1
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Mileva B, Goshev M, Georgieva M, Tsranchev II, Alexandrov A. Accidental Cut-Throat Injury by a Broken Glass: Bloodstain Pattern Analyses and Autopsy Findings. Cureus 2024; 16:e51945. [PMID: 38333457 PMCID: PMC10851958 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Injuries in the neck region are rarely observed in forensic practice, especially of accidental origin. Primarily, such cases are associated with homicide or suicide. The neck region comprises different and vital anatomical structures, and even minor trauma could be lethal. In the absence of witnesses to the accident, each finding is of utmost importance, from the death/crime scene investigation - bloodstain patterns and trace evidence - to careful examination of the deceased body. The forensic pathologist has the challenging task of analyzing all the findings to make a statement concerning the cause and manner of death and, if there is something suspicious about the current case, to inform the relevant authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biliana Mileva
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Metodi Goshev
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Mihaela Georgieva
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Ivan I Tsranchev
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR
| | - Alexandar Alexandrov
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
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2
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Esposito M, Sessa F, Cocimano G, Zuccarello P, Roccuzzo S, Salerno M. Advances in Technologies in Crime Scene Investigation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3169. [PMID: 37891990 PMCID: PMC10605839 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Crime scene investigation (CSI) is the complex act of reconstructing the dynamics that led to a crime and the circumstances of its perpetration. Crystallizing the CSI is a difficult task for the forensic pathologist; however, it is often requested by the public prosecutor and many judicial cases remain unsolved precisely for this reason. Recent years have seen an improvement in the ability of 3D scanning technology to obtain dense surface scans of large-scale spaces, for surveying, engineering, archaeology, and medical purposes such as forensics. The applications of this new technology are growing every day: forensic measurement of wounds in clinical reports, for example, reconstruction of traffic accidents, bullet trajectory studies in gunshot wounds, and 3D bloodstain pattern analysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted across all crime scene investigations performed by the forensic staff of the Department of Forensic Pathology of the University of Catania from January 2019 to June 2022. Inclusion criteria were the use of a laser scanner (LS), the use of a camera, a full investigative scene, and collection of circumstantial data thanks to the help of the judicial police. Cases in which the LS was not used were excluded. Out of 200 CSIs, 5 were included in the present study. In case number 1, the use of the LS made it possible to create a complete scale plan of the crime scene in a few hours, allowing a ship to be quickly returned to the judicial police officer. In case 2 (fall from a height), the LS clarified the suicidal intent of the deceased. In case number 3 it was possible to reconstruct a crime scene after many years. In case 4, the LS provided a great contribution in making a differential diagnosis between suicide and homicide. In case 5, the LS was fundamental for the COVID team in planning the study of COVID-19 pathways and areas within a hospital with the aim of reduction of nosocomial transmission. In conclusion, the use of the LS allowed the forensic staff to crystallize the investigative scene, making it a useful tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Vanvitelli", 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Roccuzzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
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3
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Miranda MD, Buzzini P, De Forest PR, Willis S. An exercise in scientific problem-solving: Illustrating the utility of the principles of the Sydney Declaration. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1835-1842. [PMID: 37439354 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
In forensic science, scientific problem-solving is characterized by the recognition of traces as part of iterative reasoning processes to assign meaning to those traces in order to interpret and reconstruct events. Through a set of fundamental principles, the Sydney Declaration presents a foundation of forensic science through the lens of a scientist. The distinction between a scientist and a technician may require clarification-where a prototypical technician follows a prescribed set of 'standard operating procedures' and may be limited in the interpretation of the resultant data, the scientist utilizes knowledge, skills, experience and imagination to identify the issue at hand and develop lines of inquiry for testing and interpretation. This case report draws on the Sydney Declaration in order to highlight the importance of learning about events from careful consideration of both obvious and less obvious traces. A case involving the assault of a police officer is examined to illustrate the use of the Principles: the problem originally defined by investigators at the scene and later by prosecutors resulted in incorrect analysis and interpretation of traces, hampering efforts at an accurate reconstruction of events. This exercise serves to demonstrate that in order to engage in scientific problem-solving, it is necessary to apply observation and reasoning in forensic investigations in order to yield an outcome that can be clearly articulated. The overarching goal is to support the drive to improve forensic science practice, education, and research through a case illustrating the value of the principles of the Sydney Declaration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle D Miranda
- Center for Criminal Justice Studies, Farmingdale State College, The State University of New York, Farmingdale, New York, USA
| | - Patrick Buzzini
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Peter R De Forest
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sheila Willis
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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4
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Marchetti C, Mastrogiuseppe L, Vanin S, Cecchi R, Gherardi M. On-Site Inspection Form in Veterinary Cases: The Parma Veterinary Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2064. [PMID: 37443862 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The on-site inspection of the scene of an animal cadaver is crucial for a correct interpretation of the autopsy results, to determine the manner, method, and cause of death. This information plays a crucial role in the control of public health including the prevention of zoonoses. It is also fundamental for the recognition and the contrast of crimes against animals and to animal abuse phenomena, considered an alert sign of an anti-social or violent behavior of humans. Today the best veterinary procedure requires an accurate collection of the evidence at the scene that can be then handed to experts belonging to other forensic disciplines for further evaluation and data interpretation. In this paper authors suggest a form aiming to facilitate either the on-site and the autopsy activities, as a guarantee of the quality of the forensic process starting from the discovery scene up to the reconstruction of the case. Essential is training of non-medical personnel who often represent the first responder to be present on the scene. The form is inspired by the interdisciplinary form developed by the European Council of Legal Medicine and represents an initial tool to stimulate a multidisciplinary activity in close synergy with other forensic experts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Mastrogiuseppe
- Department of Prevention, Unit of Veterinary, Regional Health Unit of Molise, ASREM, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Forensic Pathology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mirella Gherardi
- Department of Prevention of the Local Health Authority, SC Medicina Legale AUSL Valle D'Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy
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5
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Schulte J, Rittiner N, Seiberle I, Kron S, Schulz I. Collecting touch DNA from glass surfaces using different sampling solutions and volumes: Immediate and storage effects on genetic STR analysis. J Forensic Sci 2023. [PMID: 37282776 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Touch DNA has become increasingly important evidence in todays' forensic casework. However, due to its invisible nature and typically minute amounts of DNA, the collection of biological material from touched objects remains a particular challenge that underscores the importance of the best collection methods for maximum recovery efficiency. So far, swabs moistened with water are often utilized in forensic crime scene investigations for touch DNA sampling, even though an aqueous solution provokes osmosis, endangering the cell's integrity. The aim of the research presented here was to systematically determine whether DNA recovery from touched glass items can be significantly increased by varying swabbing solutions and volumes compared with water-moistened swabs and dry swabbing. A second objective was to investigate the possible effects of storage of swab solutions prior to genetic analysis on DNA yield and profile quality when stored for 3 and 12 months, as is often the case with crime scene samples. Overall, the results indicate that adapting volumes of the sampling solutions had no significant effect on DNA yield, while the detergent-based solutions performed better than water and dry removal, with the SDS reagent yielding statistically significant results. Further, stored samples showed an increase in degradation indices for all solutions tested, but no deterioration in DNA content and profile quality, allowing for unrestricted processing of touch DNA samples stored for at least 12 months. One further finding was a strong intraindividual change in DNA amounts observed over the 23 deposition days which may be related to the donor's menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Schulte
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Rittiner
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Seiberle
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Kron
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iris Schulz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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6
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Anand A, Sharma M, Chandra V, Sharma M, Kumar A. An uncommon case of self-strangulation by ligature and the importance of a crime scene visit by a forensic pathologist. Med Leg J 2023:258172231164293. [PMID: 37096368 DOI: 10.1177/00258172231164293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Self-strangulation is an uncommon method of suicide. The body was found lying on the floor in front of the "multi-gym" inside the gym in the basement of the deceased's house. It was initially presented as a case of sudden death, but during autopsy, a ligature mark was noted over the deceased's neck and bilateral temporal regions along with findings supportive of ligature strangulation. A visit was made to the crime scene. A plausible reconstruction of events suggested that the deceased had used the metallic rope of the multi-gym for this purpose. The rope was connected to weights from one end, passed through a pulley and connected to a rod at the other end. Its width and pattern matched with the ligature mark. The deceased wound the rod end of the rope around his neck and entangled the rod to the rope over his head so that the weight attached to the other end tightened the rope around his neck and strangled him. As the rope unravelled, gravity caused the body to fall to the ground while the rope with the rod resumed its normal position due to the pull of the weight attached at the opposite end. This case is reported for its rarity and the unusual means used to commit suicide by self-strangulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Anand
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manav Sharma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Hospital, NIT-3, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Vikash Chandra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ankit Kumar
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Hospital, NIT-3, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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7
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Morgan J. Wrongful convictions and claims of false or misleading forensic evidence. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:908-961. [PMID: 36946413 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The results are reported of a study to examine case factors associated with 732 wrongful convictions classified by the National Registry of Exonerations as being associated with "False or Misleading Forensic Evidence." A forensic error typology has been developed to provide a structure for the categorization and coding of factors relating to misstatements in forensic science reports; errors of individualization or classification; testimony errors; issues relating to trials and officers of the court; and evidence handling and reporting issues. This study, which included the analysis of 1391 forensic examinations, demonstrates that most errors related to forensic evidence are not identification or classification errors by forensic scientists. When such errors are made, they are frequently associated with incompetent or fraudulent examiners, disciplines with an inadequate scientific foundation, or organizational deficiencies in training, management, governance, or resources. More often, forensic reports or testimony miscommunicate results, do not conform to established standards, or fail to provide appropriate limiting information. Just as importantly, actors within the broader criminal justice system-but not under the purview of any forensic science organization-may contribute to errors that may be related to the forensic evidence. System issues include reliance on presumptive tests without confirmation by a forensic laboratory, use of independent experts outside the administrative control of public laboratories, inadequate defense, and suppression or misrepresentation of forensic evidence by investigators or prosecutors. In approximately half of wrongful convictions analyzed, improved technology, testimony standards, or practice standards may have prevented a wrongful conviction at the time of trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Morgan
- National Institute of Justice, 9569 Brookchase Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27617, USA
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8
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Santoro P, De Matteis A, Volonnino G, Mezzetti E, Del Duca F, Visi G, Maiese A. Death by artery injury: two peculiar cases of sharp force fatality. Clin Ter 2023; 174:109-114. [PMID: 36920125 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2023.2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Background As sharp force injury accounts for 10-20% of clinical forensic examinations, forensic pathologists are often asked to investigate deceased victims of stab wounds. Moreover, homicide by sharp force (stabbing) is one of the most common in European countries, involving generally domestic or interpersonal conflict. Stabbing as a suicide method constitutes a low percentage of all suicides, 2% to 3%. Accidental death due to sharp force is even rarer (0-3%) and usu-ally caused by an impact or a fall into different type of glass surface. Death due to stabbing is usually caused by exsanguinating incisions to organs or large blood vessels (such as arteries), leading to haemor-rhagic shock. Penetrating artery injuries are well known in clinical settings, and extremities are the most common sites of such injuries. Indeed, 50% to 60% of injuries occur in femoral or popliteal arteries, 30% in brachial artery. Aims The aim of this paper is to present two rare cases of sharp force fatality, showing how a thorough forensic pathology methodology, including death scene investigation, autopsy examination, and toxicological analyses, are pivotal to detect the manner of death. Case Reports This paper presents two peculiar cases of sharp force fatalities: the first, a single and accidental stab injury on the right armpit which caused a complete transection of the axillary artery; the second, a single homicidal stab wound on the lower leg causing a full-thickness lesion of the anterior tibial artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Santoro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A De Matteis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Volonnino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mezzetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, S. Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Del Duca
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Visi
- Section of Legal Medicine, S. Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Maiese
- Section of Legal Medicine, S. Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Marrone M, Bellantuono L, Stellacci A, Misceo F, Silvestre M, Zotti F, Dell’Erba A, Bellotti R. Haemorrhage and Survival Times: Medical-Legal Evaluation of the Time of Death and Relative Evidence. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040732. [PMID: 36832220 PMCID: PMC9955172 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemorrhage is the name used to describe the loss of blood from damaged blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries). Identifying the time of haemorrhage remains a clinical challenge, knowing that blood perfusion of systemic tissues is poorly correlated with the perfusion of specific tissues. In forensic science, one of the most discussed elements is the time of death. This study aims to provide the forensic scientist with a valid model to establish a precise time-of-death interval in cases of exsanguination following trauma with vascular injury, which can be useful as a technical aid in the investigation of criminal cases. To calculate the calibre and resistance of the vessels, we used an extensive literature review of distributed one-dimensional models of the systemic arterial tree as a reference. We then arrived at a formula that allows us to estimate, based on a subject's total blood volume and the calibre of the injured vessel, a time interval within which a subject's death from haemorrhage from vascular injury falls. We applied the formula to four cases in which death had been caused by the injury of a single arterial vessel and obtained comforting results. The study model we have offered is only a good prospect for future work. In fact, we intend to improve the study by expanding the case and statistical analysis with particular regard to the interference factors to confirm its actual usability in practical cases; in this way, useful corrective factors can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricla Marrone
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Bellantuono
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Traslazionale e Neuroscienze (DiBraiN), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, I-70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Stellacci
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Misceo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Silvestre
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Zotti
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dell’Erba
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Legal Medicine Section, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Bellotti
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, I-70125 Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, I-70126 Bari, Italy
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10
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Giorgetti A, Pelletti G, Fais P, Giovannini E, Barone R, Pelotti S, Pascali JP. The use of fly artifacts in a crime scene: Is there any application for forensic toxicology? J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:749-755. [PMID: 34729777 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fly artifacts (FA) are bloodstains resulting from insect activity at a crime scene, usually by feeding on human blood. Whether these artifactual stains might be useful for forensic toxicological investigations in cases of absence of conventional and unconventional matrices, for example, in cases concealment of the body or of extensive putrefaction, has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study is to understand if FA trace evidence permits toxicological analysis when traditional matrices are not available. To this aim, FA experimentally produced by Calliphora vomitoria feeding on human blood of a cocaine and heroin user were collected from absorptive and non-absorptive material. FA material was analyzed by a new simple and fast LC-MS/MS method. Results were evaluated in terms of presence of the drug and relative amount of the detected molecules. From a qualitative point of view, the analysis of FA revealed all the substances originally detected in post-mortem blood in both cases. The ratios of cocaine/benzoylecgonine, codeine/morphine, and 6-monoacetylmorphine/morphine recovered in FA from cotton-textile materials and from non-absorptive surfaces were consistent with data resulted from original post-mortem blood. The preliminary study herein reported demonstrated that FA are extremely informative in case of cocaine and heroin users and merit further research in order to be applied in real caseworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Giovannini
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Barone
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer P Pascali
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Harush-Brosh Y, Levy-Herman Y, Bengiat R, Oz C, Levin-Elad M, Horowitz M, Faerman M. Back to Amido Black: Uncovering touch DNA in blood-contaminated fingermarks. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1697-1703. [PMID: 34132399 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood-contaminated fingermarks (FMs) found in violent crime scenes may directly connect the suspect to the crime by linking the FM to the suspect and the DNA from the blood to the victim. However, marks that are incomparable are considered "dead-evidence" as the link to the suspect is lost. In this study, a novel approach was attempted to uncover the trace amount of touch DNA of the suspect in such marks. We examined the effect of two enhancement methods, ninhydrin (NIN) and amido black (AB), on DNA recovery from blood-contaminated FMs. A total of 108 fingerprints were deposited in three sets of depleted blood prints, blood-contaminated FMs, and latent FMs. All FMs were developed by either NIN or AB, or left undeveloped as reference followed by the quantification of the total DNA amount. This work shows that while AB had a detrimental effect on the quantity of blood-derived DNA specifically, reducing it by half, no similar effect was observed for touch DNA in latent FMs. This reduction led to the alteration of the major-to-minor DNA profile ratio to 70:30, thus enabling to obtain two distinct DNA profiles of the suspect from the touch DNA as well as the victim's profile from the blood. From an operational perspective, the use of AB in crime scenes may have an added value to retrieve the crucial DNA profile of the suspect, thus resurrecting a "dead-evidence."
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinon Harush-Brosh
- Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University - Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Levy-Herman
- Biology & DNA Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ravell Bengiat
- Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Carla Oz
- Biology & DNA Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Levin-Elad
- Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Horowitz
- Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University - Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marina Faerman
- Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University - Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
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Alessandro F, Giulio MD, Francesco SL, Carmela G, Bruno PD. Crime scene investigation and dynamic reconstruction: importance of synergic collaboration between forensic pathology and digital reconstruction for work-related fatalities. Soud Lek 2021; 66:2-5. [PMID: 34275301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Místo činu je výsledkem dynamického působení vzájemně se ovlivňujících faktorů. Pečlivá analýza místa úmrtí soudním lékařem poskytuje prvotní informace pro ověření souladu mezi pitevním nálezem a výpověďmi svědků a pro stanovení mechanizmu úrazu a úmrtí. Tento krok je nesmírně důležitý pro stanovení odpovědnosti za úraz. Prezentujeme případ stavebního dělníka, který propadl dveřmi mezi dvěma patry na staveništi, zatímco držel železný nosník. Tento případ demonstruje efektivitu komplexního přístupu zahrnujícího jak klasické forenzní vyšetřovací metody, tak metody digitální 3D rekonstrukce. Tento přístup nám umožnil ověřit dynamiku úrazu a poskytnul nám důležité informace pro posuzování odpovědnosti zaměstnavatele.
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Feola A, Mizio GD, Sala FL, Giordano C, Pietra BD. Crime scene investigation and dynamic reconstruction: importance of synergic collaboration between forensic pathology and digital reconstruction for work-related fatalities. Cesk Patol 2021; 57:2-5. [PMID: 33910351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A crime scene is the result of the dynamic interrelation of various factors. Where a fatality is involved, thorough analysis of the scene by a forensic pathologist produces the first data for verifying consistency between the necropsy results and witness testimonies toward defining the dynamics of injury and death. This step is extremely important in identifying any liability. We present the case of a construction worker who fell through a trapdoor between two floors while holding an iron beam at a building site. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated approach, using both classic forensic investigation techniques and digital 3-D reconstruction: it allowed verification of the dynamics of the injury and provided important information in assessing the employers liability.
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James ME. Degrees of contrast: Detection of latent bloodstains on fabric using an alternate light source (ALS) and the effects of washing. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:1024-1032. [PMID: 33284461 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Blood is often a piece of evidence of violent crimes and will often be on the perpetrator's clothing. If the perpetrator is wearing dark clothing, it can be easily identified by chemical means such as Bluestar®, but this can destroy the pattern, which may be evidentiary itself. This study explores the use of alternate light source (ALS) to photograph bloodstains on dark and/or patterned fabrics to provide an alternate, noninvasive tool before the use of chemical detection techniques. Sixty-nine (69) unwashed fabrics, of various dark colored and dark patterns, were photographed in monochrome under ambient light and subsequently with and without a filter under ultraviolet (UV), violet, blue, green, and infrared light. This study used ImageJ to measure the contrast between the bloodstain and the fabric and thus the effectiveness of each wavelength. Each fabric was washed, photographed, and analyzed five times or until the bloodstain was no longer visible under ALS. Results indicated photography with ALS was a viable method for blood detection on fabrics and should be used prior to chemical means. Further, infrared, followed by violet light with no filter, was the most effective light source for viewing bloodstains on dark fabrics without the use of chemicals. However, these wavelengths were not effective on military uniforms. This study also described one effect fabric manufacturer chemical treatments have on bloodstains and the effect of washing fabrics with bloodstains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E James
- United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, Fort Myer, VA, USA.,Department of Forensic Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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15
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Somnay V, Duong T, Tsao RY, Prahlow JA. Crime Scene Analysis Through DNA Testing of Canine Feces-A Case Report. Acad Forensic Pathol 2020; 10:56-61. [PMID: 32983294 DOI: 10.1177/1925362120944743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Forensic DNA testing can play a critical role in homicide investigations. Selecting the appropriate evidence on which to perform DNA testing requires foresight and reasoning based on experience and science. Although successful DNA testing can occur using many substrates, including blood, hair, and sweat/epithelial cells, positive results can also result from testing various unorthodox samples. The authors report on a triple-murder investigation where DNA testing of dog feces at the crime scene matched DNA testing of feces found on the shoe of a suspect resulting in successful prosecution of the case.
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Santoro P, La Russa R, Besi L, Voloninno G, dell'Aquila M, De Matties A, Maiese A. The forensic approach to plastic bag suffocation: Case reports and review of the literature. Med Leg J 2019; 87:214-220. [PMID: 31564205 DOI: 10.1177/0025817219861277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Death from plastic bag suffocation is unusual and rare in under-developed countries. Initially, deaths were accidental mostly of children but with time homicides, suicides and deaths in auto-erotic situations were noted. It is not always possible to discover the dynamics leading to the death especially when suicide is suspected. Often, the typical signs of asphyxia - petechial haemorrhages, facial congestion, oedema and cyanosis - are not there. The authors present two cases of plastic bag suffocation, where a multi-disciplinary approach was applied. This study reviews international literature on plastic bag suffocation, analysing the frequency of suicides, homicides and accidental deaths associated with plastic suffocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Santoro
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Livia Besi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Voloninno
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano dell'Aquila
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Matties
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aniello Maiese
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Pozzilli, Italy
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Abstract
A large body of research has described the influence of context information on forensic decision-making. In this study, we examined the effect of context information on the search for and selection of traces by students (N = 36) and crime scene investigators (N = 58). Participants investigated an ambiguous mock crime scene and received prior information indicating suicide, a violent death or no information. Participants described their impression of the scene and wrote down which traces they wanted to secure. Results showed that context information impacted first impression of the scene and crime scene behavior, namely number of traces secured. Participants in the murder condition secured most traces. Furthermore, the students secured more crime-related traces. Students were more confident in their first impression. This study does not indicate that experts outperform novices. We therefore argue for proper training on cognitive processes as an integral part of all forensic education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A J van den Eeden
- Research, Knowledge & Development Department, Police Academy of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.,Criminal Law and Criminology Department, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne J de Poot
- Research, Knowledge & Development Department, Police Academy of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.,Criminal Law and Criminology Department, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J van Koppen
- Criminal Law and Criminology Department, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The bases for forensic entomology are that insects and their arthropod relatives can serve as evidence in criminal, medical and civil legal matters. However, some of the very same species that provide utility to legal investigations can also complicate crime scenes by distorting existing body fluid evidence (e.g., bloodstains, semen, saliva) and/or depositing artifacts derived from the insect alimentary canal at primary or secondary crime scenes. The insect contaminants are referred to as insect stains, artifacts, specks or spots, and are most commonly associated with human bloodstains. This review will discuss the different types of insect artifacts that have been described from crime scenes and laboratory experiments, as well as examine insect contaminates (non-blood based artifacts, transfer patterns, meconium, and larval fluids) that have received little research or case attention. Methods currently used for distinguishing insect stains from human body fluids will also be discussed and compared to presumptive tests used for identification of human body fluids. Since all available methods have severe limitations, areas of new research will be identified for the purpose of development of diagnostic techniques for detection of insect artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rivers
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA.
| | - Theresa Geiman
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA.
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Shaqiri E, Xhemali B, Ismaili Z, Sinamati A, Vyshka G. An unusual lethal gunshot wound to the head. Med Leg J 2017; 85:51-54. [PMID: 27837166 DOI: 10.1177/0025817216678718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Atypical gunshot wounds present a challenge for the forensic expert, and sometimes differentiating these from a blunt trauma can be difficult. A careful crime scene investigation can be helpful in finding additional evidence and clarifying the nature of the injuries. We describe a case of an unusual craniocerebral injury that was initially interpreted as a blow from a wooden object. The appearance of the wound lacked the classical characteristics of entrance and exit bullet wounds, but the investigation showed it was due to the ricocheting of a destabilized bullet. Potentially lethal, craniocerebral gunshot injuries are a common occurrence in developing countries even in non-conflict areas, with very bad outcomes even when treated aggressively in specialized neurosurgical facilities. The authors briefly discuss similar cases and opinions in the relevant literature, emphasizing the importance of a rational approach during the reconstruction of the crime scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmas Shaqiri
- 1 Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Bledar Xhemali
- 1 Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Zija Ismaili
- 1 Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Admir Sinamati
- 1 Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Gentian Vyshka
- 2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Elkins KM, Weghorst AC, Quinn AA, Acharya S. Colour quantitation for chemical spot tests for a controlled substances presumptive test database. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:306-310. [PMID: 26858007 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Crime scene investigators (CSIs) often encounter unknown powders, capsules, tablets, and liquids at crime scenes, many of which are controlled substances. Because most drugs are white powders, however, visual determination of the chemical identity is difficult. Colourimetric tests are a well-established method of presumptive drug identification. Positive tests are often reported differently, however, because two analysts may perceive colour or record colourimetric results in different ways. In addition to perceiving colour differently, it is very common for there to be poor visibility conditions (e.g. rain, darkness) while performing these tests, further obscuring the results. In order to address these concerns and to create uniformity in the reporting of on-site colourimetric test results, this study has evaluated two of the state-of-the-art apps (ColorAssist® and Colorimeter®) for reporting the colour test results quantitatively in red-green-blue (RGB) format. The compiled library database of presumptive test results contains over 3300 data points including over 800 unique drug/test combinations. Variations observed between test replicates, from performing a test on different days, recording with a different device type (e.g. iPod Touch, iPhone models 4, 5c, 5s, or 6), and using different quantities of drug are discussed. Overall, the least variation in Euclidian norm was observed using ColorAssist® with the camera light (25.1±22.1) while the variation between replicates and data recorded using different devices was similar. The resulting library is uploaded to a smartphone application aimed to aid in identifying and interpreting suspected controlled substance evidence. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Elkins
- Chemistry Department, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Alex C Weghorst
- Chemistry Department, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Alicia A Quinn
- Chemistry Department, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Subrata Acharya
- Computer and Information Sciences Department, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
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Young A, Stillman R, Smith MJ, Korstjens AH. Applying Knowledge of Species-Typical Scavenging Behavior to the Search and Recovery of Mammalian Skeletal Remains. J Forensic Sci 2015; 61:458-466. [PMID: 26551615 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forensic investigations involving animal scavenging of human remains require a physical search of the scene and surrounding areas. However, there is currently no standard procedure in the U.K. for physical searches of scavenged human remains. The Winthrop and grid search methods used by police specialist searchers for scavenged remains were examined through the use of mock red fox (Vulpes vulpes) scatter scenes. Forty-two police specialist searchers from two different regions within the U.K. were divided between those briefed and not briefed with fox-typical scavenging information. Briefing searchers with scavenging information significantly affected the recovery of scattered bones (χ(2) = 11.45, df = 1, p = 0.001). Searchers briefed with scavenging information were 2.05 times more likely to recover bones. Adaptions to search methods used by searchers were evident on a regional level, such that searchers more accustom to a peri-urban to rural region recovered a higher percentage of scattered bones (58.33%, n = 84).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Young
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, BH12 5BB, Bournemouth, U.K
| | - Richard Stillman
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, BH12 5BB, Bournemouth, U.K
| | - Martin J Smith
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, BH12 5BB, Bournemouth, U.K
| | - Amanda H Korstjens
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, BH12 5BB, Bournemouth, U.K
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Durdle A, Mitchell RJ, van Oorschot RAH. The Food Preferences of the Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina Offered Human Blood, Semen and Saliva, and Various Nonhuman Foods Sources. J Forensic Sci 2015. [PMID: 26211393 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As human DNA profiles can be obtained from blow fly artifacts, this study aimed to establish the feeding preferences of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) blow flies when offered human biological fluids and nonhuman food sources. One-day-old and 3-day-old blow flies of both sexes were simultaneously offered human blood, semen and saliva, pet food, canned tuna and honey, and the number and length of visits documented over 6 h. One-day-old flies visited pet food and honey most often, but stayed longest on honey and semen. Three-day-old flies visited semen and pet food most often, and stayed longest on these food sources. Blood and saliva were the least preferred options for all flies. Overall, flies preferred dry blood and semen to the wet forms. These findings demonstrate that even when other food sources are available, flies at a crime scene may feed on human biological fluids if present, potentially transferring human DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Durdle
- Department of Genetics, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., 3086, Australia.,Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, Vic., 3085, Australia
| | - Robert J Mitchell
- Department of Genetics, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., 3086, Australia
| | - Roland A H van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, Vic., 3085, Australia
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Durdle A, van Oorschot RAH, Mitchell RJ. The morphology of fecal and regurgitation artifacts deposited by the blow fly Lucilia cuprina fed a diet of human blood. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:897-903. [PMID: 23551179 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fly feces and regurgitation deposits may be mistaken for bloodstain patterns at a crime scene, potentially compromising event reconstruction and/or misdirecting police resources. In some instances, these artifacts contain sufficient human biological material to generate a full DNA profile, sometimes 2 years after deposition. Clearly, it is important that investigators can make the distinction between artifacts and bloodstains. This study examined 6645 artifacts deposited on a smooth, nonporous surface after Lucilia cuprina were fed human blood. Artifacts were also compared with bloodstains on a variety of other surfaces. Both similarities and differences were found between artifacts and bloodstains, highlighting the need for an identification system to assist personnel with little training in bloodstain pattern analysis. The morphology of the artifacts has been described so that these deposits may be more clearly distinguished from bloodstains, targeted by crime scene personnel as potential sources of human DNA, and/or identified as potential evidence contaminants. Flowcharts have been devised to facilitate the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Durdle
- Department of Genetics, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
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Abstract
This article explores the articulation of a novel forensic object-the 'crime scene'-and its corresponding expert-the investigating officer. Through a detailed engagement with the work of the late nineteenth-century Austrian jurist and criminalist Hans Gross, it analyses the dynamic and reflexive nature of this model of 'CSI', emphasising the material, physical, psychological and instrumental means through which the crime scene as a delineated space, and its investigator as a disciplined agent operating within it, jointly came into being. It has a further, historiographic, aim: to move away from the commonplace emphasis in histories of forensics on fin-de-siècle criminology and toward its comparatively under-explored contemporary, criminalistics. In so doing, it opens up new ways of thinking about the crime scene as a defining feature of our present-day forensic culture that recognise its historical contingency and the complex processes at work in its creation and development.
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Sansoni G, Trebeschi M, Docchio F. State-of-The-Art and Applications of 3D Imaging Sensors in Industry, Cultural Heritage, Medicine, and Criminal Investigation. Sensors (Basel) 2009; 9:568-601. [PMID: 22389618 PMCID: PMC3280764 DOI: 10.3390/s90100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
3D imaging sensors for the acquisition of three dimensional (3D) shapes have created, in recent years, a considerable degree of interest for a number of applications. The miniaturization and integration of the optical and electronic components used to build them have played a crucial role in the achievement of compactness, robustness and flexibility of the sensors. Today, several 3D sensors are available on the market, even in combination with other sensors in a “sensor fusion” approach. An importance equal to that of physical miniaturization has the portability of the measurements, via suitable interfaces, into software environments designed for their elaboration, e.g., CAD-CAM systems, virtual renders, and rapid prototyping tools. In this paper, following an overview of the state-of-art of 3D imaging sensors, a number of significant examples of their use are presented, with particular reference to industry, heritage, medicine, and criminal investigation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Sansoni
- Laboratory of Optoelectronics, University of Brescia / via Branze 38, Brescia I-25123, Italy; E-Mails: ;
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