Fingerprints Essay

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During the 19th century the study of fingerprints had emerged. The past few centuries we have had numerous developments in fingerprinting. A lot of people give this credit to Francis Galton, who conducted the first study of fingerprint patterns. Galton’s research showed that no two fingerprints are identical; his theory on fingerprints changed the world and the criminal justice system as a whole. Galton studied numerous fingerprints and came to the conclusion that not even identical twins will have the same fingerprints. This finding helped build the justice system and forensic science as we all once knew it. According to Galton fingerprint impressions fall into three different categories, they are loop, arch, and whorl. Another fingerprint known as latent print is a fingerprint that is formed by sweat. This type of fingerprint is not visible to the naked eye; usually a gray or black powder is used to pick up latent prints. Now that we know the three basic categories of fingerprinting, we must take a better look at how fingerprints are identified. Once we understand how they’re identified to others, we will look at some of the landmark cases that helped DNA become what it is today.
In 1987, United States used DNA evidence to prosecute and convict a serial rapist. It all started in Florida when a woman was awoken by noise. She woke up and a man was standing over her holding a knife towards her, threatening to kill her if she didn’t comply. While she was being raped she started fighting back, she was cut on her neck, legs, feet, and face. Once she was raped the rapist stole her purse and left her home. The victim reported the crime to police shortly after. During an examination a rape kit was performed and evidence of semen was f...

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...one else. Unfortunately, often times when a homeless person is victimized they are easily overlooked and not always given a chance to confront their attackers. In 2005, a case came about that shook the neighborhoods of St. Petersburg Florida. A woman by the name of Sara Lynn Wineski was brutally raped and strangled. On May 25th of 2005, neighbors heard screams and said it sounded like someone was being tortured, yet no one bothered to look into it or call the police. The following afternoon a body of a woman was found under a deck behind a home. DNA evidence was collected at the scene but there was little progress and too much suspects. It wasn’t until 2010 that Raymond Samuels DNA was a match to the DNA found on Wineski. Samuels was already serving time for attempted murder and kidnapping. He will be extradited from Ohio to Florida to serve out his life sentence.

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