Crime Scene Investegation

All that we've learned over the past weeks has lead up to this. Our teacher set up 3 artificial crime scenes each with a multitude of clues for us to use. My group was assigned to crime 2 which had been commited at a local bar.

A list of potential suspects was also provided, the suspects are as follows;

Evidence

• A corpse of a red haired female is layed on a car witha  gaping neck wound. This lead us as a group to belive that it was definatley a murder.
• Our second clue is a sample of 0- blood. This along with the red haired woman's wound, lead us to belive that it was Ginger Snap who had been killed. However we also noticed Candi Stores possesed the same blood type which opened up the posiblity that she had been injured while killing Ginger Snap. This evidence helped us verify that both Ginger Snap and Candi Stores may have been involved however this evidence was not conclusive.
• On the scene we found a print that registered with Candi Stores' tented arch pattern, confirming that she was present at the scene of the crime.

• The next piece of evidence we found was a small glass with a blue drink in it as well as a lipstick stain. On first impresion we thought it may have contained poision, but upon further inspection it did not.  With the darker brand of lipstick it could belong to Candi Stores however we could not confirm this.

•  The Next exhibit was a strand of cotton fiber. This evidence did not help identify any suspects, but it may be the signs of a struggle as the victim may have tried to protect herself. This coupled with the nylon fiber found at the scene could further prove this point as each fiber could have belonged to victim and the killer.

• Another article of intrest found were two handwritten notes. One was in what was believed to be Candi Store's hand writing saying "I needed the money". The other note was written in Ginger Snaps writing witht he words "Please help me!". The fact that they are both torn up indicate that the killer attempted to conceal the incedent. The first note may have been written to Ginger Snap as a warning. Seeing as Candi has a past drug conviction it may be that she was requesting money owed to her by Ginger Snap. As for Ginger's note it may have been a silent plea for help from another person at the bar as Ginger realises Candi Store is going to try and harm her.

• We also found a gold chain necklace. With the above evidence we believe Candi stole the necklace from Ginger to sell for money, killing Ginger Snap to make sure she can get away with it.

• The final pieces of evidence were two fingerprints. The first of which was an accidental type which matches Ginger's further indicating that the only two suspects present were Candi and Ginger. The other print was found on a glass surface, as a radial loop. It did not match any prints of the suspects we had listed so we discerned it was either another bystandereds print or a different finger on one of the suspects.

Conclusion:

With the evidence above I have determined how I belive the crime happened;

Before the incedent Candi Stores, an entertainer at the club, gave the money to the bartender as either a shady loan. However Ginger Snap didn't show much intention of getting the money back any time soon. One night Candi slips Ginger a final warning note, Ginger not able to pay off the money wrote a note requesting help from another bargoer (believed to be the owner of the radiall loop print). As the night progressed Candi drank a little too much and in an drunkin state chased Ginger outside the bar in attempts to steal her necklace for the money she could sell it for. After killing Ginger she was shocked from her drunken state. In horror she rips up the notes in order to not be traced down. Then she ran dropping the necklace.

Forensic Lab Refelections

Over the creation of this blog my class participated in multiple forensic based labs in order to further comprehend the material as well as better understand non ideal instances.

Finger Prints

In class we practiced fingerprint identification. First off to practice creating prints we treated the pads of our fingers with blue ink and pressed them onto the chart below.

The blue ink left behind easily identifiable prints which made discerning characterisitcs of them simple. However since in most cases criminals do not leave prints with blue ink we were then assigned to lift our prints off a glass jar. To do this we cleaned the bottom of a jar to make print identification easier. After placing our print on the jar we applied in crushed graphite as a black powder with a fine brush. Once the print was identified tape was used to lift the graphite imprint onto a scrap of white paper.

Hair Analysis

For criminal's it is nearly impossible to commit a crime without leaving behind some kind of fiber. In lab we analyzed the common types of fiber that would be found at a crime scene for color, tip condition and an distinguishing features. The fibers we analyzed included;

• Caucasian: The hair had multiple visible pockets in it
• Dog: The Medula was much more distinguished, however the hair sample was frayed
• Cotton: Fibers formed a twisted pattern
• Synthetic: A solid, smooth fiber
• Asian: It had a tanish yellow hue, however in appearence it was similar to caucasion, except more frayed
• Cat: looks similar to synthetic fiber
• African American: The core seems less dense but the overall hair was darker
• Color Treated wool: Incredibly twisted but other wise smooth
• Nylon: Formed a web like pattern but ends were split.
• Blue silk: Formed a crochete pattern

Witness Experiment

Often when a crime is commited there is somesort of witness, these people can be used by forensic scientists for identifiying a criminal. In our experiment we took a common magazine and cut out various individual's hair eyes, nose, and mouth. The task was to then piece together an individual from the mix of parts similar to the way scientists must piece together an 'image' of a criminal from I-witness reports. What was taken from this is an ability to create an image that could be used for finding a criminal.

Lipstick Analysis

Somtimes in crime cases stains of lipstick can be found, scientists soon relized that these prints were just as unique as fingerprints and thus lipstick analysis was born. In class everyone had to apply lipstick and make a print on a scrap of paper. After which we analyzed for any distinct features such as valleys and special creases.



Handwriting

One class we were assigned to write a fake check along with each of our groupmates. We proceeded to rip them to pieces and mix them up with our group. After which we worked together using the 12 handwriting components to identifiy our own check and piece it together.

Foot Printing

We broke off into groups each with a bin of dirt. Once this happened each memeber of the group took a turn pressing their right foot into the bin to leave behind a foot print after which we began analysis. The analysis regarded particular details such as different areas in the shoe that are heavily worn; this information can be used to identify individuals as everyone walks a different way. When prints are left behind scientists can obtain infomation such as the footwear manufacturer, model and shoe size to help profile witness and suspects.

This right foot print has a worn away inside curve. This can be seen as the circular markings that are in the circle become less prevalent towards the left of the foot. (the spoon in the picture was used for outlining the print)

Though footprints are always left behind they may not be in perfect condition, however information can still be obtained from only partial foot prints. It the creator of the footprint was obviously wearing high heels, this could be used to narrow down a suspect list to females (in most cases).

My personal footprint, as stated forensic scientists can identify the company that produced a shoe in order to hunt down a criminal. In this case the manufactuor can easily be identified by the logo in the heel as oceanpacific. From here law enforcement can trace who owns a pair produced by this company adding to useable evidence.

Drug Analysis

In this lab our teacher created compounds that simulated the chemical properties of common drugs. Students were to mix these substances with roughly 25ml of water (small samples were put onto a dish in order to save resources). Once this was done the students tested PH levels (as this can be used to determine certain types of drugs). Then a common test police officers use is reagents that turn blue in cocaine, or yellow in L.S.D. this knowledge is important to a forensic scientist as it could be used as drugs may be the cause of death such as an overdose.

(The pink liquid was one that didn't react)

Poison

A common method of killing, poison can be multiple common compounds. In our class students were tasked with determing weather certain substances were poisonous via certain indicators. The poisons that were tested for include, cyanide, iodine, heavy metal poisoning sugar (if one is diabetic), household ammonia and asprin (in the case of an overdose). Students also were required to research poison for certian points of interest (such as the definition of a poision, how it can be useful forensic scientists to know this). In the end we learned that poision can be used to trace criminals as it can be traced which of the suspects would have access to the used poison.

Creating a Profile

Using the skills obtained from previous labs a group of four of us were tasked with a common job that forensic scientists must do frequently. That is creating a profile from the information given. As a group we were each given a hair sample a torn up note, a set of fingerprints and a lipstick sample. Through group analysis we recorded all the information we could discern from the clues and then thought of further information required to identify a criminal. 



Hair/Fiber Analysis

History Of Hair and Fiber Analysis

            Hair analysis began in France 1857 when scientist Edmond Locard discovered that people constantly transfer bits of dust, hair, fibers and other "trace" material without being conscious of it. Locard realized that these material exchanges could be invaluable to analyzing a crime scene. He even managed to solve a murder case he was investigating my telling the court that the victim had recently dyed their hair which lead to the tracking down of the criminal via identification of the hair sample.

His work became the foundation for fiber forensics for the early 1900s. Throughout fiber analysis’s history scientist have learned that drug usage shows up in hair samples allowing for poison identification leading them one step closer to catching a criminal. His principle of fiber transfer has helped forensic scientist across the globe identify criminals based off just the most minute sample of their clothing. Some of the most manufactured fibers that can be identified by forensics include polyester, nylon, olefin (mainly found in carpets), rayon and acrylic fibers.

Split Ends

            When looking at hair the most commonly observed area is the shaft, it can be seen that it can be broken down into three main segments; the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. The cuticle is the outermost layer composed of 6 to 11 layers of overlapping semi transparent scales that  are responsible for hairs elasticity and waterproof qualities. People with thick or coarse hair will have more of these scales then a person with fine hair. The next layer is known as the cortex, it is the layer separating the cuticle and the cortex, this area of the shaft gives hair its flexibility, and perhaps more importantly it’s color. Forensic scientists can use this layer to tell if a hair has been treated to change color. Now to the core of the shaft is a honeycomb styled tube known as the medulla filled with air pockets.

Collection methods

            When a crime is first investigated forensic scientists scan the area for any fiber traces left behind by carefully performing a grid search with tweezers and special sealing bags to prevent any cross contamination. While doing this they wear protective equipment to keep from contaminating any fibers. It is important to note that they do not use tape for fiber collection as it could crush and alter the fibers. In addition clothing of victims may also be inspected for evidence of unfamiliar fibers that could belong to the perpetrator. Other fiber samples may even be present under the fingernails of a victim.

Analysis

            Typically hair and fiber analysis is done through the use of microscopy. A forensic scientist would analyze this information and then compare it to familiar known fibers until a match is found. If further analysis is required forensic scientists can extract DNA from hair samples in order to more accurately pinpoint the owner.

Through hair analysis it is possible to identify weather a hair had fallen out of natural cause or by force by observing the condition of the root. In addition gender can be observed through hair. Scientists however can most accurately determine drug usage from hair as residue is left behind for long periods of time after consumption. Race is also determinable via hair analysis as human hairs are broken down into three categories;

Caucasian- European in origin they are often straight or wavy in appearance, and exhibit colors ranging from blonde to brown to black.

Mongoloid- Asian origin they are regularly coarse, straight, and circular in cross section, with a wider diameter than the hairs of the other racial groups.

Negroid- Hairs African origins are often curly and have a flattened cross section.

Reliability

            Even though much information can be obtained from hair/fiber analysis the evidence is not always conclusive. This is due to how few qualifying assessments there are that two strands of hair/fiber came from the same source. Fiber on the other hand has to be associated with a supposed source and therefore cannot be deemed 100% accurate. However DNA testing on hair can lead towards more accurate and traceable results.

InFamous Cases

            In 1975 Police were baffled by over 30 murders having happened with no trace of a criminal. They finally found evidence pointing to Ted Bundy however before he could be punished he escaped to Florida where he committed three more murders. He was finally tracked down when the fibers of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach dress were found in his van later that year. He was sentenced to death.

            Another serial killer eluded police for two years and twenty nine murders.  Police eventually arrested Wayne Williams as he was driving away from the sound of a splash in an area where a body was recovered a couple of days later. Police didn't witness him drop the body, so their case was based largely on forensic evidence gathered from fibers found on the victims. There were multiple fiber evidences from his vehicle to his dog’s hair. In 1982 he was sentenced to life in prison for two murders even though Atlanta police believe he was responsible for at least 22 children murders.

            Forensic hair and fiber analysis prevail yet again in 1983 when the bodies of two school boys (one tied by a rope that police couldn’t identify) were found. Police arrested a man who had been scouting a local school named John Joubert when scientists found a match between the unknown rope and a rope that the police found. Furthermore his a hair of one of the victims was found in John’s car.
 

Bibliography

http://www.ehow.com/about_5597295_forensic-analysis-hair.html

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=forensic%20hair%20analysis&source=web&cd=5&sqi=2&ved=0CFAQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcourses.ncssm.edu%2Fbondell%2FForensics%2520documents%2FForensic%2520Hair%2520Analysis.ppt&ei=HyfATvD-DYzBtgfa56CzBg&usg=AFQjCNFJ89MSdPDPA6sVaDLhGHb9DhEFpw&cad=rja

http://www.centralreg.k12.nj.us/webpages/SHopson/files/hair.pdf

http://www.ehow.com/about_5640929_forensic-science-hair-fiber-identification.html

http://www.criminaljusticeschools.org/blog/10-famous-cases-cracked-by-forensics

http://www.microtracescientific.com/labratory/lineage/locard.htm

http://www.top-hair-loss-remedy.com/hair-structure.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_8546471_forensic-tools-techniques.html

http://encyclopediaegypt.com/eg-blond.htm

Handwriting Analysis

History Of Handwriting Analysis

            Hand writing analysis, known as graphology is the study of a person’s hand writing (obviously) as well as whether or not an article of writing is forged and even the character of the writer. The first direct research document was a book written by an Italian physician named Camillo Baldi written in 1622 but evidence shows that there was interest over 2000 years ago. Later in the 1870’s Frenchman Jean Michon would coin the name graphology as well as expand on its research. His work started a growing interest in graphology that moved through Europe.

            In 1897 a man froms Switzerland known as Dr. Max Pulver made a further contribution to graphological research regarding symbolism in handwriting. In both direction and in symbolism of space, His division of the handwriting into the three vertical 'zones' explains aspects of the handwriting previously misunderstood;  vertical movement, horizontal movement, and depth.

In 1979 a company known as HRC revolutionized handwriting analysis with a hand writing analyzing program known as the computer handwriting analysis profile system (aka CHAPS). This development created an accurate way of matching characteristics of an individual with their hand writing.

The Components of Calligraphy

            In hand writing analysis forensic scientists have determined 12 basic characteristics of identification. These 12 are used to determine criminal messages as well as forgeries. They components are as followed.

• Line Quality –are lines faded or thick    

  

• Size consistency – Compare ratio of height to width
•  Word and Letter Spacing– Is the writing spaced out or crowded

• Connecting letters – are capitals and lower-case letters connected and continuous?
• Letters complete – are letters fully written or partially ?
• Continuous - Does the pen lift or is it continuous writing?

• Cursive/Printed – cursive printed or both (when)
• Pen Pressure – equal up and down strokes
• Slant – does it lean left or right? Does it even slant?

• Flourishes or Embellishments – Does it have fancy curves?
• Diacritic Placement – correct, misplaced, t’s crossed towards top/bottom, i’s dotted? Dotted to the right/left/centered?
• Line Habits– above line, below line, on line?

Forgery!

      The main purpose regarding handwriting analysis is determining forgeries invalid and scientists have thus created a protocol for determining validity. As stated in the previous section there are 12 main characteristics of forgery.  The following image is of my personal handwriting (frightening) of the sentance "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog."

      In most cases of freehand forgery a forger copying a signature might make awkward starts and stops. This is due to the fact that a forger may reposition a pen to get the right spot, and when finished with a certain piece of the writing will firmly lift up to end their writing to avoid any errors but in doing this leaves behind an identifiable mistake. This will result in signs of hesitation and pen lifts. These traits can be observed in this person's forgery of my hand writing. As it can be seen there are more distinct and static lines as 'Bruce Wayne' tries to mimic my erratic handwriting.

      While freehand forgeries have a lot of dissimilarities between the original piece and the copy, trace forgeries are almost identical to the original work in almost every aspect. That in itself gives it away as no two signatures (even if by the same person) are 100% identical. Trace forgeries are preformed typically by holding the origional signature and document destined to bear the fals signature to a light source and copy the image, while another method is to place pressure on the origonal document in order to leave an idention on the sheet behind it which will then be traced directly. The giveaway in this picture is that it is almost identical to the origional and it also has distinct lines from where the pencil was pressed (the forger did not start the cursive replica).

From reviewing the types of forgery I believe that trace forgery is a much easier method as opposed to free handing as you can succesfully replicate an identical copy. However I feel that trace forgeries can be much more easily identified as they will bear an uncanny resembalence to the origional document.

Infamous Case

At the end of WWII the plane carrying Hitler's private archives crashed, apparently destroying Hitler’s written archives for good, however no evidence of them being destroyed could be found. Later a man named Gerd Heidemann purchased the first volume of Hitler's diary from a man who claimed he acquired them from an East German general. Heidemmann’s supervisor purchased the copies for a substantial amount of money without checking for authenticity. Debates arose about the authenticity when people noticed the similarities between the articles and another published work. Upon further inspection the writing in the diaries didn’t match up well with Hitler’s and labels on the diary, supposedly meant to have been typed in 1943, were dated only to have been written 9 years earlier through handwriting analysis. The diary's binding contained polyester threads which were not first manufactured until 1953 and the paper also contained a type of fluorescent brightener that was not introduced until 1954. The forger of the diary and Gerd Heidemann were both sentenced to four and a half years in jail based on this evidence.

This document is Hitler's own photographed hand writing, compare it to the forgery from the book mentioned in the above paragraph.

 While the image is blurry you can still see slightly heavier lines in sections as well as it's rigid structure. This most likely was a free handed forge.

Bibliography

http://www.britishgraphology.org/history.htm

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFUQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delranschools.org%2F93920831133738603%2Flib%2F93920831133738603%2Fdocuments_PPT.ppt&ei=MizETrDEKIectwerpbSwDQ&usg=AFQjCNFIqCcBf22ZFNb9RwfG2wnJVJqG5Q

http://www.questioneddocuments.com/Question%20Doc%20Overviews/Signatures%20&%20Forgery.html

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/handwriting-101-00000000015886/page8.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00206/text_casestudies.htm   

http://strengthandsong.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/hitlers-handwriting/

Finger Print Analysis

History of Fingerprinting

            While it is difficult to predict the exact time in which the first fingerprint analysis was used forensic scientists have managed to uncover fingerprints dating back to the 3^rd century B.C. This documentation was from ancient china in which thumb prints were found to be used in business transactions as a seal of approval. Another ancient use was in Persia where government officials used fingerprints for documents as they denoted no two fingerprints were the identical.

            The first interest taken in fingerprints in the western world was in 1684 when Dr. Nehemiah Grew documented the basic structure of fingerprints including ridges spirals etc. In 1880 Dr. Henry Faulds was credited with the first identification of a fingerprint found on a greasy alcohol bottle. By 1892 Sir Francis Galton developed the very first classification system of fingerprints.

Around 1846 the FBI has developed AFIS technology for classifying and sorting through the hand cards of fingerprints revolutionizing the use of prints in crime solving. By 1911 the first person to be convicted based primarily off finger print evidence in the western world was of a murder which occurred during a burglary. Charles Hiller had awoken one night to find that a light he had left on that night had been extinguished, upon investigating the house he came face to face with an intruder who reacted by shooting Charles twice killing him. When police investigated the seen they saw four fingerprints near a window imprinted on freshly painted veranda. Police eventually traced these prints to Thomas Jennings who upon this evidence managed to put on trial. The evidence was scientifically indisputable which led to Jennings conviction and execution.

Types of Finger Prints

            As there are different circumstances there are different types of finger prints, the three primary ones are latent prints, direct prints, and plastic prints.

Latent prints are prints that are not readily available to the naked eye as well as they are often left behind on unknowingly. These marks are usually the result of natural oils secreted from the body which can be accumulated on the fingers via friction. Once a criminal (or anyone) touches an object the adhered oils will leave behind an imprint of the finger which forensic scientist can then reveal with various techniques.

            Direct prints are much more easily identified as they are not as concealed as latent prints. Direct prints are prints left behind from other substances such as blood, or fresh paint as well as dirt left on a person’s finger. These types of prints leave behind much more noticeable residue and therefore do not need any special treatment to reveal.

          Lastly we have plastic prints which leave three dimensional marks. Plastic prints only occur when a person’s finger presses into a relatively soft/impressionable substance such as wax or putty and can even be left behind in dust. Since they leave direct indentions plastic prints do not require special equipment to locate.

Basic Shapes/Patterns

            Even though all fingerprints are different they all have basic patterns that they follow These basic patterns are broken into 3 main groups; loops, whorls, and arches.

Loops

            Loops are classified as fingerprints with ridges coming in from one side then curving back out towards the side they came.

            Radial loops- Loops that form downwards and curve towards the radius (thumb side)  

            Ulnar loops- Loops that flow towards the ulnar (little finger side). Ulnar loops are more common than radial loops.

Whorls

            Whorls are fingerprints with a circular pattern originating from a core. Whorls are approximately 35% of the patterns found in fingerprints and can be broken down into 4 main categories.

Plain whorls – which are composed of multiple circles like a bull’s eye target.

Central pocket loop whorls – Whorls that resemble a loop with a plain whorl towards the center.

Double loop whorls –  This fingerprint looks as if two loops collided forming an ‘S’ like pattern.

Accidental loop whorls – These whorls don’t fit in with the other categories, however they still have a core and resemble a warped whorl.

Arches

            Arches are the final type of fingerprint type, they are classified by ridgelines that rise in the centre and create a wave like pattern. They are the least common type of fingerprint pattern making up only 5% of the populations prints.

Plain Arch- Plain arches have only a slight rise towards the center in their wavelike pattern.

Tented Arch- Similar to plain arches only with a higher rise in the wave pattern.

Techniques for developing and collecting prints

            Once a forensic scientist understands the basics of fingerprints they must be able to develop them to a state where they can be analyzed as well as lifting them for research later. To do this there are a variety of methods using various chemicals the first of which we will discuss is the most commercially known, fingerprint dusting.

            Fingerprint dusting is used to identify latent prints on non-porous surfaces such as glass, tiles, and metal. This method usually makes use of black power (made from carbon or charcoal) and grey powder (made from aluminium or titanium powder). The fine powder sticks to the oil residue left behind by the print. Once the print is revealed it is either preserved photographically or lifted with a sticky tape. The con of this method is that it has to be done fairly shortly after the fingerprints are left as the oils in them dry out with time.

            Another method that can be used on hard surfaces involves the use of chemicals. This method is the combination and heating of super glue (which is mostly composed of cyanoacrylate) and sodium hydroxide. The fumes from this heated mixture bond with amino acids which are found in the oils on the print and make a hard print which can then be photographed and analyzed.

            If the print is not on something as hard and smooth as glass or metal this method

involving ninhydrin (triketohydridenehydrate). By exposing a porous surface (i.e. cardboard)

 to  this chemical the chemical slowly reacts with the oils and proteins in the fingerprint.

After several hours a purplish-blue print will appear. While slow this method can be used

even a while after the prints were made.

Bibliography

http://www.northants.police.uk/default.aspx?id=8447

http://www.clt.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/112506/fsp07_fingerprinting.pdf

http://jbertarioniforensics.blogspot.com/2009/08/plastic-fingerprints.html

http://onin.com/fp/fphistory.html

http://willpollock.com/files/category-ascribe.net-preview.html

http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/forensics/04-fingerprints/fingerprint_detection.htm

http://siciliamo.blogspot.com/2010/04/bloody-handprint-447-years-on.html

http://onin.com/fp/

http://viewzone2.com/fingerprintx.html

http://itsachemicalworld.wordpress.com/2011/02/