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.
PDF: A Practical Guide to Shooting Scene Preservation for Crime Scene Investigators
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.
PDF: Extreme Tire Wear: A Useful Tool in Association and Reconstruction
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.
PDF: Legal and Investigative Strategies for a “No Body” Homicide
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®
PDF: Resizing Digital Images to Actual Size (1:1) Using Adobe Photoshop
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
Abstract: A variety of organic and man-made products are marketed for gardening and pest control to the consumer. The use of dried blood as a rich source of nitrogen has been shown to be an excellent organic plant food and when mixed with other components may be a deterrent to animal infestation. Dried blood is a by-product recovered from animal rendering plants and is readily available and inexpensive. This research was conducted to characterize the properties and potential forensic implications that such products can possess.
PDF: The Forensic Examination of Commercially Available Dried Blood Products