NCJ Number
195930
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 619-624
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents a case study of a sexual assault in which screen-print ink flakes were used to link the suspect to the victim.
Abstract
The article describes a sexual assault that occurred in August of 1997 in Anchorage, Alaska. During the Sexual Assault Response Team exam at the local hospital, a yellow fleck on the victim’s body was noted and collected as part of the evidence. The authors describe how this yellow fleck was subsequently identified as a flake of screen-print ink that is commonly used to print numbers, letters, and designs on clothing. Through careful analysis and research into the nature of screen-print ink, the yellow fleck was linked to the suspect’s athletic jersey that was worn at the time of the assault. The authors thus show how previously overlooked ink flecks discovered on victim’s bodies or at crime scenes may prove to be valuable forensic evidence. The authors call for more research to determine the value of identifying and comparing pigments and other additives in various screen-print ink samples. 8 Figures