Crime Scene PhotographyCrime Scene Photography

Death InvestigationsDeath Investigations

Mike WieheMike Wiehe

A complete, thorough, and careful death-A complete, thorough, and careful death-scene investigations can lead to greater faith scene investigations can lead to greater faith in the system by family and friends of those in the system by family and friends of those whose deaths may have been caused by whose deaths may have been caused by homicide, suicide, accident, or natural homicide, suicide, accident, or natural causes.causes.

The investigation of the death of another The investigation of the death of another human being is a weighty responsibility.human being is a weighty responsibility.

Homicides Homicides SuicidesSuicides Accidental Accidental NaturalNatural

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Heart Attacks

Cancer

Pheumonia

MVA

Firearms

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

1- 5yrs

5 - 14yrs

15- 24yrs

25- 34yrs

45 - 54yrs

Over54

Firearms

Identify the lead investigator at the Identify the lead investigator at the scene. scene.

Identify the first responding officers Identify the first responding officers to ascertain if any artifacts or to ascertain if any artifacts or contamination may have been contamination may have been introduced to the death scene.introduced to the death scene.

Determine the scene safety (prior to Determine the scene safety (prior to entry).entry).

Do we have consent from the Do we have consent from the lawful property owner or a search lawful property owner or a search warrant?warrant?

There is no death exception to the There is no death exception to the 44thth amendment. amendment.

GlovesGloves MaskMask RespiratorsRespirators GogglesGoggles BootiesBooties Tyvek SuitsTyvek Suits

While exercising scene safety, While exercising scene safety, protect the integrity of the scene protect the integrity of the scene and evidence to the extent and evidence to the extent possible from contamination or possible from contamination or loss by people, animals, and loss by people, animals, and elements.elements.

Conducting a scene walk through Conducting a scene walk through provides you with an overview of provides you with an overview of the entire scene. The walk the entire scene. The walk through provides you with the through provides you with the first opportunity to locate and first opportunity to locate and view the body, identify valuable view the body, identify valuable and/or fragile evidence, and and/or fragile evidence, and determine initial investigative determine initial investigative procedures.procedures.

Reassess scene boundaries and adjust as Reassess scene boundaries and adjust as appropriate.appropriate.

Establish a path of entry and exit.Establish a path of entry and exit. Identify visible physical and fragileIdentify visible physical and fragile

evidence.evidence. Document and photograph fragile Document and photograph fragile

evidence immediately and collect if evidence immediately and collect if

appropriate.appropriate. Locate and view the decedent.Locate and view the decedent.

Document the decedent’s position with Document the decedent’s position with and without measurements (as and without measurements (as appropriate).appropriate).

Document the decedent’s physical Document the decedent’s physical characteristics.characteristics.

Document the presence or absence of Document the presence or absence of clothing and personal effects.clothing and personal effects.

Document the presence or absence of Document the presence or absence of any items/objects that may be relevant.any items/objects that may be relevant.

Document the presence or absence of Document the presence or absence of marks, scars, and tattoos.marks, scars, and tattoos.

Document the presence or absence of Document the presence or absence of injury/trauma, petechiae, etc.injury/trauma, petechiae, etc.

Document the presence of treatment Document the presence of treatment or resuscitative efforts.or resuscitative efforts.

Based on the findings, determine the Based on the findings, determine the need for further evaluation/ assistance need for further evaluation/ assistance of forensic specialists (e.g., of forensic specialists (e.g., pathologists, odontologistspathologists, odontologists

Rigor mortisRigor mortis is one of the is one of the recognizable recognizable signs of deathsigns of death that is that is caused by a chemical change in caused by a chemical change in the the musclesmuscles after after deathdeath, causing , causing the limbs of the the limbs of the corpsecorpse to become to become stiff and difficult to move or stiff and difficult to move or manipulate. manipulate.

Assuming mild temperatures, rigor Assuming mild temperatures, rigor usually sets in about 3-4 hours after usually sets in about 3-4 hours after clinical deathclinical death, with full rigor being in , with full rigor being in effect at about 12 hours, and effect at about 12 hours, and eventually subsiding to relaxation at eventually subsiding to relaxation at about 36 hours. Times for the onset about 36 hours. Times for the onset of rigor mortis can vary from a few of rigor mortis can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending minutes to several hours depending on the ambient temperature. on the ambient temperature.

Factors influencing rigor mortis Factors influencing rigor mortis include the age and condition of include the age and condition of the body, as well as the mode of the body, as well as the mode of death and the surroundings. For death and the surroundings. For example, rigor mortis will tend to example, rigor mortis will tend to set in faster in those who were set in faster in those who were active immediately prior to death. active immediately prior to death.

Livor mortisLivor mortis or or postmortem postmortem lividitylividity, one of the signs of , one of the signs of deathdeath, , is a settling of the is a settling of the bloodblood in the in the lower portion of the body, causing lower portion of the body, causing a purplish red discoloration of the a purplish red discoloration of the skin: when the heart is no longer skin: when the heart is no longer agitating the blood, heavy red agitating the blood, heavy red blood cells sink by action of gravity. blood cells sink by action of gravity.

This discoloration does not occur in the This discoloration does not occur in the areas of the body that are in contact areas of the body that are in contact with the ground or another object, as with the ground or another object, as the the capillariescapillaries are compressed are compressed

Livor mortis starts 20 minutes to 3 Livor mortis starts 20 minutes to 3 hours after death and is congealed in hours after death and is congealed in the capillaries in 4 to 5 hours. the capillaries in 4 to 5 hours. Maximum lividity occurs within 6-12 Maximum lividity occurs within 6-12 hours.hours.

Degree of decomposition (putrefaction, Degree of decomposition (putrefaction, mummification, skeletonization, as mummification, skeletonization, as appropriate).appropriate).

Insect and animal activity.Insect and animal activity. Scene temperature (document method Scene temperature (document method

used and time estimated).used and time estimated). Description of body temperature (e.g., Description of body temperature (e.g.,

warm, cold, frozen) or measurement of warm, cold, frozen) or measurement of body temperature (document method body temperature (document method used and time of measurement).used and time of measurement).

Photograph the body and immediate scene.Photograph the body and immediate scene. Photograph the decedent’s face.Photograph the decedent’s face. Take additional photographs after removal of Take additional photographs after removal of

objects /items that interfere with objects /items that interfere with photographic documentation of the deceden.photographic documentation of the deceden.

Photograph the decedent with and without Photograph the decedent with and without measurements.measurements.

Photograph the surface beneath the body Photograph the surface beneath the body (after the body has been removed, as (after the body has been removed, as appropriate).appropriate).

SuicidesSuicides

In 2006, Suicide was the Eleventh Leading In 2006, Suicide was the Eleventh Leading cause of Death in the United States.cause of Death in the United States.

Suicide took the lives of 33,300 people in 2006.Suicide took the lives of 33,300 people in 2006.

Everyday, approximately 80 Americans take Everyday, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, 1,500 more attempt to do so.their own life, 1,500 more attempt to do so.

In 2006, 87% of suicides were committed with In 2006, 87% of suicides were committed with a firearm.a firearm.

Suicide is the Seventh leading cause of Suicide is the Seventh leading cause of death for all U.S. men.death for all U.S. men.

The Sixteenth leading cause of death in The Sixteenth leading cause of death in Females. Females.

Males are four times more likely to die from Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females. suicide than females.

Women report attempting suicide during Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as often as their lifetime about three times as often as men.men.

The most common method of The most common method of committing suicide in the United committing suicide in the United States is by shooting. States is by shooting. Approximately 56% of men Approximately 56% of men committing suicide use firearms, committing suicide use firearms, with the remainder almost equally with the remainder almost equally divided between drug overdoses divided between drug overdoses and hangings. and hangings.

Traditionally, the preferred method Traditionally, the preferred method used by women was drug overdose. used by women was drug overdose. However since the 1980’s the firearm However since the 1980’s the firearm has become the most popular has become the most popular method of suicide with women. In method of suicide with women. In 1970 30% of the females committing 1970 30% of the females committing suicide used a firearm and 48% took suicide used a firearm and 48% took an overdose. By 1990 42% used a an overdose. By 1990 42% used a firearm and 36% took an overdose.firearm and 36% took an overdose.

While most suicidal gunshot While most suicidal gunshot wounds are contact wounds a wounds are contact wounds a small (1-3%) are of intermediate small (1-3%) are of intermediate range.range.

Only approximately 25% of Only approximately 25% of

people who commit suicide leave people who commit suicide leave a note.a note.

In a study of 574 gunshot suicides In a study of 574 gunshot suicides in which the body was not in which the body was not transported from the scene, it transported from the scene, it was found that the gun was was found that the gun was moved in 94 cases before Medical moved in 94 cases before Medical Examiner investigator arrived. Examiner investigator arrived. The following is break down on The following is break down on who moved the gun.who moved the gun.

        39% Family members39% Family members

              37% Police37% Police

            7% Paramedics7% Paramedics

              2% Witnesses2% Witnesses

              15% Unknown15% Unknown

In the case of the handgun In the case of the handgun suicides in 25.7% of cases the suicides in 25.7% of cases the gun was in the hand. By this it gun was in the hand. By this it means that at least one finger means that at least one finger was in the trigger guard or the was in the trigger guard or the hands were found loosely gripping hands were found loosely gripping the barrel or grips.the barrel or grips.

The most common site for a The most common site for a handgun entrance wound is in the handgun entrance wound is in the temple. temple.

Generally right-handed Generally right-handed individuals will shoot themselves individuals will shoot themselves in the right temple and left-in the right temple and left-handed individuals in the left handed individuals in the left temple. temple.

One study did show that out of One study did show that out of 125 right-handed individuals, 125 right-handed individuals, seven or 5.6% shot themselves in seven or 5.6% shot themselves in the left temple. Other locations in the left temple. Other locations in descending order would be the descending order would be the – mouth, mouth, – underside of the chin, underside of the chin, – and foreheadand forehead

AsphyxiationAsphyxiation or or suffocationsuffocation refer to the process of asphyxia, refer to the process of asphyxia, where the body becomes where the body becomes increasingly increasingly hypoxichypoxic. .

AsphyxiaAsphyxia is a condition of severely is a condition of severely deficient supply of deficient supply of oxygenoxygen to the to the body that arises from being body that arises from being unable to unable to breathebreathe normally. normally.

Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide inhalation, such inhalation, such as from a car exhaust, carbon as from a car exhaust, carbon monoxide has a higher affinity than monoxide has a higher affinity than oxygen to the oxygen to the hemoglobinhemoglobin in the in the blood's red blood corpuscles blood's red blood corpuscles bonding with it tenaciously, bonding with it tenaciously, displacing oxygen and preventing displacing oxygen and preventing the blood from transporting it the blood from transporting it around the body. around the body.

Drug overdoseDrug overdose. . A A drug overdosedrug overdose occurs when a occurs when a

drugdrug is ingested in quantities is ingested in quantities and/or and/or concentrationsconcentrations large large enough to overwhelm the enough to overwhelm the homeostasishomeostasis of a of a livingliving organismorganism, , causing severe causing severe illnessillness or or deathdeath. It . It is a type of is a type of poisoningpoisoning. .

BarbituratesBarbiturates SeconalSeconal NembutalNembutal NarcoticsNarcotics HeroinHeroin StimulantsStimulants MethamphetamineMethamphetamine Ethyl AlcoholEthyl Alcohol Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic beverages Prescription drugsPrescription drugs

Crushing or constriction of the chest or Crushing or constriction of the chest or abdomen (compressive asphyxia) abdomen (compressive asphyxia)

DrowningDrowning caused by water or other caused by water or other liquids. liquids.

ChokingChoking due to object in the airway. due to object in the airway. StranglingStrangling where the airway is where the airway is

constricted, especially in certain types of constricted, especially in certain types of chokeholdschokeholds called called air chokesair chokes. .

HangingHanging or or ligature strangulationligature strangulation may may lead to asphyxia. lead to asphyxia.

Reduction of the airways due to Reduction of the airways due to anaphylaxisanaphylaxis or or asthmaasthma. .

Inhalation of Inhalation of vomitvomit. . Positional asphyxia. Positional asphyxia. The practice of erotic asphyxiation, The practice of erotic asphyxiation,

also called also called breath control playbreath control play. . Smothering, where the external Smothering, where the external

respiratory orifices are covered. respiratory orifices are covered.

SmotheringSmothering refers to the refers to the mechanical obstruction of the flow of mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the air from the environment into the mouth and/or nostrils, for instance by mouth and/or nostrils, for instance by covering the mouth and nose with a covering the mouth and nose with a hand, pillow, or a plastic bag. hand, pillow, or a plastic bag. Normally, smothering requires at Normally, smothering requires at least partial obstruction of both the least partial obstruction of both the nasal cavities and the mouth to lead nasal cavities and the mouth to lead to asphyxia. to asphyxia.

StranglingStrangling is compression of the is compression of the neck that leads to neck that leads to unconsciousness or death by unconsciousness or death by causing an increasingly hypoxic causing an increasingly hypoxic state in the brain. state in the brain.

HangingHanging — Suspension from a — Suspension from a cord wound around the neckcord wound around the neck

Ligature strangulationLigature strangulation — — Strangulation without suspension Strangulation without suspension using some form of cord-like using some form of cord-like object object

Manual strangulationManual strangulation — — Strangulation using the fingers or Strangulation using the fingers or other extremity other extremity

HangingHanging is the suspension of a is the suspension of a person by a ligature, usually a person by a ligature, usually a cord wrapped around the neck, cord wrapped around the neck, causing death. causing death.

It is a common method of It is a common method of committing suicide.committing suicide.

After death, the body typically shows After death, the body typically shows marks of suspension: bruising and marks of suspension: bruising and rope marks on the neck. Forensic rope marks on the neck. Forensic experts may often be able to tell if experts may often be able to tell if hanging is suicide or homicide, as hanging is suicide or homicide, as each leaves a distinctive ligature each leaves a distinctive ligature mark. One of the hints they use is mark. One of the hints they use is the hyoid bone. If broken, it often the hyoid bone. If broken, it often means the person has been means the person has been murdered by manual choking. murdered by manual choking.

ChokingChoking is the obstruction of the is the obstruction of the flow of air from the environment flow of air from the environment into the lungs. Choking prevents into the lungs. Choking prevents breathing, and can be partial or breathing, and can be partial or complete, where partial choking complete, where partial choking indicates that there is some, indicates that there is some, although inadequate flow of air although inadequate flow of air into the lungs. into the lungs.

GasesGases SootSoot Unburned or partially burned Unburned or partially burned

gunpowdergunpowder

PrimerPrimer PropellantPropellant LubricantLubricant MetalsMetals

– BarrelBarrel– AmmunitionAmmunition

Initiating ExplosivesInitiating Explosives– LeadLead styphnate (Trinitrosesorcinate) styphnate (Trinitrosesorcinate)– LeadLead azideazide– Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP)Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP)

Oxidizing AgentsOxidizing Agents– BariumBarium nitratenitrate– Calcium peroxideCalcium peroxide– Magnesium peroxideMagnesium peroxide– Manganese dioxideManganese dioxide

FuelFuel– AntimonyAntimony sulfide sulfide– Calcium silicideCalcium silicide– AluminumAluminum– TitaniumTitanium– ZirconiumZirconium– LeadLead Thiocyanate Thiocyanate

Sensitizing AgentsSensitizing Agents– TetraceneTetracene– Powdered GlassPowdered Glass– TitaniumTitanium– Calcium SilicideCalcium Silicide

Black PowderBlack Powder– 75% Potassium nitrate75% Potassium nitrate– 15% Sulfur15% Sulfur– 10% Charcoal10% Charcoal

Smokeless PowderSmokeless Powder– Nitrocellulose (Single Base)Nitrocellulose (Single Base)– Nirocellulose & Nitroglycerin (Double Nirocellulose & Nitroglycerin (Double

Base)Base)

Used to ease the bullet into and Used to ease the bullet into and out of the casingout of the casing

Antifriction agents used to speed Antifriction agents used to speed the bullet down the barrelthe bullet down the barrel

Residue from gun oil and cleaning Residue from gun oil and cleaning materialsmaterials

Additives used in shaping and Additives used in shaping and compounding the propellantcompounding the propellant

Barrel, bullet, jacket, casingBarrel, bullet, jacket, casing– LeadLead– CopperCopper– AntimonyAntimony– ZincZinc– ArsenicArsenic– BismuthBismuth– ChromiumChromium

Adhesive DisksAdhesive Disks SwabsSwabs

Any activity, especially washing, Any activity, especially washing, removes GSR from the suspect. removes GSR from the suspect. Collect GSR samples as soon as Collect GSR samples as soon as possiblepossible

They advise collection with in 6 They advise collection with in 6 hours of the weapon being fired.hours of the weapon being fired.

NORTAF has two documented NORTAF has two documented cases of collection of GSR on a cases of collection of GSR on a suspects well between 12 and 20 suspects well between 12 and 20 hours after the shooting.hours after the shooting.

GSR can also be collected from….GSR can also be collected from….– ClothingClothing– VehiclesVehicles

Used to collect GSR for Scanning Used to collect GSR for Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysisanalysis

Use one adhesive pad per side of Use one adhesive pad per side of the hand. One pad should not be the hand. One pad should not be used for collection and will serve used for collection and will serve as a controlas a control

One cotton swab is used for each side One cotton swab is used for each side of the hand (LB, RB, LP, RP) and one is of the hand (LB, RB, LP, RP) and one is used for the control, for a total of 5 used for the control, for a total of 5 swabsswabs

Gloves should be worn by the agent Gloves should be worn by the agent collecting the samplescollecting the samples

Moisten the swabs with 5% nitric acidMoisten the swabs with 5% nitric acid Swab the area of the hand and note Swab the area of the hand and note

any materials present on the hand any materials present on the hand (Blood)(Blood)

MicroscopicMicroscopic– Presence of GSR, burns, and Presence of GSR, burns, and

smudges around a bullet holesmudges around a bullet hole Chemical TestsChemical Tests

– Color tests for nitrates and nitritesColor tests for nitrates and nitrites Atomic AbsorptionAtomic Absorption SEM-EDXSEM-EDX Anodic Stripping Voltametry (ASV)Anodic Stripping Voltametry (ASV)

GSR can be identified by its GSR can be identified by its unique morphologyunique morphology

X-ray analysis determines the X-ray analysis determines the elemental composition elemental composition

The combination of lead, barium The combination of lead, barium and antimony with a distinct and antimony with a distinct morphology confirms the morphology confirms the presence of GSRpresence of GSR