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Basic elements of criminal investigation
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Jury, I am Natalie Wright and I am here to inform and describe to you about the specifics, analyzation, and documentation of hair that is collected. Hair that is collected is sent into the lab for precise analyzations on what foreign toxins could be possibly discovered in the specific specimen and where the hair could have originated. Hair is such a common thing that it would seem almost unnecessary and trivalent to spend time analyzing over. Although, hair aids us in finding extremely important information of the people we could possibly be dealing with since it contains the DNA of the individual. It’s a precise method of identification, which is why I am here to explain and prove my point correct to all of you. Hair is the most common form of trace evidence left to recover at the scene. Its an almost inescapable mistake …show more content…
Hair analysis and data was taken over the course of several weeks to make an accurate calculations and discovery of who this hair belongs to. Although hair is class evidence and can be used to generalize a specific group of people which helped us in the long run to narrow our lists of suspects down. From eye witness testimony and other forms of evidence, we were also able to conclude that the hair did not belong to any resident, family, or friend residing at the residence prior to this crime. But, because the hair follicle was still attached at the end of the hair shaft, suggesting a forced extraction or irritation to the scalp, we were able to extract DNA from the hair follicle and match it with our suspect. Therefore, along with other forms of solid evidence, we were able to conclude that this strand of hair was left by the accused suspect at the crime scene. Eye witness testimony along with fingerprints and hair collectively helped us determine that the suspect in custody is the correct suspect who committed this
Just because a hair is found at the scene doesn’t mean that it belongs to the perpetrator. It is important to take Locard’s Principle into account, “The microscopic debris that cover our bodies are the mute witnesses... of all our movements and all our encounters.” (Robertson, 7.2) When you come into contact with something or someone, there is always a transfer, even if it isn’t noticeable. There are different types of transferring, primary and secondary. Primary transfer is when something transfers from you to another source. When someone comes into contact with that source, there is a chance that your hair or fiber transfers onto the other person. This is secondary transfer. Because humans shed hair frequently, it is easy for hair to go through secondary transfer and end up somewhere that the individual had never been. Hair can remain on a source for a couple hours without being transferred and it does not break down very easily, so this can remain in place for a long time. (Robertson,
the DNA from the roots of the hair. The replicated DNA samples were then placed into the
Eyewitness misidentification cost innocent people to end up in prison. Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions in the United States, having played a role in more than 70% of original convictions later overturned by new DNA evidence(Dunn). This explains eyewitness misidentification is not a reliable solution to prison the suspect and deal with other solution. The suspect is effected because the suspect goes through terrible life for crime they did not commit and false witness hunts
(Kennedy & Haygood, 1992; Williams & Loftus, 1994), which is worrying considering the growing and substantial body of evidence from laboratory studies, field studies, and the criminal justice system supporting the conclusion that eyewitnesses frequently make mistakes (Cutler & Penrod, 1995; Huff, 1987; Huff, Rattner, & Sagarin, 1986; Innocence Project, 2009; Wells, Small, Penrod, Malpass, Fulero, & Brimacombe, 1998). According to a number of studies, eyewitness misidentifications are the most common cause of wrongful convictions (Huff, Rattner, & Sagarin, 1986; Wells et al., 1998; Yarmey, 2003) and, through the use of forensic DNA testing, have been found to account for more convictions of innocent individuals than all other factors combined (Innocence Project, 2009; Wells, Memon, & Penrod, 2006).
... tested hairs and other parts for DNA and concluded that they fit into our family tree. “ Those hair samples that could not be identified as known animal or human were subsequently screened using DNA testing, beginning with sequencing of mitochondrial DNA followed by sequencing nuclear DNA to determine where these individuals fit in the tree of life” (Ketchum 2013).
The blood of the unknown person became apparent through comparing the blood type found at the crime scene with the contrasting blood types of the suspects. The blood identified at the crime scene could have possibly belonged to Anna Garcia or Erica Piedmont. This observation was based on the information that the blood type found at the crime scene was type A and these two individuals are the only ones that carry that specific type. In similarity, a microscopic photography was taken of the unknown hair follicle found at the crime scene. Then hair samples were taken from the potential suspects, and the victim. These findings were then compared. This was done by looking at each individuals hair follicles and comparing it with the unknown one. By looking at the similarities and differences in medulla diameter, the discovery of the unknown hair follicle became established that it belonged to Anna Garcia. Further examination resulted in the analyzation of a shoe print found at the crime scene. Shoe patterns and sizes were taken from each suspect, including the victims. They were then identified and compared to the one found at the crime scene. By looking at the distinct pattern, size, and the fact that both shoes were a Columbia brand sneaker it became obvious that the shoe print was extremely similar to Anna’s shoe design. Through this found evidence it became
Eyewitness identification and testimony play a huge role in the criminal justice system today, but skepticism of eyewitnesses has been growing. Forensic evidence has been used to undermine the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the leading cause of false convictions in the United States is due to misidentifications by eyewitnesses. The role of eyewitness testimony in producing false confessions and the factors that contribute to the unreliability of these eyewitness testimonies are sending innocent people to prison, and changes are being made in order to reform these faulty identification procedures.
piece of hair, a spot of blood, or skin tissue and make a positive identification on a
African American hair looks gorgeous, attractive and beautiful. Your hair is extremely fragile and needs proper care and gentle touch so that it doesn’t break or get loose. Here are the top African American hair cares FAQs.
These hairs may be of evidentiary value to show contact between two people. With an adequate hair standard, a trace chemist will be able to microscopically compare an unknown hair to a standard collection and determine if the unknown hair could have come from the individual under investigation. Hair comparisons can not identify hair as coming from one individual to the exclusion of anyone else. DNA testing can strengthen any possible association with the hairs." - Locard.... ... middle of paper ... ...
The criminal justice system has changed a lot since the good old days of the Wild West when pretty much anything was legal. Criminals were dealt with in any fashion the law enforcement saw fit. The science of catching criminals has evolved since these days. We are better at catching criminals than ever and we owe this advancement to forensic science. The development of forensic science has given us the important techniques of fingerprinting and DNA analysis. We can use these techniques to catch criminals, prove people's innocence, and keep track of inmates after they have been paroled. There are many different ways of solving crimes using forensic evidence. One of these ways is using blood spatter analysis; this is where the distribution and pattern of bloodstains is studied to find the nature of the event that caused the blood spatter. Many things go into the determination of the cause including: the effects of various types of physical forces on blood, the interaction between blood and the surfaces on which it falls, the location of the person shedding the blood, the location and actions of the assailant, and the movement of them both during the incident. Another common type of forensic evidence is trace evidence. This is commonly recovered from any number of items at a crime scene. These items can include carpet fibers, clothing fibers, or hair found in or around the crime scene. Hairs recovered from crime scenes can be used as an important source of DNA. Examination of material recovered from a victim's or suspect's clothing can allow association to be made between the victim and other people, places, or things involved in the investigation. DNA analysis is the most important part of forensic science. DNA evidence can come in many forms at the crime scene. Some of these forms include hair; bodily fluids recovered at the crime scene or on the victim's body, skin under the victim's fingernails, blood, and many others. This DNA can be the basis of someone's guilt or innocence; it has decided many cases in the twentieth century. As the times continue to change and the criminals get smarter we will always need to find new ways to catch them. Forensic science is the most advanced method yet, but is only the beginning. As the field of science grows so will the abilities of the
Forensic genetics has other applications . The " fingerprint " DNA represents a valuable tool for forensic science . As is the case with an ordinary fingerprint genetic fingerprint is unique to each individual (except identical twins ) . The determination involves the observation of specific DNA sequences which can be obtained from extremely small tissue samples , hair, blood or eventually left at the scene . As Fifty microliters of blood, semen or five microliters of ten roots of hairs are enough , and nozzles secretions and cells from the fetus . In addition to its use in the capture of criminals , especially rapists , the genetic fingerprints can be used to establish family relationships . People involved in the conservation of species use them to be sure that captive breeding is among individuals who do not belong to the same family .
In today’s time, modern Crime Scene Investigation has increased rapidly. From throughout the late 1900’s and in the early 2000’s (Taylor 1). For all of the evidence that they find, a solid foundation has formed over the thousands of years of Crime Scene
In here I will clarify each potential evidences of the crime and explain of the application of the identified forensic procedure to the facts of the case. One of the perpetrators cuts his hand when trying to drag of the witness in the crime scene. Thus, in this case blood stains would be the one of the potential evidence. The precipitin test might be applied to bloodstains in a numerous ways. It conduct...
Strands of human hair situated at the crime scene gives exceptionally solid sign that an individual was at that area, yet it can likewise be useless if the fibres were found outside and, subsequently subject to the elements such as wind, and if the full length of the strand is not present (Dasgupta, 2007). Hair without anyone else 's input is essential, but rather the most imperative DNA evidence connected with hair fibres originates from the cellular material at the root of the hair strand. In a way, the microscopic particles of follicle give the most solid proof. The protein called keratin is the key substance that goes with the follicle, and that gives the best distinguishing proof. On the off chance that the hair is taken off by the root, for example that could happen when an individual is guarding him or herself against an attacker, then the hair fibres are essential (Innes, 2000). Hair that does exclude follicular material is a great deal less dependable. Hair fibres that do exclude keratin are helpful in distinguishing a category of individual into which a suspect may fit, however they are not complete evidence that the hair originated from the suspect (Innes, 2000). Therefore, personally, hair fibres are less important than fingerprints and DNA evidence acquired from saliva or blood. Fingerprints are not DNA evidence, but still they are extremely dependable types of evidence. DNA obtained from bodily fluids, in any case, is the most profitable type of evidence