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who are involved in the examination of bloodstain evidence, crime-scene reconstruction, and the presentation of this type of evidence in court.

Abstract

Chapter 1, an introduction to bloodstain-pattern interpretation and blood properties, first discusses general considerations and the historical development of this field. This is followed by discussions of the objectives of bloodstain- pattern interpretation, the biological and physical properties of blood, and the external forces that alter a blood source or drop. A chapter on low-velocity impact and angular considerations of bloodstains addresses free-falling blood drops onto horizontal and nonhorizontal services; determination of the points or areas of convergence and origin; angular impact produced by horizontal motion; splashed, projected, and cast-off blood; and other bloodstain patterns associated with low-velocity force. Another chapter focuses on medium-velocity and high-velocity impact blood spatter. This chapter considers the bloodstain patterns produced by such impacts, the construction of a simulated head for high- velocity blood-spatter experiments with firearms, and the detection of blood in the barrels of firearms. The significance of partially dried, clotted, aged, and physically altered bloodstains is discussed in Chapter 4. Topics include the drying time of blood, blood clotting, blood diffusion and drying on various types of cloth as a function of time, the aging of bloodstains, a blood degradation experiment, and other alterations of bloodstains. Remaining chapters discuss the medical and medicolegal aspects of bloodshed at crime scenes; the documentation, collection, and evaluation of bloodstain evidence; the detection of blood using luminol; and case studies in bloodstain pattern interpretation. This second edition is both revised and updated in accordance with the most recent relevant scientific studies; it also contains improved quality photographs and diagrams. Glossary, appended trigonometric tables and precautions for infectious diseases, and a subject index