Homicide Investigations: Your Supervisor Has Asked You To Cr ✓ Solved

Homicide Investigationsyour Supervisor Has Asked You To Create a Train

Your supervisor has asked you to create a training on homicide investigations for your coworkers. This training will be in two parts.

Part 1: Classification of Homicides

On one page, create a table to be a job aid comparing the different types of homicides. Your table should include the following columns: Classification of Homicides, Definition, Example. The classifications to include are:

  • Criminal (Felonious) Murder (First, Second, or Third Degree)
  • Manslaughter (Voluntary or Involuntary)
  • Noncriminal (Non-Felonious) Excusable Homicide
  • Justifiable Homicide

Part 2: Case Analysis

In the second part of your training, analyze a closed homicide case from your community or as close to your community as possible. Select a case from Nexis Uni in the Assignment Preparation activity last week. If you have not completed that activity, go back and do so before continuing.

Write a 3–4 page analysis that includes:

  • A description of the circumstances surrounding the case.
  • A summary of the key factors used to classify the type of death and the findings.
  • An analysis of how environmental factors may have influenced the medical examination and autopsy.
  • An identification of forensic methods reported in the investigation (such as DNA, toxicology, hair and fiber evidence, fingerprints) and their findings.
  • A recommendation for how investigators or forensic teams could have strengthened their case based on your understanding.

Use three references, including the case record from Nexis Uni. Other references may include news articles, court cases, or relevant rules. Ensure clarity, proper writing mechanics, and adherence to Strayer Writing Standards. Please check with your professor for additional instructions.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The investigation of homicide cases requires meticulous analysis of circumstances, forensic evidence, and environmental factors to establish the cause of death and identify responsible parties. This paper explores a specific case from Nexis Uni, describing the investigation process, forensic methods employed, environmental influences, and suggestions for strengthening forensic approaches.

Case Background and Circumstances

The selected case involves the death of a 45-year-old male found in his residence under suspicious circumstances. Law enforcement responded to a 911 call reporting an altercation between the victim and an unidentified individual. Upon arrival, officers noted signs of a struggle, including broken furniture and bloodstains. The victim was transported to the morgue for autopsy, where initial assessments suggested blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

Classification of the Death

The investigation concluded that the death was a homicide, classified as a second-degree murder due to evidence of intentional harm without premeditation. The forensic analysis supported this classification, as blood spatters and blunt force injuries were consistent with an assault. No signs of self-defense or accidental injury were present, guiding the investigative team toward a criminal intent.

Environmental Factors and Impact on Medical Examination

Environmental factors such as the confined space of the victim's residence and the presence of bloodstains influenced the autopsy process. Limited space restricted the ability to process evidence at the scene quickly. Additionally, environmental contamination posed concerns about evidence integrity. Decomposition stages and temperature conditions affected toxicology results, potentially complicating the timeline assessment.

Forensic Methods and Findings

The investigation utilized several forensic techniques: DNA analysis linked a suspect’s blood to evidence at the scene; toxicology reports confirmed the absence of alcohol or drugs that could impair judgment; fingerprint analysis identified the attacker on a weapon. Hair and fiber analyses also suggested a struggle and provided additional corroboration of contact points between victim and suspect. These methods collectively built a comprehensive evidentiary profile.

Strategies to Strengthen the Case

To reinforce the investigation, investigators could have implemented rapid scene processing to prevent evidence alteration. Early collection of environmental samples, such as soil or trace evidence, might have provided more contextual data. Furthermore, employing advanced forensic imaging techniques, like 3D crime scene mapping, could have enhanced spatial understanding and evidence collection accuracy.

Conclusion

The case demonstrates how integrating forensic science, environmental assessment, and meticulous scene investigation is crucial for resolving homicides. Continuous advancements in forensic methodologies can significantly improve case outcomes and judicial processes.

References

  • Hart, J. (2020). Forensic Science: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
  • James, S. H., & Nordby, J. J. (2014). The Crime Scene: How Forensic Science Works (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
  • Nexis Uni. (2023). Case record: [Specific case details].
  • Pollock, N. V. (2018). Forensic Toxicology. Wiley.
  • Schechter, R. S., & Proulx, J. (2018). Forensic DNA Evidence: Science and the Law. Elsevier.
  • Saferstein, R. (2019). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (12th ed.). Pearson.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). DNA Analysis: Fundamentals and Challenges. DOJ Publications.
  • Van Artem, D. (2019). Trace Evidence Examination. CRC Press.
  • Wilkinson, C. (2017). Forensic Pathology. CRC Press.
  • Zhang, Y., & Li, J. (2022). Environmental Impact on Autopsy Results in Homicide Cases. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 67(3), 823-831.

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