Crime Scene Investigation

Scene 2

Location: Local Bar

Clues

• Clue 1: dead body

• Dead, redhead,female
• Gash on neck
• Laying on the back of a car
• Clue 2: blood spot
• Type O- blood
• Clue 3A: fingerprint
• Tented arch
• Clue 4/5: drink with lipstick print
• Blue liquid (possible poison)
• Dark red lipstick
• Clue 6: fiber
• White fiber
• Cotton
• Clue 7: note
• “please help me" 
• Clue 7A: note
• “I needed the money”
• Clue 8: fiber/string
• Black string
• Nylon
• Clue 9: gold jewelry
• Clue 10: Fingerprint
• Accidental whorl
• Clue 11: fingerprint

Possible victim: Ginger Snap

ü-redhead, female

ü- O- blood type

ü- Accidental whorl fingerprint

ü- Handwriting match “please help me”

ü- Bartender

Possible perpetrator: Candi Store

ü- O- blood

ü- Drug conviction (needed money)

ü- Handwriting match “I needed the money”

ü- Thief conviction (gold jewelry)

ü- Adult entertainer

Hypothesis:

Candi store was at the club (clue 4/5). She went to order a drink and saw ginger snaps necklace (clue 9 & clue 4/5). Being a drug addict and thief she plotted to steal the necklace for drug money (clue 7A). She waited until Ginger Snap got off work. Candi Store followed her out of the club. Seeing she was being followed, Ginger Snap wrote a note for help (clue7). Candi store caught up to Ginger Snap and killed her (clue 1). In the struggle blood was spilt (clue 2), fiber samples were dropped (clue 6 & clue 8), and both of them left fingerprints (clue 10 and clue 3A). Candi Store left a note saying why she killed her (clue 7A) and also dropped the jewelry (clue 9). Then she fled the crime scene.

Create a Profile Experiment

In this experiment we were placed in groups of four. Then we were given different pieces of evidence. We had to then use the evidence to try to get an idea of what happened, who the victim and killer were, and what else to do with the evidence. This experiment helped us learn to use evidence to build a case.

Clue 1

Clue 2

Clue 3

Clue 4

Clue 5

(special thanks to Christine)

Fiber/Hair Analysis Experiment

For the hair and fiber analysis experiment we were given multiple pieces of fiber and hair samples and we had to find the differences between them. This experiment was important because it helped us learn to differentiate between different kinds of hair and fibers.

Drawings of the different kind of hair and fiber samples

Handwriting/Forgery Experiment

This experiment had two parts:

First we wrote the sentence “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” in cursive and print. Then we gave the sheet to the person next to us and they had to try to forge the hand writing, first by free handing and then by tracing

Second we were given fake checks and we had to fill them out. Then we ripped up the checks into tiny pieces. After that we gave the pieces to the person beside us and they had to try to reassemble the check based of the handwriting.

Poison Experiment

A poison is a substance that disturbs organisms through chemical reactions.

·         Example:

o   Cyanide

o   Mercury

o   Lead

o   Lye

o   Ammonia

o   Sugar (diabetics)

o   Iodine (Thyroid problems)

·         Poisons can cause:

o   Foaming at the mouth

o   Bleeding for orifices

o   Skin discoloration

o   Bulging eyes

For the poison experiment, we got into groups of four. Each group of four had a different station were they had different samples that they had to test for different poisons. We tested for heavy metals (Cr, Pb, and Hg), ammonia, iodine, cyanide, aspirin, and sugar. We test for them with different indicators.  

(special thanks to Alexis Bell)

Fingerprint Activity:

·         In class the fingerprint activity had two parts:

o   The first part was analysis of our own fingerprints. First put down all our prints on a piece of paper. Then we classified what kind of print they were. Then we traded with someone else in or group and they analyzed the prints to see if they would classify them the same.

o   For the second part we tested method for fingerprinting on black surfaces and glass surfaces. For the black surface we put down three prints and used white powder to make the prints visible. This was somewhat difficult due to the fact that none of us had done this before so we had to experiment with different techniques. After we had made the prints visible we put tape over them, lifted them, and placed them on a black piece of construction paper. The next day we did the glass surfaces. For this we put down three prints on a glass jar. Then we made them visible with black powder. After that we lifted the prints with tape and placed them on a white piece of paper.

·         Over all for these experiments we learned different print characteristics and how to lift/collect prints form a crime scene.

Drug Analysis

For this experiment first, we got in groups of four. At each group’s station was a sample of simulated drugs and we had to determine if it was cocaine, LSD, or other. Each groups mixed a small amount of the simulated drugs with water in a beaker. Then we put a small drop of the solution into a petri dish and tested it with pH strips, recording its pH. We did this two more times with the cocaine indicator and the LSD indicator. Then the groups rotated and tested the next sample until we had tested all the samples. In this experiment we learned how to determine if a substance is illegal drugs or not.

(special thanks to Alexis Bell)

Drug	pH	Cocaine Reagent	LSD Reagent
1	Orange/Yellow   pH6	green negative	red negative
2	Blue pH10	blue positive	pink negative
3	Orange   pH3	yellow negative	yellow postitive
4	Green/Yellow pH7	blue positive	red negative
5	Yellow pH7	green negative	red negative
6	Orange pH3	yellow negative	yellow postitive

Footprint Experiment

For this experiment we got into groups of four. Each member of the group placed a print in a container of dirt and analyzed the footprint. In my group (Amanda Pearson, Marissa Morrison, and Xena McDonald), Amanda had an easily identifiable print due to the fact she was wearing high heels. Marissa also had an easy to observe footprint due to the fact she was wearing flats. For Xena and I or footprints were similar becuase we were both wearing Converse ,and we were only differentiated by size. In this experiment we learned how to determine different characteristics of footprints and their importance.

Marissa's Footprint

(special thanks to Amanda Pearson)

Witness Experiment

In groups of four, each student cut out a face from a magazine (making sure it is similar in size to the other students). Then each student cut the face into separate parts that consisted of mouth, eyes, nose, and hair. After cutting up the face, the student then reassembled the face with the cut up pieces. Then, each group traded the pieces with another person in the group ,and they had to try to reassemble the face. In this activity we learned the importance of witnesses and how to be a good witness.

Witness Experiment

(special thanks to Amanda Pearson)

Lip Analysis

This was a class activity were first everyone (even the guys) applied lipstick/lip-gloss. After that we put our lips to a note card leaving a print behind of the lips. After that, we analyzed the prints for distinguishing characteristics. Then we got into groups of four and all four placed another lip print on a sheet of printer paper. The other groups had to then try to match the prints on the paper with the prints on the note cards. From this experiment I learned how to identify different print characteristics.

Famous Forgery Case

A famous case involving the forging of handwriting was in 1795. There was a claim that someone found a new version of "Kynge Leare" that was written by Shakespeare. A year later, Edward Malone claimed that the work was a fake. After observing the work, they found that the paper contained multiple different watermarks. Malone concluded that the forger had collected multiple pieces of paper from manuscripts etc and forged the work. Later in 1805 the forger wrote his confession.

Reflection on the Check Forgery Activity

During the Check Forgery Activity, we took certain steps in our forging methods. My first step was to observe any specific details to the writing. Next, I checked for slant. Then, I actually forged the handwriting, first by free handing and second by tracing. My group was successful in identifying the forgeries except for forging mine which was similar but not close enough. In this experiment we learned how to identify forgery with different handwriting characteristics.

Methods for Identifying Handwriting Forgery

The forgery of handwriting can either be done by free hand or tracing. In either case, you can tell that a signature is a forgery because it is near impossible to replicate the same styles, pressure, and strokes as the original. In my personal opinion for forgery, it is easier and produces better results if you use the tracing method of forgery.

12 Characteristics of Handwriting

1. Line Quality
2. Spacing of Words and Letters
3. Ration of the Relative Height, Width, and Size of Letters
4. Pen Lifts and Separation
5. Connecting Strokes
6. Beginning and Ending Strokes
7. Unusual Letter Formation
8. Shading or Pen Pressure
9. Slant
10. Basline Habits
11. Flourishes and Embellishments
12. Diacritic Placment

History of Handwriting Analysis

Aristotle observed the similarities between handwriting and personality over 2000 years ago. The first real observations though were in 1622 by an Italian professor who published a book that analyzed character and handwriting. Later in the late 1800’s several books on handwriting analysis were published by Abbe Michon. Later his successor, Crepieux Jamin, continued his work on handwriting analysis. In the 1890’s Ludwig Klages furthered the area of handwriting analysis with his theories of rhythm and "form level". Handwriting analysis continues today and is a very important part of forensics.

Ludwig Klages

Famous Case Involving Hair and Fiber Analysis

A famous case in which hair and fiber samples were part of the conviction was the Atlanta Child Murders. This involves a man named Wayne Williams. He was suspected of the murders but the polygraph came up inconclusive and there was no hard evidence. Then fibers were found on some of the dead bodies that a matched fibers from Williams' home, car, and dog. This proved that he was the murder and we was arrested.

Wayne Williams

Reliability of Hair/Fiber Crime Scene Data

Hair and fiber is one of the most important pieces of data that can be gathered from a crime scene. Hair can be used to determine the race and sex of an assaulter. Hair can also give pieces of DNA to help determine the assailant. Hair is important but fibers are also important to a crime scene. Fibers can be used to determine what an assailant was wearing as well as if they were in a certain place or not.

Hair comparison

Typical Hair/Fiber Analysis

Hair and fibers can be collected from different places: Crime scene and Autopsy

When samples are collected form a crime scene the officers painstakingly comb the scene for pieces of fibers and hairs. The officers have to wear protective clothing to make sure that no new fibers or hairs are added to the scene. These samples are collected and placed in bags, tubes, or other storage containers for further examination.

Crime Scene

When samples are collected during an autopsy the pathologists make sure to collect all the samples that can be found. They scrape under the finger nails for samples of fibers or hair samples. They also collect hair and fiber samples of the deceased. All samples collected are stored for further examination and comparison.

Hair Sample

Major Types of Fibers

Polyester:

Polyseter

 Cotton:

Cotton

Rayon:

Rayon

Silk:

Silk

Nylon:

Nylon

Picture and Labeled Parts of a Complete Hair

History of Hair/Fiber Analysis

Since the beginning of forensic science, people have recognized the importance of hair and fiber analysis. The first time that the study of hair and fibers was introduced was in France in 1857 when one of the first scientific reports was published on it. The first famous resource of information, "Hairs of Mammalia from the Medico-legal Aspect", was published in 1931 by Professor John Glaister. Later on in 1977 the information was created for modern day hair and fiber analysis in John Hick's "Microscopy of Hairs: A Practical Guide and Manual". Hair and Fiber analysis continues today in high-tech labs and in the fields to this day.

Hair Comparison

Basic Shapes/Patterns of Fingerprints & Collecting/Lifting Fingerprints

Collecting/Lifting Fingerprints:

There are multiple ways to collect prints but we discussed two different kinds in class. The first kind was using white powder on darks surfaces and the second was collecting prints on glass surfaces. For the first one, we laid down fingerprints on a black tabletop. Then we experimented with different techniques for making the print visible with the powder. Finally we then took tape, applied it to the print, and then placed it on a black piece of construction paper, which made the print visible. For the second method, first we got into groups of four. Then we placed a print on a glass jar. After that, we applied black powder to the surface, trying to make the print visible. Finally we placed tap on the now visible print and then placed it on a white piece of paper, to make it visible. We repeated this experiment three times so that we have three sets of prints.

Basic Shapes/Patterns of Fingerprints:

Three major classifications of the patterns and shapes of fingerprints:

Arches:

• The ridges go across the finger but do not make backward turns
• There are two types of arches: Plain arch, tented arch
• Plain arch
• The ridges go directly across the finger with no backward turns.





Plain Arch

• Tented arch
• Similar to Plain arch only they contain a “delta”.



Tented Arch

Loops:

• Loops contain one delta, and on one side of that delta the ridges curve and go backwards.
• Loops are determined by which direction they face: Ulnar, Radial
• Ulnar loops
• Loops that flow toward the little finger





Ulnar Loop

• Radial loops
• Loops that flow toward the thumb

Radial Loop

Whorls:

• Whorls contain two or more deltas and have some ridges that go in a circle at least one time
• There are four different types: Plain whorl, central pocket whorl, double-loop whorl, and accidental whorl
• Plain whorl
• Whorl that contains two deltas and has two or more ridges that flow in a circle





Plain Whorl

• Central pocket whorl
• Whorl that contains two deltas and has two or more ridges that flow in a circle. They also have an obstruction at right angle o the flow.





Central Pocket Whorl

• Double-loop whorl
• Whorl that contains two separate loops, two deltas, and one or more ridges that flow in a circle.



Double Loop Whorl

• Accidental whorl
• Contains two different patterns(other than plain whorl) with two deltas or a pattern that contains one, or doesn’t fit the descriptions of the other types.

Accidental Whorl

Techniques/Chemicals Used to Develop Prints

• Nonabsorbent, hard, and smooth surfaces usually use powder dusting to develop the prints while porous and soft surfaces usually require chemical treatment to develop prints.

• Powder is used that with the color that provides the best contrast against the surface the prints were left. They are usually applied with a fiberglass or camel-hair-brush, but sometimes magnetic powders are applied with a magnetic brush. There are many different powder colors and they range in composition. Black powder is usually made from charcoal/carbon, these are commonly used on white surfaces. There are also grey powder that are typically made from powdered aluminum which are used on black surface, but sometimes they are applied to metallic/mirrored surfaces. Sometimes fluorescents are used to be seen under black-lights.





Developing Fingerprints with Dusing Technique

• Chemicals are used on latent prints. A common method and also the oldest method is iodine fuming. Silver nitrate, ninhydrin, and other chemicals are also used in the development of prints.

Developing Fingerprints with Iodine Fuming Technique

Types of Fingerprints

Direct Prints: prints deliberatively given either for collection or when under arrest for a suspected criminal offense. These prints usually are collected by rolling each finger to get all the fingerprints.

Direct Fingerprint

Latent Prints: prints left behind from accidental contact with a surface. Latent prints usually only contain parts of the whole fingerprint and are sometimes smudged, distorted, or imperfect in other ways. These prints are less accurate for identification due to their lack of the fingers ridge and groove patterns.

Latent Fingerprint

Plastic Prints: are prints that create an imprint in a surface. These are usually found in melted candle wax, putties, thick grease, etc.

Plastic Fingerprint

Patent Prints: prints left that are visible to the human eye due usually to the transfer of materials on the fingers surface such as flour, clay, etc.

Patent Fingerprint

History of Fingerprinting

• Prehistoric fingerprints were used in ancient Babylon and China for business transaction seals





Ancient Chinese Fingerprint Clay Seals

• In 1686 Marcello Malpighi observed the ridges, loops, and spirals present in fingerprints.

• In 1823 John Evangelist Purkinje discussed his thesis on the nine different fingerprint patterns.

• In 1858 Sir William James Herschel observed the importance of fingerprints in the identification of a person through his personal business practices with the locals of the Hooghly district in Jungipoor, India.

Sir William James Herschel

• In 1863 Professor Paul-Jean Coulier, of Val-de-Grâce in Paris, explains how iodine fuming can be used to develop fingerprints on paper and the importance of observing fingerprints with a magnifying glass.

• In 1870 Dr. Henry Faulds noticed the importance of identification by fingerprinting and created a means of fingerprint classification. Later in 1880, he published an article called “Nature” on the importance of fingerprint identification and methods for obtaining fingerprints.

Dr. Henry Faulds

• In 1882 Gilbert Thompson was the first person in the US to use fingerprints against forgery.





Receipt From Gilbert Thompson

• In 1882 Alphonse Bertillon created the Bertillon System which measures the lengths of different parts of the body such as head length, length of the middle finger, length of the left foot, head width, etc.

Example of the Bertillon System

• In 1891 Juan Vucetich of the Argentine Police created one of the first fingerprint databases. Later in 1892 he made the first successful criminal fingerprint identification.

• In 1900 Mr. Edward Richard Henry went before the United Kingdom Home Security Office to explain his book "The Classification and Use of Fingerprints.". This lead to the replacement of the Bertillon system. In 1901 he created the Fingerprint Branch at New Scotland Yard using his system of fingerprint classification.

Edward Richard Henry

• In 1902 Dr. Henry P. DeForrest began the first systematic use of fingerprints in the U.S.

• In 1903 NY state prison began using a fingerprint identification system for criminals in the U.S.

• In 1905 the U.S. army began the using fingerprints. The Navy followed in 1906 and then after by the Marines.

• In 1918 Edmond Locard determined that if 12 points were the same between two fingerprints, it would be enough to prove a positive identification.

• In 1924 the Identification Division of the FBI was established. by 1971, the FBI had manually processed 200 million fingerprint identification cards. Then the automated fingerprint identification system was introduced and the files were put into computerized files.





• In 2011 the largest AFIS depository in America operated by the Dept. of Homeland Security contained 100 million two-finger records.