Unit 1 - Crime Scene Search Lab
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Feb 20, 2024
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Unit 1 - Crime Scene Search Lab
Kelbie I. Washington University of Oklahoma
LSCJ-4123-301
Monday, January 29th In the realm of the investigation of the crime scene, it presented a unique puzzle that proposed unfolding evidence at the victims house, located at 337 Gavin Lane in Green City. The routine call led to the bright red 1997 Mustang convertible and a dead body, which could be a
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victim of the crime. For a scene showing invasion, certain steps and procedures are required prior to intricate narratives of demands of answers of just facing questions. To prepare for invasions, a series of vital steps and procedures must be undertaken before entering into nuances or narratives that require answers or confront challenging questions. This is what forensic science is. "Forensic science is a mixed science that uses scientific knowledge, scientific methods, and technology or protocols to draw conclusions about a crime scene" (Houck et al., 2015). With the tools for investigating crimes our CSI team can provide physical evidence to help determine what happened. Additionally, it is also possible to use this method to identify and
analyze potential suspects. As for the person in charge of the crime scene, certain procedures must be followed in order to keep the scene as clean and safe as possible.
As the neighbor called, I was first on scene. My first step, an essential part, is to be completely dependent on the action of the CSI or a first responder. Within those couple minutes, I kept my eyes on the scene before others arrived to assess the situation. As people came along, the other investigator took the lead. For the plan of action, also known as the preparation part is where we take control to obtain a search warrant. We discuss involved personnel before arriving at the scene. Despite the large number of people doing their jobs, it is difficult to focus, so it is important to establish a command station through discussion and decision making to assign personnel tasks before arriving on scene. The photos taken at the crime scene serve as evidence in the case. As a photographer, the first photos to capture are the overview photos: Entire garage inside and out, the car, the victim while emphasizing on layouts and measurements and positions. There is another angle that needs
to be taken from the area of interest, where the body was discovered by the car, and there is blood on the mirror and the 9mm shell casings. For the close up shots, I think it's a big part to observe the injuries or damage of the victim. I also want to see blood splatters and stains and the baseball bat. I want to see them especially close to the area of blood to capture the fingerprint for
DNA testing. To help organize and label the photos, evidence markers are used to measure distances between objects in the scene.
As for the initial response to the crime scene, immediate action must be taken seriously. The process involves five crucial steps: Secure the crime scene, call or backup, document the scene, preserve the evidence, and await the arrival of the special unit Securing the scene entails ensuring safety and limiting access to authorized personnel (Houck et al., 2015). The next step is to call for backup, bringing in additional investigators, forensic experts, and medical personnel. In order to document the scene, initial photos must be taken without disrupting potential evidence. In order to preserve evidence, you have to avoid unnecessary contact and wait for forensic teams to conduct detailed examinations. There is a limit on the number of authorized personnel allowed on scene to prevent contamination. All evidence is kept in a chain of custody to ensure its legal admissibility.
The crime scene presents several potential pieces of evidence that are crucial for unraveling the circumstances of this incident. Firstly, the three 9mm shell casings on the garage floor are extremely significant. Their precise locations, measured at right angles, must be accurately documented, and they should be collected with the necessary care to preserve potential forensic evidence. “It is imperative to package each casing separately to prevent cross-
contamination and ensure individual piece integrity. The blood smear on the exterior window of
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the partially ajar passenger side door is vital. Proper documentation through photographs is essential, and swabbing for DNA analysis should be conducted to detect potential genetic markers” (Houck et al., 2015). Preserving the pattern and location of the blood smear is important, as it may offer valuable insights into the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident. The baseball bat held in the victim's right hand, showing signs of a blood stain, serves as another critical piece of evidence. Handling the bat with care to avoid contamination is imperative. Blood stains should be documented thoroughly, and the baseball bat must be packaged appropriately for forensic analysis. This is considering its potential role in the incident.
To maintain evidence's evidentiary value during investigation, detailed documentation, collection, and protection are required. Based on the available information, the scenario unfolds compellingly. The blood smear on the window and the baseball bat suggest a potential struggle or confrontation that might have happened. It is possible that the victim's feet are symbolic of defensive posture or an attempt to guard against a behind attack.
The remotely operated garage door raises suspicions about a potential break-in and heated confrontation. Key crime scene elements include the victim's position and 9mm shell casing placement, providing insights into the incident. Measurements from the entrance and walls indicate evidence of gunpowder on the garage floor, with 9mm shells clustered together. The sequenced positioning of the shooter, suggested by the bullet trajectory, and the blood smear
indicating the victim's injury during the altercation, potentially transferred blood to the car's window.
To complete the narrative and understand the motive behind this tragic event, detailed investigation and evidence analysis becomes vital. To understand how this unfortunate incident occurred, each detail is crucial from a forensic science perspective. By closely examining the evidence and applying forensic science techniques, investigators can uncover the truth behind this tragic event and shed light on the series of events that led to its occurrence.
References
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Houck, M. M. & Siegel, J. A. (2015). Fundamentals of forensic science
(3rd ed.). Academic Press.