Forensic Biology Unit 5 Individual Project

Forensic Biology Unit 5 Individual Project 5unit5 Individual Projec

Forensic Biology: unit 5 individual project 5 Unit5 - Individual Project Listed below are the details outlining a crime scene that occurred over a period of time. You are to investigate and evaluate the crime and be prepared to present your information in a court in the form of a written document. You will have to use entomology, odontology, anthropology, pathology, and microbiology techniques to complete your investigation. Carl and Joseph were in the woods of Georgia in early fall. They had set up a camp because they were both deer hunters.

In the fall of years when the weather is cooler, deer are very prevalent. On this cool November morning, the men were walking through the woods in their quest for deer. On the second day of being in the woods, walking through what was really thick brush and uneven terrain, one of the men slipped and fell into what appeared to be a covering of a hole in the ground. As he began to try and pull himself out, he saw several skulls and bones lying around. He immediately screamed for his friend, who assisted him in getting out of the hole.

Together, they looked in and saw skeletons and what appeared to be a decomposing body. The two men called the local police. The police arrived, secured the area, and called for the forensic team to come and investigate. You are the forensic person that has been asked to identify the 5 skeletons in the grave and the body that was only partially decomposed.

Paper For Above instruction

The investigation of this crime scene necessitates the application of forensic biology because it involves the identification of human remains, analysis of decomposition stages, and understanding the biological evidence that can determine the time of death, identity, and possibly the cause of death. Forensic biology encompasses techniques like DNA analysis, entomological study, and anthropological assessment, which are crucial for establishing critical details in complex scenes such as this one. The presence of multiple skeletons and the partially decomposed body indicates prolonged exposure and decomposition, requiring precise biological examination to differentiate, identify, and understand the timeline.

Upon arrival at the scene, the first course of action is to secure the area to prevent contamination of evidence. I would establish a perimeter with police officers ensuring that no unauthorized personnel enter the scene. This includes setting up physical barriers and assigning officers to restrict access. Next, I would conduct a detailed, systematic survey of the scene, noting the locations and conditions of the remains, documenting with photographs, sketches, and notes. Precise documentation is essential for forensic integrity and future reference.

To avoid contamination at this initial stage, I would utilize sterile gloves, masks, and tools dedicated solely for scene examination, ensuring that no biological material from the scene contaminates evidence. Equipment such as disposable brushes, negative air pressure environments, and contamination control suits would be employed. I would also establish a chain of custody from the moment evidence is collected to ensure integrity and authenticity throughout transport and analysis.

Controlling law enforcement officers and other first responders is vital, as their presence and movement can inadvertently contaminate evidence or disturb delicate biological materials. Clear communication and training regarding scene preservation are essential. I would designate a specialist to monitor scene activity and enforce procedures, ensuring all personnel understand the importance of minimizing disturbance and preserving evidence integrity.

Identification of the remains involves a combination of osteological analysis, dental record comparison, and DNA profiling. The skeletal remains would be examined to determine age, sex, stature, and any unique features through anthropological methods. Dental examination and comparison with known records could provide positive identification where possible. Another key factor involves collecting DNA samples from bones or teeth using sterile techniques, then comparing these samples with DNA from relatives or existing databases for identification.

The documentation process includes detailed note-taking, high-resolution photography, 3D scanning if available, and precise labeling of each evidence piece, including the remains. Proper packaging in sealed, evidence-specific containers—such as paper bags for bones—must be employed to prevent contamination and preserve biological viability. During transportation to the lab, evidence must be kept in controlled conditions—cool, dry, and protected from environmental contaminants. Evidence labels must include case numbers, date, location, and collector information.

At the laboratory, risks of contamination remain significant, especially from handling or environmental exposure that could introduce foreign DNA or degrade samples. To mitigate this, laboratory protocols include working in clean rooms, using PPE, sterilizing equipment, and implementing negative controls during DNA extraction and analysis. Strict adherence to chain of custody and contamination control procedures ensures data integrity.

DNA analysis on decomposed remains involves extraction of DNA from bones or teeth, which tend to preserve genetic material longer than soft tissues. Methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are employed to amplify targeted DNA regions like Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Specifically, STR profiling is standard for individual identification, even in cases of advanced decomposition. Additional tests may include mitochondrial DNA analysis when nuclear DNA is insufficient due to degradation (Hansen et al., 2015).

Serological testing plays a role in determining blood type or other biological fluids, which can support DNA findings or provide additional context about the victim's biological profile. For example, immunoglobulin tests can help establish aspects of the biological identity or the presence of specific bodily fluids. In decomposed bodies, serology can sometimes be limited but remains valuable when soft tissues are available enough for analysis.

In conducting DNA testing on the decomposed body, the process involves collecting samples from well-preserved bones or teeth, careful extraction using contamination-free methods, and performing PCR amplification. The collected DNA is then compared to DNA profiles in databases or reference samples. One challenge involves degraded DNA that yields incomplete profiles, which complicates definitive identification. Additionally, mixed DNA samples from multiple individuals in close proximity may produce complex profiles requiring advanced interpretation techniques (Gill et al., 2010).

Interpretation of results must consider potential contamination, partial profiles, allele dropout, and mixtures. Software tools and expert review are employed to analyze the data critically. The possibility of lab contamination, sample mix-up, or degraded DNA can create barriers to conclusive identification, emphasizing the importance of rigorous controls and validation procedures (Butler, 2012).

Facial reconstruction can significantly aid in identifying unknown remains by generating a visual approximation of the victim's face, based on skull features. Forensic artists and anthropologists use detailed skeletal analysis to reconstruct facial features, which can then be compared with missing persons reports or distributed in public appeals. This process is especially crucial in cases involving partial or unrecognizable remains, providing leads for identification.

Regarding court case scenarios, one successful outcome might involve the integration of DNA profiling, dental records, and facial reconstruction leading to the positive identification of the victim, resulting in a conviction of the perpetrator based on evidence linking suspect DNA or fingerprints to the scene. The other scenario could involve erroneous interpretation of complex DNA mixtures, contamination, or incomplete evidence, possibly leading to a wrongful conviction. Elements such as lab errors, misidentification due to partial profiles, or misinterpretation of facial reconstruction could contribute to this tragic outcome. These scenarios underscore the importance of rigorous scientific methodology and corroborative evidence in forensic investigations.

References

• Butler, J. M. (2012). Forensic DNA typing: biology, technology, and genetics of STR markers. Academic Press.
• Gill, P., et al. (2010). DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics: Recommendations on the Evaluation of Results from Y-Chromosomal STR Typing. Journal of forensic sciences, 55(3), 584-588.
• Hansen, K. E., et al. (2015). Mitochondrial DNA analysis in forensic investigations: Guidelines and applications. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 14, 45-55.
• Hummel, S. et al. (2015). Principles of forensic DNA testing. In Forensic Genetics (pp. 21-44). Elsevier.
• Kumar, R., et al. (2017). The role of anthropological methods in forensic investigations. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 62(4), 973-979.
• Paoletti, D., et al. (2013). Forensic odontology: an overview. In Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations.
• Robinson, J. K., et al. (2014). The role of entomology in forensic investigations. Journal of Medical Entomology, 51(2), 353-368.
• Siegel, J. A., et al. (2010). Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) Best Practices for Forensic Digital Evidence Collection. FBI.
• Sweet, D., & Sweet, S. (2014). Forensic Odontology. CRC Press.
• Williams, R. C., et al. (2016). Advances in forensic anthropology and osteology. Academic Press.