Crime Scene Research Articles

The Role of Molecular Investigations in Estimating the Time since Deposition (TSD) of Bloodstains: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

At many crime scenes, investigators are able to trace and find traces of blood. For many years, it was believed that such traces could only be subjected to genetic investigations, such as those aimed at comparing DNA profiling with a suspect to verify his identity, and that it was therefore not possible to backdate the traces. In recent years, various works have used experimental models to investigate the possibility of identifying markers and methodologies for estimating the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains. Despite the results, these methods are still not part of standard procedures, and there is no univocal analysis methodology. In this work we carried out a systematic literature review of all the papers published in the last ten years on this topic, comparing the experimental models created. This review demonstrates the potential that different molecular approaches, such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and spectrometry, can have in the analysis of TSD, with notable sensitivity and specificity. This paper also analyzes the intrinsic and extrinsic limits of these models and emphasizes the need to continue research work on this topic, considering the importance that this parameter can assume in forensic investigations against a suspect.

Nanostructured assessment of copper oxide for latent fingerprint recognition

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the different fields of forensic science, particularly in the efficient examination of evidence. In this study, we report scalable synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets by using hydrothermal method and its exploration in the forensic examination of latent fingerprints. The identification and structural characterization of CuO nanoparticles were carried out using advanced spectroscopic methods such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stabilization of CuO nanosheets in monoclinic symmetry (space group C2/c) was confirmed through Le Bail refinements. Morphological studies based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the CuO nanosheets exhibit, a rectangular, thin plate like morphology.The applicability of these nanosheets was tested for examining and developing fresh and aged (7 days old) latent fingerprints on dry, non-absorbent substrates using the powder dusting method. The formulation successfully developed sharp and clear fingerprints on various substrates, allowing the second-level details of the fingerprints to be viewed without any background interference. Additionally, these nanosheets are non-hazardous and cost-effective, making them a suitable fingerprint developing agent for a wide range of dry, non-absorbent surfaces recovered from crime scenes.

Epidermal ridge sweat pore density: A forensic approach to sex determination

Determining the sex from an unidentified fingerprint recovered from a crime scene can assist in narrowing down the pool of potential suspects. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining sex using fingerprint epidermal ridge sweat pore density among the Indian population. For this purpose, plain prints from both the left and right thumbs were obtained from a total of 396 participants (191 males and 205 females), aged between 18 and 35 years, who were randomly selected for the study. Sweat pores were counted in a region of 3 × 3 mm2. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 26 for Windows and Microsoft Office Excel 365. The likelihood ratio (LR) was calculated to obtain the probability inferences of sex based on the number of sweat pores. Analysis revealed that a fingerprint containing ≤ 45 pores/9 mm2 is more likely to be of male origin while one containing ≥ 49 pores/9 mm2 is more likely to be of female origin. Moreover, the difference in the number of pores was found to be statistically significant between the two biological sexes. The methodology employed in this study helps demarcate a uniform region in all the samples thereby eliminating variability due to pattern type and recurving ridges.

Comparative Toxicological Analyses of Traditional Matrices and Blow Fly Larvae in Four Cases of Highly Decomposed Human Cadavers.

In forensic investigation, determining the time and cause of death becomes challenging, especially in cases where the remains are found in advanced decomposition, rendering traditional toxicological samples unavailable or unreliable. Entomotoxicology, an emerging methodology within forensic science, leverages insect specimens collected from cadavers as alternative toxicological samples. Several laboratory and field research studies have highlighted the efficacy in detecting various drugs, toxins, and elements absorbed by insects feeding on cadaveric tissues, even at low concentrations. However, correlation studies between drug concentrations in conventional matrices and insects remain controversial due to unknown factors influencing drug metabolism and larval feeding activity. This paper presents four real cases in which human cadavers were discovered in advanced stages of decomposition, and toxicological analyses were performed on both insect samples and available matrices. The results presented complement the scant literature currently available on the application of entomotoxicology in real cases, providing insights into the correlation between larvae and human specimen results. Furthermore, guidelines to collect and preserve entomological evidence at the crime scene and during the autopsy for use in entomotoxicological analyses are provided. This advancement holds promise in aiding forensic investigations, particularly in cases where traditional methods cannot be applied or require supporting data for further validation.

Area of origin estimation from multiple arbitrarily oriented surfaces using marker-guided structure from motion

Bloodstain pattern analysis plays a crucial role in forensic investigations. Projected patterns can offer valuable insights into the dynamics of crime scenes. In this paper, we propose and validate a novel approach that extends existing software, HemoVision, to analyze impact patterns that are distributed across multiple arbitrarily oriented surfaces. The proposed method integrates HemoVision’s marker-based system with structure from motion (SfM) techniques to reconstruct the three-dimensional geometry of impact patterns using only two-dimensional photographs. Controlled experiments were used to validate the proposed approach, demonstrating robustness in reconstruction accuracy with median translation errors below 3 mm and median angular errors below 0.2°, irrespective of imaging device or image resolution. Comparing the estimated areas origin to their known ground truth, the proposed method achieved an average total error of 8.12 cm, with the primary source of error being the vertical dimension. Despite this, the overall error remains well within the ranges of error reported in prior work. This study demonstrates that HemoVision can be used to analyze complex impact patterns using only two-dimensional photographs, providing forensic experts with an efficient and accessible tool for investigating intricate crime scenes involving multi-surface impact patterns.

Explosion injuries—Crime scene investigation, documentation and reconstruction

Explosion injuries—Crime scene investigation, documentation and reconstruction

Development of Latent Fingerprints by Nanomaterial: An Update

Abstract With the development of science and technology, forensics has become a more attractive scientific subject to study, and the field of nanoforensic research has seen a lot of interest in nanomaterials. Fingerprints are crucial pieces of evidence at each crime scene, and future fingerprint investigations could greatly benefit from nano-based procedures. In terms of tangible evidence for proving a person’s identity, fingerprints have historically been and now are considered to be the most valuable sort. The prints left behind at a crime scene are typically latent (invisible) fingerprints; therefore, the distinctive ridge details of fingerprints can be obtained by coating various object surfaces with various nanoparticles, with gold being the most popular choice. These nanoparticles include silver, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, gold, carbon, and silica. Latent fingerprints can be made better and more stable using nanoparticles. This review study concentrates on the employment of various nanomaterials in the creation and identification of latent fingerprints as a consequence.

Understanding post-impact biomechanics of ballistic cranial injury by smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical modelling

AbstractVirtual crime scene investigation using numerical models has the potential to assist in the forensic investigation of firearm-related fatalities, where ethical concerns and expensive resources limit the scope of physical experiments to comprehend the post-impact biomechanics comprehensively. The human cranial numerical model developed in this study incorporates three main components (skin, skull, and brain) with dynamic biomaterial properties. The virtual model provides valuable insights into the post-impact biomechanics of cranial ballistic injuries, particularly in high-speed events beyond conventional investigative capabilities, including the velocity of ejected blood backspatter, cavitation collapsing, and pressure waves. The validation of the numerical model, both quantitatively and qualitatively, demonstrates its ability to replicate similar bone fractures, entrance wound shapes, and backward skin ballooning observed in physical experiments of the human cranial geometry. The model also yields similar temporary cavity sizes, wound sizes, and blood backspatter time against the physical cranial model, aiding in bloodstain pattern analysis. Additionally, the numerical model enables exploration of ballistic factors that vary in each crime scene environment and influence cranial injuries, such as projectile type, velocity, impact location, and impact angle. These established injury patterns contribute to crime scene reconstruction by providing essential information on projectile trajectory, discharge distance, and firearm type, assisting in the resolution of court cases. In conclusion, the developed human cranial geometry in this study offers a reliable tool for investigating firearm-related cranial injuries, serving as a statistical reference in forensic science. Virtual crime scene investigations using these models have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of forensic analyses.

Current Perspectives in the Forensic Analysis of Timbers using Vibrational Spectroscopy: A Review

Wildlife crime has increased significantly with respect to timbers such as illegal timber trading, logging, harvesting, and counterfeiting. It has tremendously drained the economy of different countries since timber trafficking at the global level has an average annual net worth of US$ 50-150 billion. Moreover, timbers can act as important forensic evidence as they can be found at the crime scenes revealing the relationships between the crime scene and corpus delicti. Since ancient times, various traditional techniques have been used for timber identification such as anatomical investigation by visual method at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. However, morphological and anatomical techniques have some advantages, such as cost effectiveness, and limitations as they require experienced personnel. Vibrational spectroscopic tools such as infrared and Raman spectroscopy help in discriminating various species of timber as different timber species have unique phytochemicals. By examining the concentrations of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses, the chemical composition can also be estimated. Herein, this review is carried out using vibrational spectroscopic methods for timber identification to combat criminal activities related to timbers for the dissemination of justice. Recent advancements and prospects are also emphasized in this review paper.

Forensic Significance of Touch Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract Touch deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) refers to the DNA that is left behind from skin cells when a person touches or comes into contact with an object. In crimes where the identification of suspects becomes a challenge, touch DNA has been a proven investigative tool. The present study aims to provide a systematic review of the role of touch DNA in criminal cases which discusses the nature and importance of touch DNA evidence at crime scenes; various phenomena including the transfer and persistence of touched samples; different factors affecting the touch sample deposition and DNA shedding; the best recovery methods and collection of samples from different substrates; and the interpretation of profiles through advanced techniques that identify the suspects. The present study also aims to optimize standard protocols in the laboratories for touched samples appropriate to the substrates that improve the success rate of profiles from touched items.

Applications of geoforensic trace evidence

Geoforensic trace evidence studies can be crucial for law enforcement and civil/criminal prosecution and defence, to test potential links between suspect(s), crime scenes or forensic object(s). In addition, trace geological evidence can be used to identify forensic sites of interest such as clandestine graves of murder victims. However, geoforensic trace evidence also has applications in a range of other investigations. This article briefly details the current geoscientific methods used to assist in such investigations and uses recent case studies to illustrate their use.

Unlocking Mysteries: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Forensic Science

Abstract: “Unlocking Mysteries: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Forensic Science” delves into the collaborative landscape of forensic investigations, where biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and law converge to shed light on criminal mysteries. By exploring foundational principles, techniques, and challenges, the chapter emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in deciphering clues left at crime scenes. It outlines seven foundational principles guiding forensic investigations, from the Law of Individuality to the Principle of Analysis. The chapter discusses various forensic analysis techniques, including DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, toxicology analysis, ballistics analysis, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry, digital forensics, and trace evidence analysis. DNA analysis, as a cornerstone, aids in individual identification and resolving disputes. Forensic entomology and anthropology provide insights into post-mortem intervals and victim identification. Chemistry techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography aid in identifying substances. Trace evidence analysis offers valuable insights into crime circumstances. The integration of biology into forensic science enhances accuracy and provides closure to victims’ families. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the indispensable role of multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative technologies, and ethical standards in pursuing truth and justice in forensic science. Keywords: forensic science, multidisciplinary collaboration, forensic analysis techniques, DNA analysis, forensic entomology, forensic anthropology, chemistry techniques, trace evidence analysis

Post Mortem Interval Calculation of Oryctolagus Cuniculus Through Forensic Entomofauna – A Tool for Resolving Medicolegal Issues in Crime Scenes

Post mortem interval (PMI) is an essential tool in crime scene investigations and is pivotal for resolving medicolegal issues. Developmental rates of insects can be utilized for the calculation of PMI of known and unknown animal and human cadavers. In the present study, PMI for rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus 1758) was calculated through insect developmental rates and insect successional patterns on decomposing carcass of O. cuniculus. A total of 8 species of insects belonging to three orders and 8 families were identified on the O. cuniculus carcass. The blow fly, Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) belonging to the family Calliphoridae was the common and first visitor species to the rabbit carcass. The developmental rate of C. albiceps associated with the ambient climatic conditions was used as a model for the calculation of PMI. Temperature correction factor of the carcass temperature versus met station temperature was found as y = 0.9185x + 3.3624; R² = 0.8343. The accumulated degree days (∑ADD) were found as 535 while the accumulated degree hours (ADH) were found as 12842 with a resultant PMI of 7 days (ADD) and 167.4 h (ADH). Five decomposition stages of O. cuniculus were identified as fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay and dry remains stage. Findings of the present study can be applied for the calculation of PMI of known and unknown animal and human cadavers for resolving medicolegal issues in crime scenes.

Designing and evaluation of a mixed reality system for crime scene investigation training: a hybrid approach

Police investigation in real-life crime scenes is an essential aspect of forensic science education. However, the practicality of bringing young investigators to actual crime scenes is often hindered by the costs and challenges involved. In order to overcome these obstacles, new technologies such as mixed reality (MR) are being explored as potential solutions. MR technology offers an interactive and cost-effective way to simulate real-life crime scenes, providing a valuable training experience for young investigators. This paper presents a novel design of a MR system using Microsoft HoloLens 2.0, which is tailored to work in a spatial 3D scanned and reconstructed crime scene using FARO point cloud 3D scanner X130 blended with photogrammetry techniques. The system was developed through the lens of Experiential Learning Theory and designed using a participatory approach, providing a cost-effective solution to help trained Kuwaiti police officers enhance their investigative skills. In order to evaluate the system’s user experience and user interaction, the Questionnaire of User Interaction Satisfaction and User Experience Questionnaire were utilised. Forty-four young police officers evaluated the system. Police students showed positive levels of satisfaction with user interaction and overall user experience with minimal negative feedback. Female students showed higher satisfaction with the overall impression compared to male students. Based on the positive feedback regarding the system expansion, the system will be taken into the commercialisation stage in the future to be provided as an essential tool for crime scene education and investigation practices.

Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Forensic Science Education: Effects on CSI Learning Achievements, Situational Interest and Cognitive Load

This study examined the effectiveness of an interactive VR-based platform (IVR-CSI) for crime scene investigation training in forensic science education. The IVR-CSI utilized real-case scenarios and head-mounted displays. University students majoring in criminal investigation (N = 71) participated, with 36 using IVR-CSI and 35 in the control group with traditional training. Pre-test, post-test, and delayed test assessments to measure learning achievements, situational interest, and cognitive load. Statistical analysis revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly better immediate learning outcomes and retained knowledge more effectively over time compared to the control group. The IVR-CSI also elicited higher situational interest across most dimensions, particularly in novelty, exploration intention, attention demand, and instant enjoyment. Importantly, IVR-CSI did not increase students’ intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load but enhanced their germane cognitive load. These results highlight the positive impact of IVR-CSI on CSI training, offering valuable insights for enhancing professional training programs and instructional methods in this field.

Kafka’s beautiful eyes: Forensic intelligence utilisation of phenotypic information

Franz Kafka had beautiful eyes. So striking, that many of the famous author’s friends and peers commented on them – but quite variously (‘dark’, ‘brown’, ‘grey’ & ‘blue’). Eye colour as perceived by an observer is subjective, being influenced by physiological, environmental, and even sociocultural factors. In a policing context, this does not mean that trait information such as eye colour is not valuable (far from it), but that it must be managed carefully. The Australian Federal Police has recently implemented a forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP, aka. physical trait prediction or PTP) capability, utilising massively parallel sequencing DNA technology to predict an individual’s eye colour, biogeographical ancestry and sex from a crime scene sample. This information alone is not itself ‘intelligence’, but can be used to generate intelligence through holistic analyses undertaken within a transdisciplinary, all-source forensic intelligence (FORINT) framework. FORINT outputs posit abductive propositions typically at the activity/offence level, to provide insight and influence decision making. However, the use of predicted traits requires that they are compared to something; all Australian police databases include fields for physical traits, but no uniform standard is applied across all agencies. Moreover, collection is inconsistent and no automated systems are in place to capture such data systematically. Consider the ‘Kafka problem’: his peers gave multiply divergent descriptions of his eyes. If a Biology unit had predicted the eye colour of an ‘unidentified author’ using DNA – how would Kafka be confidently nominated as the contributor? We posit three maxims for law enforcement: (1) To expand the operational utility of forensic science in line with police demands, forensic science should operationalise FDP (e.g. operationally to rank a list of persons of interest, focus lines of enquiry in serious & organised crime, or assist with human remains identification). (2) Such advanced biological techniques are best delivered through an all-source FORINT framework, to maximise opportunities and minimise risk. (3) One cannot pursue techno-scientific advancements in isolation; it is also necessary to influence the operational posture for their implementation. In this paper we explore these issues and provide recommendations relating to (a) police practices, (b) image capture systems, and (c) research opportunities. Phenotypic trait prediction has great potential and can be operationalised effectively through a rigorous FORINT framework. However, there is (continual) work to be done to enhance the operational capabilities that are complementary to – but necessary for – effective forensic science contribution to investigations.

The Synchrony/Asynchrony Effect on Eyewitness Memory Performance

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the synchrony/asynhrony effect on eyewitness memory. Forty-four participants (24 evening-types and 20 morning-types) performed, individually, two online sessions: one in the morning and another in the evening. In each session, each participant visualized two videos (crime and neutral scenes), answered questions related to the videos and completed additional questionnaires. In general, the participants’ memory was better in the synchrony when compared to the asynchrony moment. In the crime videos, participants recalled more central details and in the neutral videos more peripherical details. The pattern of results remains similar when controlled by stress, anxiety, and depression.

A review study on forensic optometry: new insights in forensic science to solve crime scenes, domestic violence and sexual assaults.

Forensic science has made a lot of progress in the medical field, but still ocular signs are not so well known to forensic scientists, whereas ocular signs play a very important role in forensic science. The major goal of this study to describe the importance of eye related clues in forensic science to solve the crime scenes and know the actual cause of death for the conviction of the criminals and save an innocent persons. Narrative review was done to review the articles available on the PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Science and Medline related to the forensic optometry about the various methods of identification and strategies to deal with the forensic cases. The review covered studies that focused on interventions for forensic optometry and eye-related clues to the current study target. Twenty-seven of the 54 studies that met the inclusion criteria yielded good results, and all examined the significance of eye-related clues in forensic optometry. Peer reviewed articles/studies were referred to ascertain the eye related clues in the forensic science. Some authors suggest that eye related clues are very important aspects towards the forensic science and done the clinical research on that aspects. Criminal cases, domestic abuse and sexual assault affect people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. As a result, these traits would be highly valuable in determining the way of death and the chronological history of events leading up to a crime.

Faktor Penyebab dan Upaya Penanggulangan Penggunaan Bahan Peledak dalam Pencurian Ikan di Perairan Laut Sawu, Kabupaten Kupang

This study aims to determine and explain the factors causing the use of explosives in fish theft in the waters of the Sawu Sea, Kupang Regency and also to determine and explain the countermeasures against the use of explosives in fish theft in the waters of the Sawu Sea, Kupang Regency. This research is a qualitative study with empirical or sociological legal research methods and the object of research is causal factors and countermeasures. Data collection using interview techniques and literature study. The data analysis technique used is qualitative descriptive technique. The results of this study show that there are six factors causing the use of explosives in fish theft in the waters of the Sawu Sea, Kupang Regency, namely: (1) weak legal awareness factor, (2) motive factor, (3) weak economic factor, (4) weak law enforcement factor, (5) weak supervision factor, and (6) difficult to detect crime scene factor. Countermeasures carried out by the police and government agencies are premitive efforts, namely initial efforts made by competent government parties to provide appeals to avoid criminal acts. Preventive efforts are efforts made to provide prevention of community action both social problems and crime so as not to reach the threshold of disturbance and become a real disturbance. Repressive efforts are efforts made by competent parties when there has been a criminal offense or crime whose actions are in the form of law enforcement by imposing penalties.

Identification of Benzodiazepine Use Based on Dried Blood Stains Analysis.

Biological matrices are typically used in forensic toxicological or pharmacological analysis: mainly blood, vitreous humor or urine. However, there are many cases in which crimes are a consequence of drug intoxication or drug abuse and they are not closed because over the months or years the samples become altered or decomposed. A dried blood stains test (DBS-MS) has recently been proposed to be used in drug toxicology when blood is found at a crime scene. This test could help an investigator to reveal what a person had consumed before the perpetration of the crime. In order to check the possibilities of this test, we analyzed several dried blood stains located on a cotton fabric. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if the analysis of a dried blood spot located on a cotton fabric could be an alternate source of obtaining toxicological results, particularly regarding benzodiazepines. We splashed blood stains on cotton fabric with different concentrations of the following benzodiazepines: alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, diazepam and lorazepam, which were dried for 96 h and subsequently quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Our results show that it is possible to identify several benzodiazepines contained in a cotton fabric blood stain; consequently, this method may add another sample option to the toxicological analysis of biological vestiges found at a crime scene.