Assignment Details When Preparing For A Crime Scene Reconstr

Assignment Detailswhen Preparing For A Crime Scene Reconstruction Cons

When preparing for a crime scene reconstruction consideration must be made concerning the types of evidence you are using to come to the conclusion that you are basing the reconstruction on. Real evidence for physical evidence is the best source of producing a reconstruction. The relevance of the physical evidence must be established. For example, it a shooting reconstruction was done based on a ricochet off a wall that struck the victim the angle of impact from the wall where the bullet initially impacted and struck the victim will allow you to determine the line where the shooter stood when he or she fired and hit the wall. The problem is if the line is unobstructed evidence must be located that helps establish where the shoot was when he or she fired.

On that line stemming from the wall a cartridge casing will be significant. Shoe impression along the line may be from the shooter or it may be anyone who happened to walk there before or after the shooting took place. So the cartridge casing is likely to be ejected from the shooters weapon and give the reconstruction team an idea of where the shooter was when he or she fired. The footwear impression may or may not be that of the shooter so it is circumstantial even though it is a physical artifact and should be collected. Crime scene reconstruction can be done by setting the scene up with personnel playing the roles of suspect, victim, and witnesses.

It can also be done by placing crime scene dummies in locations for the same people. The more modern method is using a LASER scanner that videos, charts, and measures the entire scene and be used to reconstruct the scene in a white room. Scenario: Tim and Rhonda just got engaged. They are having a small gathering to celebrate at a local restaurant called the Dew Drop Inn. Rhonda had finally gotten her divorce from James who had been very abusive both physically and emotionally.

They have no children. Dinner was finishing up about 8:00 PM and the party was moving into the bar. Out of the blue, James showed up at the restaurant bar and accused Tim of being the reason that Rhonda divorced him (James). A fist fight broke out when James tried to grab Rhonda and Tim interceded. James grabbed a beer bottle and smashed Tim in the head. Tim pulled out a compact pistol and placed it directly against James’ chest and shot James dead with a single bullet through the heart. Tim grabbed Rhonda and ran from the restaurant, where they jumped into his 2014 Red Honda Civic and drove to Rhonda’s apartment where they both lived. The police went to the apartment where Rhonda and Tim lived and noted the Red Honda Civic was parked in front of the apartment. A search warrant for seizing the car and searching Rhonda and Tim's apartment was obtained. James was found to be out on parole for a burglary in which he had served two years in prison.

Rhonda was home but Tim was not. Rhonda told the police that she had been receiving threatening emails from James, her ex-husband who was threatening to kill her, Tim, and then himself. She had saved the emails on her Tablet. The search revealed a men’s white dress shirt in the hamper covered with what appeared to be high velocity blood spatter consistent with gunshot blowback. A box of 9mm cartridges with ten rounds missing was found in the dresser of the night stand. An empty pistol box for a 9mm Glock model 26 compact pistol was found next to the ammunition. Research the following points, and write a 4–6-page paper fully explaining each point: Define physical evidence. You may use a number of resources to research the methods and significance of evidence in this scenario. Consider using articles from juried forensic publications, information from the AIU library, or textbooks from this or other classes you might have had. Identify the evidence you found and what evidence might still be available. Include proper handling and packaging techniques for your evidence. Explain the importance of expert testimony and the report writing that would be involved. Explain the role the forensic scientist in the laboratory will have with your submitted evidence, and explain the techniques the forensic scientist will use to process your evidence. Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Physical evidence plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, serving as tangible proof that can establish facts, corroborate testimonies, and sometimes directly prove guilt or innocence. In the scenario involving Tim, Rhonda, James, and the shooting incident, various physical evidence items are present, each with different significance and potential for further discovery. Proper handling, documentation, and analysis of this evidence are pivotal to reconstructing the crime accurately and ensuring judicial reliability.

Definition of Physical Evidence

Physical evidence, also known as real evidence, encompasses any tangible object or material relevant to an investigation. According to Saferstein (2015), physical evidence includes items such as bloodstains, firearms, shell casings, clothing, impressions, and fragments that can be examined scientifically. Its significance stems from its ability to directly link a suspect, victim, or scene to the crime, often providing objective proof that supports or refutes witness statements and theories about the incident.

In the case scenario, potential physical evidence includes the bloodstained white dress shirt, the box of 9mm cartridges with missing rounds, the pistol box for the Glock 26, blood spatter patterns, and the cartridge casing found at the scene. Each of these items can serve as crucial evidence in reconstructing what transpired and identifying responsible individuals.

Evidence Found and Possible Additional Evidence

The evidence collected thus far suggests several avenues for investigation. The bloodstained white dress shirt potentially contains valuable forensic data: DNA profiles from blood and possibly skin cells, as well as blood spatter patterns indicating the trajectory and velocity of the projectile (Lyman, 2012). The missing rounds from the ammunition box suggest a firearm transaction or theft, and the pistol box indicates the firearm's presence and possible ownership or possession by Tim.

Additional evidence might still be available, such as the actual firearm used, ballistics reports linking the cartridges to the weapon, fingerprints on the pistol or cartridge casing, surveillance footage from the restaurant or vicinity, and witness testimonies. Collecting and preserving these items thoroughly is essential to maintain integrity for subsequent analysis.

Proper Handling and Packaging Techniques

Handling and packaging evidence correctly prevents contamination, degradation, and loss of forensic value. Biological samples like blood-stained clothing should be dried properly, packaged separately in breathable containers such as paper bags, and labeled meticulously with case number, evidence description, and collector details (OSAC, 2017). Firearms and ammunition require secure, rigid containers, with clear separation from biological evidence to prevent corrosion or accidental discharge during transport. Fingerprints or trace evidence collected using adhesive tapes or swabs should be stored in airtight containers to prevent contamination.

Chain of custody documentation is equally vital, ensuring every transfer of evidence is recorded and transparent, maintaining the integrity of evidence from collection to court presentation.

Importance of Expert Testimony and Report Writing

Expert testimony from forensic scientists bridges the gap between scientific analysis and legal proceedings. Their knowledge about evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation helps courts understand complex technical data. Reports generated by forensic examiners must be thorough, clear, and unbiased, detailing methods, findings, and significance (Pankratz, 2012). Such reports underpin courtroom testimony, providing authoritative insights that can influence case outcomes.

In the scenario, experts might testify about blood spatter patterns indicating shooter proximity, ballistic analysis linking cartridges to the firearm, or DNA evidence linking the bloodstained shirt to the suspect. Accurate, detailed reporting thus enhances legal decision-making and safeguards judicial fairness.

Role of Forensic Scientists and Techniques Used

Forensic scientists play a vital role in processing submitted evidence within the laboratory. Their responsibilities include visual examination, microscopic analysis, DNA extraction, ballistics testing, and chemical characterization. For example, bloodstain pattern analysis involves measuring stain shape, size, and distribution to interpret shooting distance and angle (Favazza & Canter, 2015). Firearm examination involves comparison microscopy to match cartridge casings to the suspect's firearm (Saferstein, 2015). DNA profiling from blood or touched surfaces employs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, providing genetic identities that can be matched to known individuals (Gill et al., 2011).

Modern forensic laboratories utilize advanced technology such as PCR thermocyclers, automated ballistic identification systems like IBIS, and 3D laser scanners for scene reconstruction. These methods enhance accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency, ultimately strengthening the evidentiary value in court proceedings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, physical evidence is indispensable in criminal investigations, offering objective data to reconstruct scenes and establish timelines. Proper collection, preservation, analysis, and testimony ensure that evidence maintains its integrity and contributes meaningfully to the pursuit of justice. Forensic scientists' expertise and technological advancements continue to elevate the efficacy of crime scene reconstruction, emphasizing the significance of meticulous procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration in forensic science.

References

• Favazza, C., & Canter, C. (2015). Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction. Academic Press.
• Gill, P., Gresham, C., & Ballantyne, J. (2011). Forensic DNA Profiling: Principles, Applications, and Challenges. CRC Press.
• Lyman, J. (2012). Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. CRC Press.
• Office of Science and Technology Assessment (OSAC). (2017). Evidence Handling and Preservation Protocols. National Institute of Justice.
• Pankratz, H. (2012). Forensic Report Writing. CRC Press.
• Saferstein, R. (2015). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science. Pearson.