Molecular Method to Correlate Bloodstains with Wound Site for Crime Scene Reconstruction

• NCJ Number: 246856
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 735-742
• Author(s): Donald J. Johnson M.S.; Cheryl Andersen M.S.; Katherine A. Scriven M.S.; Amberly N. Klein M.S.; Mo Re Choi B.S.; Cindy Carroll Ph.D.; Ray D. de Leon Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2014
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Bloodstain pattern analysis to determine the wound-of-origin of bloodstains is problematic with nonspecific patterns.

Abstract

Bloodstain pattern analysis to determine the wound-of-origin of bloodstains is problematic with nonspecific patterns. In this proof-of-concept study, the authors examined a molecular approach to correlate bloodstains with injuries using the rat as a model. Specifically, investigations were conducted on the rat brain marker, rno-miR-124-3p, with the QIAGEN miScript System and real-time PCR analysis. Rno-miR-124-3p was detected in brain homogenates diluted 100,000 times; in 3-week-old, room temperature stored, simulated brain-blood stains; and in bloodstains from head gunshot wounds collected with swabs and subsequently frozen for 9-18 months; however, rno-miR-124-3p was not detected in whole blood. Proof-of-principle was demonstrated by the ability to distinguish bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the head versus bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the chest, by the testing of otherwise identical bloodstains from the two patterns for the presence of the marker. The results suggest a viable approach to a longstanding problem in casework. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.