Aman Called The Police And Said A Body Had Fallen Out

Aman Called The Police And Said That A Body Had Fallen Out Of The Sky

A man called the police and reported that a body had fallen out of the sky and landed on his family car, which was parked in his driveway. On arrival, the crime scene investigator (CSI) observed a deceased Caucasian male with a partially deployed parachute in a suburban neighborhood. The scene included a mangled body, a partially deployed parachute, and evidence suggesting foul play and possible drug involvement. The assignment requires a detailed explanation of the steps and techniques from scene arrival to release, documentation procedures, scene sketch creation, developing investigative questions, evidence collection methods, and background investigation strategies, all supported by APA citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The initial stage of processing this crime scene involves a systematic approach to ensure the proper collection of evidence and preservation of the scene's integrity. Upon arrival, the first step is establishing the scene perimeter to prevent contamination and securing the area with crime scene tape, ensuring only authorized personnel access the scene (Saferstein, 2018). This perimeter should be based on initial observations, including the size of the parachute and any potential secondary evidence.

Once the scene is secured, a comprehensive photographic documentation begins. Overlapping shots from multiple angles should capture the overall scene, mid-range pictures highlighting the body, parachute, and surrounding environment, and close-up images of evidence and the body itself. Using a digital camera with a scale (such as a ruler or evidence marker) helps contextualize evidence. A detailed scene sketch should be created concurrently, illustrating the body's position, parachute deployment, and nearby objects, with measurements marked accurately. Software like AutoCAD or manual drawing methods can be used, ensuring the sketch includes a north arrow, scale, and legend (Gaines & Miller, 2018).

Next, a meticulous search for evidence should be conducted, employing methods like grid, spiral, or zone search techniques. The evidence collection includes the body, clothing, parachute, and items within the victim's possession—such as the leg bag containing cocaine and currency, as well as the two IDs. Evidence should be collected using appropriate tools: tweezers for small items, paper bindles or evidence envelopes for powders and currencies, and latex gloves to prevent contamination. Preserving the chain of custody is crucial for all evidence collected (Harries & Schmidt, 2020).

The scene also warrants questions that guide further investigation. Examples include: Was the parachute properly packed and in good condition? Was there any mechanical failure? Were there witnesses who saw the parachute malfunction? What preceded the victim’s jump? Are there any signs of struggle or foul play? Could the IDs belong to different individuals, suggesting identity deception? Is there any evidence of drug trafficking? Was the parachute sabotaged? These questions help develop leads for subsequent forensic analysis.

Evidence collection from the body includes obtaining fingerprint samples, blood, and tissue for toxicology to determine cause of death and drug influence. Forensic techniques like laser scanning or 3D mapping can capture precise scene details. The body should be transported following biohazard protocols to the morgue for further examination, including an autopsy and toxicology report.

The background investigation incorporates AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) to match fingerprints from the IDs or scene evidence with criminal databases. Forensic analysis of the drugs can be performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm cocaine presence and purity. Analyzing the currency for possible drug residue or unique markings might link it to a drug operation. Interviews with the victim’s associates in both California and Texas are critical, especially considering the different IDs and addresses, which may indicate dual identities or criminal aliases.

In conclusion, managing this scene requires a meticulous approach encompassing scene safety, detailed documentation, evidence collection, and forensic analysis, supported by thorough questioning and investigation practices. Each step’s rigor ensures judicial integrity and maximizes the value of collected evidence for solving the case.

References

Gaines, D., & Miller, L. (2018). Fundamentals of Crime Scene Investigation (6th ed.). CRC Press.

Harries, J. M., & Schmidt, P. J. (2020). Crime Scene Processing and Evidence Collection. Elsevier Academic Press.

Saferstein, R. (2018). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (12th ed.). Pearson.

Byram, M. (2019). Scene Investigation Techniques. Forensic Science Review, 31(2), 45-58.

National Institute of Justice. (2021). Best Practices for Crime Scene Investigations. U.S. Department of Justice.

Prentice, D. (2020). Forensic Evidence Collection Methods. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 65(4), 1234-1245.

Littel, M., & Patterson, E. (2017). Forensic Toxicology in Death Investigations. Annual Review of Forensic Sciences, 15, 117-130.

Fisher, B. A., & Fisher, D. L. (2019). Forensic Photography and Scene Documentation. Forensic Photography Journal, 12(3), 71-89.

Cochran, J., & McGraw, T. (2018). Data Analysis in Crime Scene Reconstruction. Journal of Forensic Analysis, 44(2), 112-124.

Robertson, J. (2022). Evidence Preservation in Complex Crime Scenes. Law and Forensic Science Review, 8(1), 25-39.