Scene Examination Research Articles

Decedents Found in Bathtubs.

We investigated deaths in bathtubs for criteria to assist in death certification. We reviewed 252 deaths in which the person was found dead in a bathtub/shower at home. We extracted cause, manner, age, clad or unclad, water in the bathtub, water running, and face submersion. Of the 252 deaths, heart disease was the leading cause of death (129), followed by intoxication (47), trauma (22), drowning (28), and other diseases (26). The manners of death were 155 natural, 64 accident, 30 suicide, and 3 homicides. All drowning fatalities involved the decedent having their face submerged. Intoxication and natural deaths had submersion of the face in 15% and 12% of deaths, respectively. For nondrowning causes of death, the majority were without face submersion. For natural deaths, the predominant circumstance was the individual discovered unclad with water in the bathtub and the face not submerged. Conversely, for suicides, the majority were found clad without water. A comprehensive investigation incorporating a scene examination, gathering of the medical and psychosocial history, and typically an autopsy is needed to certify the cause and manner of death. Face submersion alone is not diagnostic of a drowning and must be interpreted with the medical history and autopsy findings.

A Different Case Of Suicide By Hanging - Case Study Of The Event

A thorough analysis of circumstances and examination of the death scene is crucial before determining the manner of death in cases of hanging. While there are numerous reports of suicide and homicide by hanging in India, instances where the deceased is found with hands and/or feet bound and with feet touching a chair, the ground, or a bed, are considerably uncommon, as illustrated in this particular case (figure no.1). Hanging is indeed one of the methods used in suicides due to its accessibility and the perception that it may lead to a quick death. However, it's important to note that the choice of method can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and cultural context. It is very easy to locate the place (indoor/outdoor) as well as commonly available hanging materials like rope, long napkin, belt, saree, dupatta, and long cloth (dhoti). Partial hanging suicide with hand-tied rope/dupatta cases are very less in number. Data on suicides, such as those reported by the National Crime Records Bureau, provide important insights into patterns and risk factors for suicide, essential information for public health interventions, and policy-making aimed at preventing such deaths. A total of 1,70,924 suicides were reported in the country during 20229. Sometimes suicidal tendency of the victim is so high that he/she can tie his/her hands with ligature material so that he/she cannot escape from the suicidal situation. We can also learn about partial hanging and postmortem blisters from this case study.

El proceso de investigación en el escenario del delito

The actions carried out at the scene of the event as a result of the possible commission of a criminal act constitute the most important criminal investigation procedures from which it is possible to obtain objective information for the possible attribution of the facts to a certain person or persons. Criminalistics science has been concerned with the theoretical development of the different specialties that make up the criminalistics technique and with the tactical and methodological actions necessary for investigators, experts, doctors and other participants in the examination of the crime scene to execute their process of obtaining the quality evidentiary material. The objective of this study is to describe the basic rules for investigation at the scene, with which the administration of justice in Ecuador will be able to achieve greater effectiveness in the fight against crime at the current stage. The methodology used in the research is nourished by analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction and concretion, among other methods that have allowed us to contribute new knowledge to the theoretical development of the topic and propose as a way to improve the criminal investigation the development of a Manual for investigation at the crime scene which must be part of the professional training of investigators, experts, judges and prosecutors.

A retrospective study of 29 fatal cases of insulin overdose

PurposeTo summarize recent cases of fatal insulin poisoning both domestically and internationally, thereby offering valuable insights for the forensic identification of insulin overdose cases. MethodsLiterature published since 2000 on fatal insulin overdose were systematically searched and screened. Data encompassing variables such as year, age, sex, cause of death, scene conditions, occupations, medical histories of victims and perpetrators, autopsy timing, dosage and administration methods, forensic pathology, and toxicological analysis, were compiled for rigorous statistical analysis. ResultsAmong the 29 fatal cases of insulin poisoning, suicides and homicides accounted for 55.2 % and 41.4 %, respectively. Precisely 34.5 % of victims or perpetrators were associated with the medical industry, 27.6 % had diabetes, and 24.1 % had mental illnesses such as depression. Intravenous injection resulted in quicker death than did subcutaneous injection. In some cases, immunohistochemical staining of insulin and protamine at injection sites yielded positive results. The average molar ratio of insulin to C-peptide in post-mortem blood was 13.76 ± 5.167, indicating a significant diagnostic value for insulin poisoning. ConclusionAssessment of cases of fatal insulin overdose should be thorough, incorporating case investigation, scene examination, medical records review, autopsy findings, pathological examinations, and laboratory tests, alongside considering the condition of the body and timing of death autopsy. Using mass spectrometry to detect insulin proves valuable, particularly in cases of poor body preservation.

Building on the critical skills framework of top crime scene examiners to recruit high‐caliber crime scene investigation candidates

AbstractCrime scene investigation is challenging and demands highly skilled crime scene examiners. Mistakes occurring during the processing of a crime scene have been associated with higher risk of ineffective investigations where poor quality, missed, or contaminated forensic samples are relied on by police to inform which suspects to charge and can lead to miscarriages of justice and wrongful imprisonments. Hiring new crime scene examiners with the potential to develop into top performers can result in enhanced crime scene investigation and reduce the risk of errors at crime scenes. A series of papers between 2012 and 2023 identified a cluster of seven critical skills and attributes that set top crime scene examiners apart from their lesser performing peers. These seven skills and attributes clusters are as follows: approach to work, life, and stress management; cognitive abilities; communication and interpersonal skills; holistic knowledge base; life and work experience; and professional demeanor. In this perspective paper, we present strategies for developing a recruitment program to target these skill sets which involve the use of appropriate psychometric testing, collaborative team‐based recruitment, team hiring panels, and crime scene observational assessment tasks at interview stage. We also discuss the costs and logistics associated with psychological testing (in Australian dollars). We finish by exploring the potential challenges of attracting younger people (generation Z and Y) to forensic science roles, including crime scene investigation.This article is categorized under: Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Reconstruction Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation

About Polish forensic medicine based on archival material described in scientific literature.

The need for medical assessment of murder victims and the establishment of rules for this assessment became the driving force behind the creation of forensic medicine, while the non-medical area of crime assessment, including crime scene examination, became the driving force behind the creation and development of criminalistics. Polish forensic medicine has been developing for over 200 years, and the Kraków Chair of Forensic Medicine is the oldest unit of this type. It is therefore not surprising that the archive which collects protocols of expert and scientific research is quite extensive. This material is a valuable foundation for scientific work including not only numerous publications in national and international journals, but also books. The author of the work selected several books on medical and forensic topics that appeared in recent decades on the Polish publishing market, indicating the value and importance of archival material in the literature of this area of science.

Опыт зарубежных стран по использованию систем виртуальной реальности в раскрытии и расследовании преступлений

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has led to a transformational wave of technological advances that have reshaped the fabric of society through the rapid development of cyber-physical systems, including artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality, augmented reality, and more. This paradigm shift integrates physical, digital, and biological systems, ushering in an unprecedented era of connectivity and automation. Central to 4IR is the digitization of information and the exponential growth of data, which has enabled innovative technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. When applied to crime detection and investigation, virtual reality has three main applications: scene examination, visualization of an objects for jurors, and training. As 4IR develops, the application of virtual reality technologies in the legal field appears promising, but faces corresponding challenges and opportunities.

Multiple suicidal gunshot wounds. Case reports and mini-review of literature.

To determine the manner of death (MOD) and, there-fore, to classify the event as natural, suicidal, homicidal, or accidental is an essential and routine task in forensic medicine. The evaluation of MOD presents numerous difficulties due to unusual anamnestic and circumstantial data, in addition to autopsy findings and postmortem findings. A mini review of the literature on the topic was performed. Here we report two cases of uncommon self-inflicted multiple GWs (SMGWs) to the head and thorax, suspected of killing. The presence of more than one gunshot wound is suggestive of homi-cide, especially when they involve the head. A review of the literature on the topic was performed on PubMed's database, showing, although considered infrequent, cases documenting SMGWs are not rare. In the cases reported, the initial suspicion of involvement of third persons was excluded through the examination of the death scene, post-mortem (CT and autopsy) findings and clinical-circumstantial data. The analysis derived from the review of the related literature allowed us to highlight the presence of common findings which should be considered in the evaluation of such cases.

Infant death from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed in England and Wales: rare or unrecognised events?

BackgroundMandatory joint police and healthcare investigations of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) have been in place since 2008 in England. These include death scene examination with cause of death...

Living together in heaven: A case report of suicidal pact of loving couple

The loving couple mentally decide to tie the knot to live together in heaven in optimism thinking that to be the real world for them. A loving couple age around 18 year, wanted to live together by fear of being opposed from both the families as they belonging to different caste, the loving couple disappointed to leave the world for heavenly abode. Subsequently tied together with a single ligature material dupatta and hung them from the branch of a tamarind tree. The inspection of spot of occurrence in undisturbed condition, coupled with PM report and chemical analysis from SFSL report could confirm the death of the loving couple was pact of suicidal hanging. This present report highlights the death of loving couple with the crime scene examination. Being a forensic expert, we visited the crime scene to differentiate the suicidal pact and homicidal death.

Plastic bag suffocation and codeine overdose: An unusual case of complex suicide and review of the literature

The term “planned complex suicide” refers to cases where two or more suicide methods are applied simultaneously. Plastic bag suffocation is a suicidal method commonly combined with self-poisoning by inhalation of volatile compounds or pharmacological substances at poisoning dosage. A 67-year-old woman was found dead on the couch. The head was wrapped in a plastic bag knotted at the front of the neck. No signs of struggle were present on the scene. In the fireplace, there were two blisters of acetaminophen/codeine phosphate tablets. Postmortem examination showed congestion of the face and the neck and pulmonary edema with patchy emphysema. There was no evidence of physical duress. Toxic levels of codeine were detected in the blood. The death was related to a complex suicide involving codeine overdose and asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation. The hypoxic/cardioinhibitory effects of plastic bag suffocation combined to codeine-induced deep reduction of respiratory rate, making the suicide hypothesis the more likely scenario. In order to assess what elements contribute to postmortem diagnosis in complex suicides with plastic bag suffocation, a review of the forensic literature published between 2002 and 2022 was performed. This article emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing deaths involving plastic bag suffocation in suicides, particularly when combined with other methods like inert gas inhalation or drug intake. It underscores the importance of comprehensive toxicological analyses, careful scene examination, and histological studies, not forgetting a thorough comparative analysis of the existing literature, to accurately determine the cause and manner of death in such cases.

Recognition and detection of unusual activities in ATM using dual-channel capsule generative adversarial network

Real-time detection of human activity has become essential for monitoring and security of public spaces such as bank ATMs and workplaces, due to daily rise in criminal activities. Currently, monocular CCTV cameras that only record RGB video are used for monitoring such restricted areas. In addition to RGB data, the RGB + D sensor also offers depth information about the scene. To overcome the issue of online recognition of anomalous activities in Bank ATMs, a supervised deep learning method utilizing Dual-Channel Capsule Generative Adversarial Network (DCCGAN) and RGB + D sensor is proposed. The input RGB + D Dataset is given to super pixel motion detection method to find the region of interest (ROI). Motion detection is a significant stage examination of wide scene for background subtraction and foreground detection. After arranging the motion detection, its region is positioned frame by frame. Then, the detected ROI is given to fast discrete curvelet transform with the wrapping (FDCT-WRP) method. FDCT-WRP feature extraction method. These extracting features are supplied to Deep Convolutional Spiking neural network (DCSNN), which realize the object. RGB and depth video segments are used to create motion templates from the RGB + D data online video stream. These templates are trained on DCCGANs to identify distrustful events in current activity and categorized as normal and abnormal. Additionally, a unique RGB + D dataset is employed because there was no existing dataset available for analyzing human activity in ATMs. The proposed DUA-DCCGAN-ATM approach is assessed on qualitative with quantitative statistical evaluation parameters and identify suspect occurrence with 0.932 precision and 98.2 % accuracy. The detailed statistical analysis exemplifies that the proposed technique can identify distrustful events in a real-time online manner prior completing the anomalous activity.

Crime reconstruction in a hit and run over case masquerading as accidental drowning

In the absence of eye witnesses, crime scene examination along with other corroborative evidence, and a meticulous autopsy, are of prime importance in solving the crime. In this paper, a suspected case of accidental drowning, which on further investigation and medicolegal autopsy, turned out to be a case of homicide, is presented. Further, considering the of the assailants, the importance of knowledge about common methods of concealment of crime may also be reiterated.

Procedural tactics in the investigation of property damage to a law enforcement officer

One of the structural components of the forensic methodology for investigating intentional destruction or damage to property of a law enforcement officer is the specific tactics of certain investigative (detective) actions. The complexity of their conduct, as well as their significant effectiveness in collecting evidence of a person's guilt and in clarifying the circumstances of the said criminal offence, necessitate a thorough study on this issue. Considering this, the purpose of the study is to determine the tactical and organisational features of investigative (detective) actions during the investigation of intentional destruction or damage to property of a law enforcement officer.
 It has been established that scene examinations during the investigation of intentional destruction or damage to property of a law enforcement officer are challenging, time-consuming, require the use of various types of special knowledge and skills, and also involve the use of a large number of technical and forensic tools, so the investigator is obliged to treat their planning, preparation and conduct responsibly and ensure their implementation in accordance with the principles of legality, science, comprehensiveness, completeness, thoroughness, etc. It has been determined the main tactical tasks to be solved during the inspection of the place of destruction or damage to the property of a law enforcement officer.
 It has been substantiated that the interrogation tactics and techniques used by the prosecution must comply with the provisions of the current criminal procedure legislation. Given that in the category of crimes under study, the victim is a law enforcement officer or his/her close relative, this should not influence the prosecution representative and lead to a biased attitude towards the suspect or witness who is trying to avoid giving full and objective testimony.
 Based on the analysis, it has been established that the most correct approach is to interrogate the victim first, even in an investigative situation when a person involved in a criminal offence is detained at the scene of the crime. It has been provided a list of circumstances that should be clarified during the interrogation of a victim, witness or suspect.
 It has been found that the tactical techniques which should be used during investigative experiments in the investigation of intentional destruction or damage to property of a law enforcement officer are: repeated conduct of experiments and control over their implementation; creation of an environment which will facilitate the provision of as much detailed information as possible about the circumstances of criminal offences; asking questions to a participant of an investigative experiment with a view to detailing his/her explanations and evaluating the answers; the use of models, application of scientific and technical means and involvement of specialists with special knowledge in the relevant field of science; application of technical means of recording, in particular, continuous video recording.

Forensic Photography Concepts and Applications for Better Crime Scene Examination

"A picture is worth a thousand words," and crime scene photography is a case in point. All crime scenes begin with photography, which is done with the almost priority. The most efficient and straight forward way for an investigating officer to depict a crime scene is through photographs and criminal sketches. By documenting the original site and surroundings, crime scene photography serves to offer a true and accurate record of the crime scene and tangible evidence that was present. Regardless of how well a detective can orally describe a crime scene pictures can convey the same information more clearly and effectively because they freeze time and capture the evidence. A trial's forensic photography is an essential component. Additionally, crime scene images are frequently used as the basis for the decision.

Crime Scene Examination of Murder and Suicide Case

Information was received in the control room of Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi, for crime scene examinations of two dead bodies found in the room. A team of Forensic Experts visited the scene of crime and found various clue materials to establish the nature of the case. The crime was took place in the room of ahouse situated at the ground floor of the building. There was one female dead body found lying on the floor in front of the entry door and one male body was found hanging on the ceiling fan. There are many methods for committing suicide like poisoning, hanging, drowning etc. Hanging is a frequent suicide method because it anticipated a certain, rapid and painless death. Cut throats can be homicidal, suicidal or accidental. Homicidal cut-throats are a well-recognized method of killing while suicidal cut throats are less commonly reported and accidental cut throats are rare. The present study was carried out to ascertain whether it was a case of suicide or a murder by examining the scene of crime. Various evidences of forensic interested were collected and were thoroughly examined information from the investigation officer was also gathered. From the study it was concluded that female was murdered by a sharp edge weapon by her husband and then he has attempted suicide by hanging himself.

Experience in the Application of Forensic Examination Techniques in IAEA Regional Nuclear Forensic Exercises

It was shown that the five-day format of the exercise was sufficient for the participants to practically master the procedure and characteristic features of all the main stages of the investigation of a crime with NRM, from the examination of the crime scene to development of an expert opinion. The procedure for choosing the parameters of the RDD imitators used in the exercises has been worked out. The informativeness of the main methods for performing forensic examinations SEM-EDX, SIMS, ISP MS and fingerprinting in the conditions of the short exercises was demonstrated. In environmental samples as well as on the surrounding items in the workshop of terrorists, identical particles of NRM simulators were identified particles of lead oxide with a characteristic morphology and tungsten microparticles with a modified isotopic composition were also studied. The possibility of the participants mastering the methods of dactyloscopy was also shown. Some mistakes made by the exercises participants were noted, which necessitate additional training and new exercises.

A Guide to Forensic Photography: An Indispensable Tool in Modern Forensic Medicine Practice and Medicolegal Cases

Forensic photography has become an important tool in the medicolegal system, so as to it give a complete picture for investigating crime scenes. It is the easiest and effectual way to capture the crime scene, in a way what could’ve happened that even the most illustrative and descriptive words could not do. However, appropriate selection and implementation of the proper photography and computer equipment combined with effective training and correct workflow patterns is required for incorporating photography into the field of forensic practice with proper documentation. This paper highlights basic aspects to gain clear and focused photographs both in living individuals and Medicolegal Postmortem examination. The paper contains the propositions for a draft protocol for Forensic Photography in Crime Scene Examination, Medicolegal examination, postmortem examination and examination of exhibits. The authors aim to make a guiding document by virtue of their experience so as to guide the young Forensic Medicine experts/ Forensic Scientists.

Home Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Infants at Risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE) or Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE).

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. About 90% of SIDS occur before six months of age, the peak incidence is between two and four months, and the median age for death is elven weeks. The clinical, social, and economic relevance of SIDS, together with the evidence that prevention of this syndrome was possible, has significantly stimulated research into risk factors for the development of SIDS in the hope of being able to introduce new effective preventive measures. This narrative review discusses the potential relationships between apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) or brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE) and SIDS development, and when a home cardiorespiratory monitor is useful for prevention of these conditions. A literature analysis showed that home cardiorespiratory monitoring has been considered a potential method to identify not only ALTE and BRUE but SIDS also. ALTE and BRUE are generally due to underlying conditions that are not detectable in SIDS infants. A true relationship between these conditions has never been demonstrated. Use of home cardiorespiratory monitor is not recommended for SIDS, whereas it could be suggested for children with previous ALTE or severe BRUE or who are at risk of the development of these conditions. However, use of home cardiorespiratory monitors assumes that family members know the advantages and limitations of these devices after adequate education and instruction in their use.

The potential for investigator-mediated contamination to occur during routine search activities.

The sensitivity and discrimination power of modern DNA profiling systems means that very small amounts of DNA from an individual can be detected on an item leading to large inclusionary statistics for that person. The sensitivity of these systems has significant benefits in the investigation of crime but also can be highly sensitive to contamination of exhibits or crime scenes. It becomes critical to distinguish between deposition during commission of a crime or deposition via some other method unrelated to the crime. This study investigates methodologies used in crime scene examination and the potential for them to cause non-crime-related transfer of DNA. Factors assessed include the source of DNA, the handling time, the amount of movement during contact, and the substrate type. The amount of movement and the number of transfer steps are the most critical in determining whether, and how much, DNA is transferred. This study provides information for crime scene examiners and also scientists assessing transfer scenarios.