Ivanie Stene & Tom Adair
Abstract: We report on a study in which neat (undiluted) and cleaned bloodstains were covered with commercial wallpaper in order to test methods of discovery and recovery of said stains. Cleaned and camouflaged (covered) bloodstains pose significant challenges to the crime scene reconstructionist. Criminals may employ a variety of methods to destroy bloodstain evidence from a simple cleaning with water to extreme measures such as covering the cleaned areas with paint or wallpaper. This study supports the conclusion that neat and cleaned bloodstains are very difficult to detect through wallpaper but may be detected once the wallpaper is removed.