ACSR Journal Articles and Abstracts
Below you will find a list of selected article abstracts from the ACSR Journals as of 2009. Abstracts prior to 2009 will be added by the Editor as time allows. Within the abstracts you will find links to the articles. Some of these links are open to the public and some are available only to ACSR members. ACSR members can also view previous issues in their entirety by clicking the button below.
ACSR Journal Article Abstracts
2010 Abstracts
Can Accident Investigation Tools Help Crime Scene Reconstruction?
Ludwig Benner Jr., BChE, PE-Safety (Retired) and William D. Carey, BA
Abstract: The search for ways to improve present crime scene reconstruction practices is a continuing endeavor. Might the adaptation of tools used in the accident and incident investigation field be useful in that endeavor? That question was first addressed during the 2010 Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction Conference, at which some such tools were explored during an experimental demonstration. This article describes task similarities, and accident investigation concepts, principles and tools that might be adaptable to similar crime scene investigation and reconstruction tasks. Key candidates include viewing occurrences as processes, an iterative framework for investigations, and standardized input data structure.
Keywords: crime scene analysis, crime scene reconstruction, Multilinear Events Sequencing, accident investigation
A Comparison of Event Analysis and Multilinear Events Sequencing Techniques for Reconstructing Unique Phenomena
Ross M. Gardner, MA, CSCSA
Abstract: Event Analysis is a specific crime scene analysis method in use today. Its purpose is to objectively define what happened in alleged criminal events and in what order it happened. This article compares Event Analysis methodology to the analysis method known as Multilinear Events Sequencing (MES). MES is an established methodology used by safety specialists, failure analysts, and other scientists to evaluate unique and rare events. This comparison will effectively demonstrate that the two methods are one and the same in theory, process, and purpose.
Keywords: crime scene analysis, crime scene reconstruction, Event Analysis, Multilinear Events
Sequencing, Daubert
Using Security Camera Video in Accident Reconstruction
Detective Tilo Voitel, Denver Police Department, Traffic Investigations
Abstract: In November of 2006 a family with small children was crossing the street in downtown Denver when they were hit by a DUI driver that fled the scene. A license plate that was left behind led to the arrest of the driver and passenger a few hours after the collision. There were contrasting witness statements about what happened due to the traumatic nature of the event. Several video cameras in the area captured the event. The video recordings from those cameras were used in conjunction with a scale diagram and traffic engineering report to clarify the actual sequence of events as well as determining the vehicle’s speed. The author was involved in this investigation and discusses the methodology behind the speed determination as well as how he was able to determine the driver had a red light when the light was not visible in the video.
Keywords: accident investigaiton, accident reconstruction, video analysis
ACSR Journal Article Abstracts
2009 Abstracts
A Practical Guide to Shooting Scene Preservation for Crime Scene Investigators
Charles S. DeFrance, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver
Division and
Carlo J. Rosati, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory
Division
Abstract: When a dedicated shooting reconstruction team is not immediately available, the first crime scene investigators on the scene need to properly document the condition of the scene and preserve evidence that will be need for the reconstruction. This paper offers suggested guidelines for crime scene investigators to properly document and preserve evidence in a shooting scene for later processing by a shooting reconstruction team.
Keywords: shooting reconstruction, shooting scene preservation, crime scene documentation
Extreme Tire Wear: A Useful Tool in Association and Reconstruction
Tom Adair
Abstract: In April of 2008 a tire examination case was presented to the author in which the documented impression evidence showed evidence of extreme tire wear in the crime scene impressions. The suspect vehicle, which was recovered shortly after the crime, also exhibited corresponding wear on the tires in the same mounted positions. The degree of wear was such that the author was able to establish a greater degree of association between the impressions and the set of tires from the vehicle than he could otherwise expect from a single tire alone. The term “extreme tire wear” is introduced. The author also discusses the need to draw conclusions regarding the set of tires, as opposed to individual examinations, when the possibility presents itself.
Keywords: tire examination, extreme tire wear, impression evidence, track evidence
The Forensic Examination of Commercially Available Dried Blood Products
Matthew Noedel, Noedel Scientific, Puyallup, WA and Amy Jagmin, Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, Seattle, WA
Legal and Investigative Strategies for a “No Body” Homicide
Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma
Abstract: In June 2002, six-year-old Logan Tucker disappeared in Woodward, Oklahoma. It was fourteen days before law enforcement learned of his disappearance. His mother, Katherine Rutan, told various stories to neighbors, relatives, and law enforcement. Although she was a suspect, authorities were reluctant to charge her without a body. In October 2005, the Woodward County District Attorney’s office contacted me for my opinion on the case. They then asked me to lead the prosecution. In 2006, Rutan was charged with First Degree Murder. In 2007, following a nine day jury trial, she was convicted and sentenced to life without parole. This article discusses the facts of the Logan Tucker case along with the legal and investigatory aspects of a “no body” murder investigation and prosecution.
Keywords: no body murder, corpus delicti, circumstantial evidence of death, proof of death
Resizing Digital Images to Actual Size (1:1) Using Adobe® Photoshop®
Guy Pierce
Abstract: This article demonstrates how to resize a digital image to actual size (1:1) using Adobe® Photoshop®.
Keywords: digital images, Adobe® Photoshop®, image resizing
Download PDF View Video Tutorial
2010 Conference Abstracts
Clinical Medicine for the Crime Scene Analyst
Dr. Christopher Milroy MD, LLB, FRCPath, FRCPC, DMJ, The Ottawa Hospital, and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Abstract: In the interpretation of crime scene evidence involving homicides and other serious non-fatal offences against the person, knowledge of clinical medicine can be important in the interpretation of findings. Such questions as how quickly someone will die, whether they were incapacitated before death and what activity they would be capable of following the infliction of various types of injury are common questions asked of medical witnesses at trial. The Forensic pathologist is often assisted by information at the crime scene. A knowledge of these issues will also help criminalists and crime scene reconstructionists in the interpretation of their findings. This presentation discussed the forensic aspects of injuries, in particular head injuries and penetrating injuries. Clinical assessment of head injury, including use of the Glasgow Coma scale, types of cardiac rhythms and which abnormal rhythms develop in which situations was discussed. In addition the interaction of natural disease and trauma was also illustrated.
The Thrill of the Chase
Lieutenant Jonathyn W. Priest, Denver Police Department
Abstract: In the first moments of realizing success, people experience an anxious feeling of excitement in their stomach. Despair is a similar feeling, but occurring with the realization of failure. Law enforcement officers are often familiar with this feeling of success during the beginnings of an investigation, and then the chase and the subsequent capture of a suspect. Occasionally, however, they recognize despair. This unfortunately occurs when a case fails at trial secondary to a poor or inadequate investigation.
A complete investigation is just that – a total and inclusive examination of a particular criminal incident. When law enforcement stops at the end of the chase, they might not realize a victory. Police officers and investigators alike relish the thrill of the chase; yet relax once the perpetrator resides in their custody.
Law enforcement would do well to remember the words of Kevin Costner as Elliot Ness in ‘The Untouchables’: “Many things are half the battle. Losing is half the battle. Let’s think about what’s the whole battle.”
This case study of a 1999 sex assault homicide examines the whole case. It begins with the initial crime scene investigation, proceeds to the arduous pursuit of a killer, examines the tedious scientific examinations, and closes with the challenging trial and ultimate verdict.
Cold Case Investigation: DNA Testing Aided by Crime Scene Photos
Amy Jagmin, Washington State Patrol Crime Lab
Abstract: In December of 1968, Sandra (Sandy) Bowman was fatally stabbed in the Seattle apartment that she shared with her husband. Sandy was 16-years old, newly married, and was in her second trimester of pregnancy. Following a review of the case by cold case detectives with the Seattle Police Department, numerous items were submitted to the WSP Seattle Crime Lab for DNA testing. Crime scene photos were also submitted for review relative to the DNA testing. Due to the photos being provided to the scientist for review, DNA evidence was obtained which ultimately led to the discovery and conviction of the perpetrator 36 years after the crime was committed. This case presentation demonstrated why communication and cooperation between scientist and detective/investigator are necessary, particularly in working cold case homicides.
3D Laser Scanning for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Tony Grissim, Leica Geosystems
Abstract: 3D laser scanning enables investigators to photograph and measure a scene with an extraordinary level of speed, accuracy and completeness. The information gathered can be used to generate up to six high-value rapid response products within minutes of the scanning to provide detectives with 3D information for conducting interviews and assessing witness statements. In the courtroom, laser scanning data allows prosecutors to place the jury in the scene. This presentation included a live demonstration of a 3D laser scanner at a mock crime scene, an overview of its various law enforcement applications, case studies of homicides, officer involved shootings, shooting reconstruction, and post-blast investigations. Data from 3D laser scans has been accepted in U.S. courts of law many times. Case references were provided and details shared on how various police agencies are using the Leica system to become accredited for crime scene mapping. The method used for validating the technology for shooting reconstruction was described.
The Pathologist and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Dr. Christopher Milroy MD, LLB, FRCPath, FRCPC, DMJ, The Ottawa Hospital, and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Abstract: Blood pattern analysis is a now an established area of crime scene examination. This work has traditionally been performed by criminalists. Forensic pathologists determine the presence of injuries and the effects they have on the body. The interpretation of scene findings and blood patterns rquires analysis of the forensic pathology findings. This presentation discussed the role of the forensic pathologist at the scene in blood pattern and expected findings in different types of injuries.
The IAI CSR Certification Program and The New BPA Proficiency and Competency Testing Program
Ross Gardner and Tom Griffin
Abstract: Explained the new International Association for Identification Crime Scene Reconstruction Certification program. Explained the new Bevel, Gardner & Associates competency and proficiency web-based testing program for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
Basic Ejection Pattern Examination
Matthew Noedel, Noedel Scientific
Abstract: This brief presentation outlined the techniques, results, and findings of the Ejection Pattern Workshop Sessions taught at the 2010 ACSR Conference in San Diego. A brief review of the exercises was provided and the limits and ability for ejection pattern to be a useful tool for reconstruction was discussed. Those attendees not able to take the workshop benefited from the insights offered by this review.
Investigation Data Capture and Analysis Tools
Ludwig Benner Jr., Starline Software, Ltd.
Abstract: This lecture presented tools for structuring, documenting, organizing, and analyzing investigation data, together with the research background, underlying concepts, principles, and procedures for using them. The lecture included examples of the step by step application of the tools, using data tendered by attendees.
Crime Scene Reconstruction – An Application Workshop
Lawrence Lee Renner, Santa Fe City Police (Retired)
Abstract: The reconstruction of a crime scene is a specialized activity and can be used at both current and old scenes with significant out-comings. The technique utilizes the scientific method to analyze the physical evidence from the scene, background information victimology, and deductive reasoning to determine segments of the multiple events that make up a criminal incident. A knowledge of the entire crime scene is gained by collection of all the data relating to the incident. This includes identifying physical evidence and bloodstain patterns at the scene; evaluating laboratory testing and autopsy results; all EMT, ER, and medical reports; police reports, interviews and statements. This information is then used to form a question and utlizes the scientific method to test the findings against the expected in a similar situation. Various demonstrative methods to illustrate the individual segments of the events that occurred can be helpful in acquiring plea arrangements from both the prosecution and the defense.
This crime scene reconstruction workshop supplied the attendees with presentations, examples, and hands-on opportunities to evaluate case information and allowed for their presentation of findings utilizing reconstruction principles and various forms of demonstrative presentations.
Basic IR Blood Photography Techniques / The Fuji IS Pro
Jeff Borngasser, Oregon State Police, Central Point Lab
Abstract: This workshop was an introduction to IR/UV-photography of blood. Demonstrations of how this type of photography differs from conventional photography were performed. Discussion covered different lighting and filter conditions and how they can change the image captured. The focus of this workshop was crime scene photography, however, some other techniques were discussed such as obliterated writing, counterfit currency, and pattern removal. Individuals were encouraged to bring their IR cameras to participate in hands on exercises.
De-Mystifying the Scientific Method and Experiment Design
Michael S. Maloney and Kim Duddy
Abstract: This workshop was geared towards forming a framework that allows those performing forensic reconstructions to integrate the scientific method into the methodology, procedures, and reporting in a manner that is easy to document and later articulate during judicial proceedings. Inductive and deductive reasoning, the use of a hypothesis, following the scientific method rather than making the method fit later, and the use of variables and controls in original experimentation design were all topics of discussion and exercises. Students were encouraged to bring a practical example of an experiment they may have to design to resolve an issue. The instructor brought the unique mixture of practical reconstruction experience and experiment design in a presentation format guided by his experience in forensic reconstruction as well as his background as a high school biology teacher and college science instructor.
Forensic Ethics
Pete Barnett, D-ABC; Carolyn Gannett, Forensic Science Associates, San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab (Retired)
Abstract: This workshop focused on the practical aspects of ethics in forensic science. Lecture material offered insight into the various types of codes, their features and purpose, and the differences and similarities between the codes of over twenty forensic associations. Concepts dealing with professional relations and competent practice were discussed, as were issues surrounding filing or being the subject of an ethics allegation. Students were given several scenarios, taken from or inspired by real-life incidents. The students were then be asked to define the ethical issues at stake, weigh them against the contents of ethics codes from several professional organizations, and justify their conclusions that an ethical violation had, or had not, occurred.
Application of Semiautomatic Firearm Ejection Patterns
Matthew Noedel, Noedel Scientific
Abstract: This workshop covered the concepts that influence semiautomatic firearm cartridge case ejection patterns. The course covered how to determine and document an ejection pattern, the limits of such an examination, and conclude with practical, live fire demonstrations at a shooting range. Students from this course learned both practical and theoretical limits to ejection pattern evaluations in context to shooting scenes.
Bloodstain Pattern Documentation
Craig Ogino, Chula Vista Police Department Crime Lab
Abstract: This course covered how to document bloodstain scenes using items to enhance the stains, photography, and notes. The students were taught a systematic process on documentation that will aid in the report writing process as well as in giving testimony.
The students were required to have completed a basic 40-hour bloodstain class and know how to use a single lens reflex digital camera. The students were required to bring a single lens reflex digital camera, a scientific calculator that had trigonometric functions, a protractor, tape measure, and a way to download photographs from their camera to a computer.
A lecture and a practical exercise were used to teach this process. At the end of the class the student should have learned a way to systematically document a crime scene and be ready for their courtroom presentation.
Wound Types: What They Can and Can’t Tell You
Craig Nelson, MD, San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office
Abstract: This course examined the basics of 3 different classes of wounds (gunshot/ shotgun, sharp force, and blunt force), with discussion of wound characteristics and how they are made. Emphasis was placed on information that can and cannot be inferred from different types of wounds, such as range of fire, the limitations of patterned injuries, and considerations of matching weapons to wounds. In doing so, the presenter discussed what can be known about a wound versus what can only be speculated, in hopes of conveying what information can be testified to in court with reasonable certainty.
Human vs. Nonhuman Bones: A Practical Guide
Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., California State University, Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Dept. of Coroner
Abstract: Forensic field practitioners are often faced with the identification of bone, particularly on the determination of human vs. nonhuman status. This workshop discussed the differences between human and nonhuman bone and used stations with bone specimens to test the knowledge of participants after the lecture.
2009 Conference Abstracts
Download PDF of Conference Abstracts
Presumed Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Kenton Wong
Abstract: A case study whereby crime scene reconstruction and the examination of physical evidence resulted in the exoneration of a man wrongly accused and incarcerated for 11 years for a high profile homicide case in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just after midnight on January 9th, 1997, 20-year-old Ronnie Small was shot to death by three to four black gunmen in the presence of approximately 25 people attending a birthday party in a crowded apartment in the San Francisco north bay city of Marin City, California. Events leading up to the homicide involved an on-going war between Ronnie Small and Joseph Michel, also known as “JoJo Koulibaly”. Several witnesses reported that Koulibaly killed Small as he jumped upon Small on the couch and subsequently fired multiple shots from his .40 S&W semi-automatic pistol, however, JoJo Koulibaly subsequently fled to France and would not face extradition until years later. Meanwhile, the intense political pressure to bring the killers to justice possibly resulted in the misidentification of Darrell Hunter. In addition, through apparently compromised physical evidence (that transpired over a period of almost three years) that was eventually brought to light in a second trial, Darrell Hunter was exonerated in March 2008.
The Paul Childs Shooting
Lieutenant Jonathyn W. Priest, Denver Police Department
Abstract: When a peace officer discharges a firearm and wounds or kills a person, law enforcement agencies often employ specific protocols to investigate and review the case. Officer-involved shootings are not just another type of criminal investigation. Confrontations between police and citizens, where physical force or deadly physical force is used, are among the most important incidents with which we deal. They have potential criminal, administrative, and civil consequences. Additionally, such incidents have a significant impact on the relationship between law enforcement officers and the community they serve. Compounding the community impact of these shootings include the age of the victim, cross racial issues, type of weapon used, mental or physical condition of the victim, number of shots fired, prior shootings by the officer, methods of investigation, and agency reputation. This case study addresses the issues associated with reconstructing a crime scene, as well as an investigation, considering many of the controversial factors listed here. The Paul Childs shooting investigation provides an insight in to contentious situations and examples of questionable tactics and investigative practices.
The Haditha Massacre
Michael S. Maloney
Abstract: In November of 2006 a roadside bomb exploded in Haditha, Iraq. The detonation resulted in the loss of life of a U.S. Marine and signaled the start of a coordinated ambush against U.S. Forces. The Marines responded, in the aftermath 24 Iraqi civilians were dead in five different locations. The allegation of atrocities came to light almost five months later and the incident was quickly dubbed by the press as the “Haditha Massacre.” Responding to Iraq to gather the evidence, document the scenes, and then apply reconstruction methodologies was a massive effort in a very non-traditional environment. The challenges included a four-month-old scene, five locations that had been cleaned or reconstructed, and the decedents had been buried before any post mortem examinations. The reconstruction required the application of well documented and practiced forensic techniques such as bloodstain pattern, firearms trajectory, post blast analysis, wound dynamics, and mechanism of injury in a non-traditional scene. The ultimate challenge to this reconstruction was time spent on scene. The scene examination for all scenes was limited to four hours due to threats of mortar attack, roadside bombs on exit routes, and other hostile attacks by insurgents. An 18-month reconstructive effort was conducted using these scene findings as well as hundreds of photographs provided from non-law enforcement photographers, journalists, military, and bystanders that day. The reconstructive effort was sufficient to clearly support the veracity of a single version of events and actions that day when the Marines’ and the Iraqi’s accounts of the events differed so dramatically.
The Waynewright Texas Shooting
Tom Bevel
Abstract: A case study of an officer-involved shooting case in which experts disagreed on the cause of the fatal gunshot wound to the officer. Officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle at night. The vehicle drove out into a field. The suspect fired a lever-action .30-30 caliber rifle striking and killing an officer. Another expert contended that the officer was killed by friendly fire from his partner. The lecture presented the opinions by the opposing sides along with the foundation for their opinions. The lecture was then open for group discussion and questions. After approximately fifteen minutes of questions and discussion the surprising out come was given. Many in the discussion believed that not all forensic questions were adequately put before the jury and this was the cause for “not guilty” on the part of the accused.
Execution vs. Self Defense
Kenton Wong
Abstract: A case study that utilized the multi-disciplinary approach of crime scene reconstruction to the circumstances that resulted in a death that was contended to be an execution style gang shooting. On New Year’s Eve 2006, Sureño (South Side) gang member Sean “Sad Boy” Terwilliger showed up intoxicated by methamphetamine at the residence of his ex-girlfriend (and current fiancée of Chad Lodell) after being released from prison. A verbal altercation ensued and quickly escalated into a physical altercation whereby Terwilliger was shot and killed by Chad Lodell, an ex-Norteño (North Side) gang member. The prosecution contended that the incident and subsequent death was a gang-motivated execution style murder. However, crime scene reconstruction, wound ballistics, and pathology indicated that the death was due to self-defense and not execution as the prosecution contended.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Tom Bevel
Abstract: This workshop taught the students various aspects of bloodstain pattern analysis in a realistic setting. The primary theme was to divide into four different teams and using whole human blood to create bloodstain patterns that were consistent with the scenario proctored by the team. Each scene along with the created evidence was then passed to another group. After analysis this group told the whole class what their opinions were explaining the basis for their opinion. This opinion was then contrasted with the intended scenario by the creating team. The overall consensus was that it is very difficult to stage a scene to look like what is intended as the patterns will always appear consistent with the event that created them and a proper analysis will reveal the actual events.
Using Lasers to Document Fired Bullet Paths
Matthew Noedel, Noedel Scientific
Abstract: The “CSI effect” has created an expectation by jurors to see dramatic presentations of crime scene evidence. The use of lasers to provide demonstrative exhibits in shooting reconstructions has become expected and has distinct advantages over sketches, strings, or other techniques. This four-hour workshop provided the basis for using lasers to represent fired bullet paths. Exercises included measuring, recording, and documenting paths of fired bullets using lasers and photographing the resultant laser paths. Participants in this workshop got hands on practice using common techniques for trajectory documentation. Students were encouraged to bring their own camera, tripod, and/or laser trajectory system.
Photoshop® for Crime Scene Investigators
Guy Pierce
Abstract: This workshop was designed to give the attendee the opportunity to get some hands-on experience using Adobe® Photoshop® CS4. Basic tools and techniques were demonstrated, practiced, and then applied to exercises that should be relevant and useful to the crime scene investigator and forensic analysts. Some of the subjects covered included digital image management, sizing images one-to-one, preparing comparison charts, fingerprint enhancement, court board preparation, and touch-up tools.
Forensic Anthropology
Dr. Diane France
Abstract: This workshop educated the student on the differences between human and non-human bones that may be encountered during criminal investigations. The workshop included hands on examples for students to study.
De-Mystifying the Scientific Method and Experiment Design
Michael S. Maloney
Abstract: This workshop was geared towards forming a framework that allows those performing forensic reconstructions to integrate the scientific method into the methodology, procedures, and reporting in a manner that is easy to document and later articulate during judicial proceedings. Inductive and deductive reasoning, the use of a hypothesis, following the scientific method rather than making the method fit later, and the use of variables and controls in original experimentation design were all topics of discussion and exercises. Students were encouraged to bring a practical example of an experiment they may have to design to resolve an issue. The instructor brought the unique mixture of practical reconstruction experience and experiment design in a presentation format guided by his experience in forensic reconstruction as well as his background as a high school biology teacher and college science instructor.
Post-blast Bombing Scenes
Special Agents Chris Skillman and Miles Gooderham, FBI
Abstract: This class was designed to familiarize crime scene investigators with explosive post-blast investigations. Students received an introduction to post-blast investigations followed by a practical exercise that required them to process a real indoor post-blast scene. Emphasis was placed on what evidence of an improvised explosive device (IED) can be expected to survive the explosion and how that evidence can be used to recreate the actual IED.
Communicating Shooting Reconstruction Events via the Written Report
Matthew Noedel, Noedel Scientific
Abstract: This four-hour workshop addressed the importance of using correct nomenclature and discussed techniques for clear and concise reporting about firearm related evidence and events. The workshop included practical examples involving reporting trajectory results and effectively communicating shooting reconstruction conclusions were used to provide a basis for preparing an accurate written report. Students were challenged to prepare portions of written reports from raw data supplied during the class.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Report Writing
Ross Gardner
Abstract: This four-hour workshop discussed aspects of effective report writing for bloodstain pattern analysis. These aspects include recognizing the three main functions of the expert’s report, which are: creating a historical record of the expert’s effort, sharing the conclusions achieved through the analysis, and remaining within the framework of the scientific method by achieving a “reviewable, repeatable, and testable” standard. The lecture correlated the expert’s report to a standardized BPA methodology. The lecture concentrated on observational reporting by the analyst that utilized defined stain morphology terms and a taxonomic classification system. Subsequent to the lecture, students engaged in practical exercises designed to build objective observation and classification skills and articulate these observations and conclusions in a written format.
Posing the Scene
Iris Dalley
Abstract: Forensic animation is a tool for displaying and explaining evidence in ways that are both simple to understand and strikingly memorable. The exhibit must accurately depict the facts or events it is offered to illustrate. This is not only a question for admissibility in the courtroom, but also for the ethical conduct of the presenter. Since “seeing is believing”, demonstratives can also be used to mislead and misinform. A number of simple animation software programs are marketed. In this workshop, techniques for preparing forensic animations using Poser® were presented.