• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Forensics Digest

All about Forensics

Case Studies

Who is d.b. cooper the man who vanished in the skies.

forensic science case studies with questions

The identity and whereabouts of D. B. Cooper remain one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the history of American criminal investigations. D.B. Cooper is the alias used by an unidentified individual who, in 1971, hijacked a commercial airplane, extorted a ransom, and then parachuted out of the plane, disappearing without a trace. On November […]

Bitcoins and Bazaars- The Silk Road Saga

round silver and gold coins

The digital era ushered in a wave of technological advancements that revolutionized the way we communicate, conduct business, and share information. From the early days of the internet to the emergence of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the digital landscape promised unparalleled connectivity and convenience. It transformed the world into a global village where information could […]

The Tragic Tale of Amarjeet Sada: World’s Youngest Serial Killer

forensic science case studies with questions

In the eerie realm of true crime, one name stands out with chilling distinction – Amarjeet Sada, the world’s youngest serial killer. This is not just a story of horrifying acts but a dive into the psyche of a child whose actions defied understanding. Early Years and Innocence Lost Amarjeet’s journey into infamy began in […]

The World’s Oldest Forensic Case – The Iceman’s Mystery

forensic science case studies with questions

In the annals of forensic science, one of the most remarkable and oldest solved cases revolves around the mysterious death of a man who lived over 5,000 years ago. Discovered in the Alps in 1991, the ancient remains, aptly named “Ötzi the Iceman,” have provided an astonishing window into our distant past and offered valuable […]

The Burari Tragedy: A Quest for Salvation

forensic science case studies with questions

In the quiet neighborhood of Burari, a suburb in North Delhi, a chilling incident unfolded on the morning of July 1, 2018. What appeared to be an ordinary family home concealed a dark and mystifying secret. Eleven members of the Bhatia family, including seven women and four men, were discovered hanging from an iron grill […]

eRaksha Competition 2021 by NCERT & CyberPeace Foundation

forensic science case studies with questions

NCERT in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation is organising eRaksha Competition 2021. About eRaksha Competition 2021 CIET-NCERT in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation has been spreading awareness amongst children and young adults on the need to be safe, smart and resilient in the cyber space through the ‘e-Raksha Competition’. Thee-Raksha Competition2021has been launched and the theme of […]

  • Go to Next Page »
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence - A program of the National Institute of Justice Logo

2020 Case Studies – Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

A program of the National Institute of Justice

Introduction

Category: 2020 case studies.

microphone and headphones

Just Off The Shelf Forensics

Just erroneous identification, just identifying fingerprints through photographs, just the grim sleeper serial killer, just fingerprints and lasers, just the jodi arias case, just the story behind bloodstain pattern analysis, just psychopathy and criminal behavior.

forensic science case studies with questions

  • The Open University
  • Guest user / Sign out
  • Study with The Open University

OpenLearn

My OpenLearn Profile

Personalise your OpenLearn profile, save your favourite content and get recognition for your learning

About this free course

Become an ou student, download this course, share this free course.

Digital forensics

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

2.3 Case study: The Shirley McKie story

In February 1997, a British policewoman, Shirley McKie, was charged with perjury after testifying at a murder trial that she had not been in the victim’s house, where her thumbprint was supposedly found. McKie’s house was searched and she was taken back to the police station where she was strip-searched and detained because of the controversial thumbprint.

The Scottish Criminal Record Office produced four fingerprint experts who certified that the thumbprint definitely belonged to McKie. However, she maintained her innocence and was acquitted, saved from a potential eight years’ imprisonment, after two American fingerprinting experts endorsed that the thumbprint did not belong to her.

After much media activity, legal action and controversy, Michael Russell, a member of the Scottish parliament, asked fingerprinting experts from around the world to verify the ownership of this thumbprint and had 171 certifications from 18 different countries that the thumbprint did not belong to McKie.

The main concern with the entire issue was not only about its effect on McKie’s career, but also about the accuracy of the Scottish Criminal Record Office’s earlier assertions. A civil trial against the Scottish Executive was due to be heard in early 2006. On the morning of the trial, the Executive offered McKie a settlement of £750,000 without admitting liability. She accepted the offer and the trial did not go ahead. Following the end of legal proceedings, the Scottish Parliament held an inquiry during 2006, which identified fundamental weaknesses in the Scottish fingerprinting service. Before the inquiry reported, the Scottish Criminal Record Office offered early retirement to four of its fingerprint officers, three of whom accepted the offer. The officer who refused early retirement was subsequently sacked, but later won a case for unfair dismissal.

A public inquiry into the case was held in 2009, with the report being published in 2011. The inquiry blamed human error and inadequate procedures for the misidentification of McKie’s thumbprint. It found no evidence of a conspiracy by the police against McKie, nor did it find any weaknesses in the theory of identification using fingerprints. However, it warned:

Practitioners and fact-finders alike require to give due consideration to the limits of the discipline.

Among its recommendations, the inquiry said ‘fingerprint evidence should be recognised as opinion evidence, not fact’ (p. 741).

Shirley McKie received a full personal apology from Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House in April 2012, more than 14 years after the murder of Marion Ross. Ross’s murder has never been solved.

Based on your current knowledge of digital forensics, what lessons do you think the McKie case has for digital forensic investigations?

Digital evidence can only show what a computer did, not what a person did, and the conclusions of a digital forensics investigators need to distinguish clearly between facts and opinion. It is also important to know what your assumptions are based on. The fingerprint experts assumed that Bertillon’s claim about 16 ridge points making a print unique was true, but it turned out not to be.

Previous

Forensic Reader Logo

Forensic Fiber Analysis and Chemical Tests With Case Studies

Fibers are a valuable type of evidence in solving cases. They can be used to identify suspects, victims, and location of crimes.

The steps involved in processing fiber evidence include recovery, identification, comparison, and evaluation.

In all, one of the essential aspects of forensic analysis is the examination of fibers found at crime scenes.

Chemical analysis of fibers can provide valuable insights into a case, helping investigators link suspects to the scene or victims [1] .

Moreover, like other evidence, proper documentation and analysis are essential to ensure the reliability of fiber evidence in court.

Classification of Fibers

Fibers can be classified in a number of ways, including by their origin, chemical composition, and physical properties [2].

Classification of Fibers in forensics

Classification 1: By Origin

Fibers can be classified as natural and synthetic based on their origin.

  • Natural Fibers: These are derived from plants or animals. Some of the most common natural fibers include cotton (plant), wool (animal), silk (insect), linen (plant), and natural minerals (Asbestos).
  • Synthetic Fibers: These are man-made fibers produced from petrochemicals. Examples include polyester (a polymer of ester), nylon, acrylic, spandex, etc.

Read More: Paper Fiber and Pulp Analysis: How They Impact Questioned Documents Examination?

Classification 2: By Chemical Composition

Fibers can also be classified as cellulosic and protein fibers based on their chemical composition.

  • Cellulosic Fibers: These are made up of cellulose, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. Common examples of cellulosic fibers include cotton, linen, and hemp.
  • Protein Fibers: These contain biopolymers made up of amino acids. Examples are wool and silk.

Classification 3: By Physical Properties

  • Fibers can further be classified by their physical properties, such as their strength, elasticity, and durability.
  • For instance, some fibers are strong and durable, while others are soft and elastic.

Other Classification Systems

Apart from the above systems, fibers can also be classified based on:

  • Their end use, such as textile and industrial fibers,
  • Manufacturing processes , like staple fibers and continuous filament fibers, etc.

Forensic Examinations of Fibers: Destructive and Non-Destructive Approach

Forensic fiber tests are used to identify the type of fiber and to distinguish between natural and synthetic fibers . They also help in determining the chemical composition of fibers and identifying any dyes or treatments that have been applied to the fibers[4].

Before jumping to forensic chemical analysis of fibers, there are two categories into which tests can be divided:

  • Non-Technical Tests: Burning and Feeling/Texture tests.
  • Technical Tests: Melting point tests, Microscopic tests, and Solubility tests.

Chemical Analysis of Fibers (Destructive Approach)

Note: All chemical tests are destructive in nature. So make sure you first perform microscopic analysis and only proceed with chemical tests when necessary.

1. Texture/Feeling Test

The texture test is a more subjective method used to identify fibers based on their texture and feel .

  • Natural Fibers: E.g., Cotton is typically soft and smooth, while wool is coarse and wiry.
  • Synthetic Fibers: These can have a variety of textures but are often stiffer and less breathable than natural fibers[6].

Texture Test of fibers in foresnics

2. Microscopic Characteristics of Fibers and Their Analysis

Microscopic examination of fibers is a technique used to identify the type of fiber and to distinguish between natural and synthetic fibers. It is also employed to determine the physical characteristics of fibers , such as their size, shape, color, and cross-sectional structure.

  • Microscopic Examination Tools: Microscopic examination of fibers can be conducted using a variety of microscopes, including optical microscopes (compound and simple), and electron microscopes (SEM and TEM).
  • Optical Microscopes: These are the most commonly used type for fiber analysis due to their accessibility and ease of use.
  • Electron Microscopes (SEM and TEM): These can be used to obtain more detailed images of fibers, but they are more expensive and require more specialized training to operate.

3. Melting Point Test

The melting point test can distinguish between natural and synthetic fibers by determining the temperature at which a fiber melts.

Natural Fibers:

  • They generally do not melt; instead, they tend to char or decompose when exposed to high temperatures.
  • Example: Cotton, being a natural fiber, will not melt but will burn and eventually turn to ash at high temperatures.

Synthetic Fibers:

  • They typically have a specific melting point at which they melt and may even shrink from a flame.
  • Example: When polyester is subjected to heat, it will melt at a specific temperature (typically around 260-290 °C).

4. Burn and Flame Test

The burn test is a rudimentary test and is based on how fibers (as evidence) react to flame and the type of smoke they produce when burned.

  • When subjected to flame, natural fibers usually burn and may continue to glow after the flame is removed, producing a characteristic odor.
  • Example: Wool will burn and may produce a characteristic burnt hair odor (because of keratin), leaving behind a black, crushable ash.
  • Tends to melt and shrink away from the flame, and they often extinguish once the flame is removed, producing a different kind of smoke and odor compared to natural fibers.
  • Example: Nylon will melt and shrink away from the flame, often extinguishing once the flame is removed, and may produce a celery-like odor and black smoke, leaving behind a hard, bead-like residue.

This test is not definitive but is useful for narrowing down the possible types of fibers.

Burn Test in forensics of fibers

5. Solubility Test

The solubility test is another rudimentary test used to distinguish between natural and synthetic fibers.

Procedure: A small sample of the fiber is placed in a solvent, such as acetone or sodium hydroxide.

  • Natural Fibers: Typically soluble in certain solvents.
  • Synthetic Fibers: Typically not soluble.

This test can be more definitive than the burn test. Still, it is important to use other tests to confirm the identity of a fiber due to some natural and synthetic fibers having similar solubility properties.

Solubility Test of fibers and fabrics in forensic

Note: All of the fibers listed in the table are insoluble in water.

6. Dye Test for Fibers

The dye test can be used to identify the type of dye applied to a fiber. It helps in determining the possible source of origin of a fiber, albeit not conclusively.

  • Take a small sample of the fiber.
  • Place the fiber sample in a water solution or ethanol.
  • Heat the solution with the fiber sample in it.
  • After heating, examine the fiber under a microscope and the amount of dye absorbed cross-sectional.
  • Observe any color changes in the fiber.
  • Document any color changes and the type of dye absorbed by the fiber for further analysis.

Observation: If the fiber absorbs any of the dyes, the color of the fiber will change[5] and the amount of soaking ability is much higher in natural fibers than in synthetic.

This information can help in narrowing down the possible sources of the fiber. Read the following examples:

Example 1: Fiber A (Cotton):

  • If a cotton fiber is placed in the dye solution, it absorbs a specific dye, changing its color.
  • This indicates that the fiber is natural and cellulose-based, as cotton is known to absorb dyes well due to its cellulose composition.

Example 2: Fiber B (Polyester):

  • If a polyester fiber is placed in the same dye solution, it does not absorb the dye or change color differently compared to cotton .
  • This can indicate that the fiber is synthetic and likely made from polymers, as polyester fibers usually have non-absorbing properties due to their synthetic nature.

Read More: Identification of Paper Additives: Fillers, Oil, Waxes, and Pigment

Spectroscopy Examination of Fibers: A Non-Destructive Approach

Spectroscopy in Forensic Fiber Analysis Non-Destructive

Spectroscopy, specifically techniques like ATR-FTIR and FT-Raman, is pivotal for analyzing fibers. It involves studying the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation .

This helps the forensic examiner to extract detailed information about the molecular composition, chemical structure, and physical properties of fibers.

1. Dye and Pigment Analysis Using UV-Visible Spectroscopy

  • Application: For analyzing dyes and pigments in fibers.
  • Example: The absorption spectra obtained can be compared to known standards to identify specific dyes and pigments.

2. Identification of Chemical Composition Using IR

  • Specific Techniques: ATR-FTIR and FT-Raman are pivotal for analyzing fibers.
  • Application: Allows for the differentiation between various synthetic and natural fibers through the detection of specific functional groups like carbonyl or amine groups.
  • Example: Using ATR-FTIR , analysts can identify the unique infrared absorption spectra of fibers. A fiber sample with a characteristic peak at 1720 cm⁻¹ could indicate the presence of a carbonyl group, typical in polyester fibers, allowing for more precise identification[7].

Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) Principle, Parts, Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages

3. Structural Analysis using Raman Spectroscopy

  • Application: Provides insights into the molecular vibrations within the fiber, enabling the identification of molecular structures and polymorphs.
  • Example: Differentiation between various crystalline structures in synthetic fibers like polyethylene.

4. Microspectrofluorimetry

  • Application: Allows for the detailed analysis of the color and optical properties of fibers (especially useful when examining dyed fibers).
  • Example: Microspectrofluorimetry is essential for analyzing the fluorescence of fibers. For instance, a fiber treated with a specific flame retardant might exhibit a distinctive fluorescence signature under UV light.
  • If a cotton fiber exhibits fluorescence at 460 nm , it might indicate the presence of a specific optical brightener or flame retardant, providing another layer of specificity to the analysis[9].

Read More: Forensic Watermark Examination of Paper: Destructive And Non-Destructive Analysis

5. Trace Evidence Analysis using Mass Spectrometry (MS):

  • Application: Provides detailed information about the molecular weight and sequence of polymer units in fibers and their dye compositions.
  • Example: Identification of trace components or additives in fiber samples.

6. Comparative Analysis with Database Integration

  • Application: Allows forensic analysts to compare the spectroscopic profiles of unknown fibers with known samples.
  • Example: A forensic analyst might compare a fiber found at a crime scene with fibers cataloged in the National Fiber Databank .
  • If a match is found, say a unique dye in an acrylic fiber that corresponds to a specific manufacturer, it can significantly narrow down the source and potentially link a suspect or victim to the crime scene[8].

Challenges While Analysing Fibers as Evidence

  • Contamination and Sample Degradation: These are persistent challenges that affect the reliability and accuracy of results.
  • Limited Sample Quantity: Often, only minute fiber samples are available for analysis, which can limit the types and number of tests that can be performed.
  • Instrument Limitations: The limitations of some analytical instruments can hinder the detection of certain fiber characteristics or components, potentially impacting the overall analysis.
  • Complexity of Fiber Mixtures: Analyzing mixed fiber samples can be challenging due to the presence of multiple fiber types, dyes, and treatments, requiring careful separation and analysis.

Advancements in Fiber Analysis

  • HEPA Filtered Environments: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered environments in laboratories have significantly reduced the risk of airborne contamination during fiber analysis.
  • Enhanced Microspectrophotometry: Advancements allow for more detailed analysis of fiber coloration and chemical composition, even with minute, degraded samples[10].
  • Improved Instrumentation: The continual refinement and enhancement of analytical instruments, such as more sensitive spectrometers and higher-resolution microscopes, have expanded the capabilities of forensic fiber analysis.

Cases Solved Using Fibers As Evidence

Case 1: darlie routier [forensic files] invisible intruder case.

In the 1996 Routier case , a critical piece of evidence was a bread knife found with a single fiberglass rod and rubber dust .

These fibers matched the fiberglass rods from a cut window screen, indicating the screen had been cut from the inside and contradicting the intruder theory.

This fiber analysis was pivotal in solving the case, leading to Darlie Routier’s conviction for the murder of her sons.

Case 2: Beaten by a Hair [Forensic Files] Case

In the 1992 disappearance case of Laura Houghteling , forensic fiber analysis was proven important. A strand of synthetic hair, resembling a wig, was found in Laura’s brush, linking to Hadden Clark , a suspect.

Microscopic examination and microspectrophotometry analysis of this hair matched it to a wig found in Clark’s possession, confirming the fibers were identical.

Fiber analysis , along with other corroborating evidence like matching thumbprints and Clark’s possession of items belonging to Laura, led to the resolution of the case and Clark revealing the location of Laura’s body.

Case 3: Charlene and Brian Hummert [A Tight Leash] Case

In the 2004 case of Charlene Hummert , forensic analysis of a dog leash helped in identifying the culprit.

The forensic linguist, Dr. Robert Leonard , analyzed various letters and concluded that the stalker’s letter, the killer’s misleading letter, and Brian’s writings were all penned by Brian Hummert , Charlene’s husband.

The linguistic analysis, coupled with matching ligature marks from a dog’s leash found in Brian’s possession and his ownership of clothing matching descriptions from enhanced security footage, led to Brian Hummert’s arrest for the murder of his wife.

Case 4: Nice Threads [Forensic Files] Case

In the 1995 case of Dawn Fehring , meticulous solving the case from fingerprints on clothes . Forensic expert Eric Bird made a significant breakthrough by retrieving details from partial blood fingerprints found on Dawn’s bed sheet (a fabric).

These fingerprints were then matched precisely by fingerprint expert Patrick Warrick to a neighbor, Eric Hayden , who had been acting suspiciously and inconsistently during interrogations.

The fingerprint development on fabric and the use of a mathematical algorithm to remove the background led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Hayden for first-degree murder, solving the harrowing case.

References:

  • Robertson, J., Roux, C., & Wiggins, K. G. (2017). Forensic Examination of Fibres . CRC Press.
  • Identification of Textile Fibers. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2023, from Textile Coach
  • Identification of Textile Fibers—Google Books. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2023, from Google Books
  • Frank, R. S., & Sobol, S. P. (1990). Fibres and Their Examination in Forensic Science. In A. Maehly & R. L. Williams (Eds.), Forensic Science Progress (pp. 41–125). Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-75186-8_3
  • Goodpaster, J., & Liszewski, E. (2009). Forensic Analysis of Dyed Textile Fibers. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 394 , 2009–2018. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2885-7
  • Textile Standards—Standards Products—Standards & Publications—Products & Services. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2023, from ASTM
  • Meleiro, P. P., & García-Ruiz, C. (2016). Spectroscopic techniques for the forensic analysis of textile fibers. Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, 51 (4), 278–301. DOI: 10.1080/05704928.2015.1132720
  • Forensic Fiber Examiner Training Program | Office of Justice Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2023, from Office of Justice Programs
  • Hu, C., Mei, H., Guo, H., & Zhu, J. (2020). Color analysis of textile fibers by microspectrophotometry. Forensic Chemistry, 18 , 100221. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100221
  • Stoney, D. A., & Stoney, P. L. (2015). Critical review of forensic trace evidence analysis and the need for a new approach. Forensic Science International, 251 , 159–170. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.03.022

Anshika Srivastava author small image

A Forensic Science graduate from Rashtriya Raksha University, and certifications in behavioral science, communication, and foreign languages. Known for her analytical proficiency and extensive field experience, solving real-world cases and presenting at prestigious conferences.

Anshika Srivastava

Forensic Reader Author Group of Masters and Doctorate in Forensic Science

FR Author Group at ForensicReader is a team of Forensic experts and scholars having B.Sc, M.Sc, or Doctorate( Ph.D.) degrees in Forensic Science . We published on topics on fingerprints, questioned documents, forensic medicine, toxicology, physical evidence, and related case studies. Know More .

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Fingerprint Books
  • Fingerprint Equipment
  • Fingerprint News
  • Fingerprint Research
  • Fingerprint Videos
  • Crime Scene Equipment
  • Crime Scene News
  • Crime Scene Research
  • Crime Scene Videos
  • Court Testimony News
  • Case Studies

New Powder Suspension Formula for Fingerprint Development on the Adhesive Side of Tape

Are detectives discounting the associative value of fingerprints that fall short of an identification in their investigations, using the ncic bayesian network to improve your afis searches, dna decontamination of fingerprint brushes, accuracy and reproducibility of conclusions by forensic bloodstain pattern analysts, non destructive dna recovery from handwritten documents using a dry vacuum technique, simulating dead bodies could help calculate an accurate time of death, trees and shrubs might reveal the location of decomposing bodies, presenting fingerprint comparisons in court using forensic comparison software, assessing the reliability of a clothing-based forensic identification, u.s. justice department issues draft guidance regarding expert testimony and lab reports in forensic science, how making a murderer will change the way we think about justice, zodiac killer code cracked by australian mathematician samuel blake more than 50 years after first murder, when a dna test says you’re a younger man, who lives 5,000 miles away, you could be your cat’s favorite meal, claremont serial killings trial told ciara glennon fingernail dna find proved a major ‘turning point’, the 25 best true-crime documentaries on netflix.

Logo

No drugs in dead sex worker’s body meaning she could have been the Long Island Serial Killer’s 11th victim

You could be wearing your alibi right now, jonbenet ramsey: what to know about the beauty queen’s murder 20 years later, forensic entomologists hunt down insects to help catch criminals.

Michael Whyte

Ted Bundy Although serial killer Ted Bundy was responsible for an estimated 30-plus murders, there was little physical evidence to connect him to the crimes when he was arrested in 1975. Two years later, having been convicted only of kidnapping, Bundy was preparing to stand trial for murder in Colorado when he escaped and headed to Florida. There, he killed three more people early in 1978, and when he was finally captured in February of that year, the physical evidence in those cases led to his conviction. Most crucial was the matching of a bite mark on the buttock  of victim Lisa Levy to the Bundy’s distinctive, crooked and chipped teeth. He was convicted also of the murder of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach based on fibres found in his van that matched the girl’s clothing. Bundy was put to death in 1989.

forensic science case studies with questions

The Lindbergh Kidnapping On March 1, 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of the famous aviator, was kidnapped, and although a ransom of $50,000 was paid, the child was never returned. His body was discovered in May just a few miles from his home. Tracking the circulation of the bills used in the ransom payment, authorities were led to Bruno Hauptmann, who was found with over $14,000 of the money in his garage. While Hauptmann claimed that the money belonged to a friend, key testimony from handwriting analysts matched his writing to that on the ransom notes . Additional forensic research connected the wood in Hauptmann’s attic to the wood used in the make-shift ladder that the kidnappers built to reach the child’s bedroom window. Hauptmann was convicted and executed in 1936.

forensic science case studies with questions

The Atlanta Child Murders In a two year period between 1979 and 1981, 29 people — almost all children — were strangled by a serial killer. Police staked out a local river where other bodies had been dumped and arrested Wayne Williams as he was driving away from the sound of a splash in an area where a body was recovered a couple of days later. Police didn’t witness him drop the body, so their case was based largely on forensic evidence gathered from fibers found on the victims . In all, there were nearly 30 types of fiber linked to items from Williams’ house, his vehicles and even his dog. In 1982, he was convicted of killing two adult victims and sentenced to life in prison, although the Atlanta police announced that Williams was responsible for at least 22 of the child murders.

forensic science case studies with questions

The Howard Hughes Hoax  In 1970, authors Clifford Irving and Richard Suskind concocted a scheme to forge an autobiography of notoriously eccentric and reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes. Assuming that Hughes would never come out from hiding to denounce the book, they felt that their plan was fool-proof. Irving went to publisher McGraw-Hill claiming that Hughes had approached him to write his life story and that he was willing to correspond with only the author. As proof, Irving produced forged letters that he claimed were from Hughes. McGraw-Hill agreed, paying $765,000 for the right to publish the book. When word of the book was made public, however, Hughes contacted reporters to denounce it as false. Not wishing to appear in public, the billionaire would talk to reporters only via telephone. Thus, a “spectographic voiceprint analysis,” measuring tone, pitch and volume, was conducted to determine if the speaker was indeed Howard Hughes. Although a handwriting expert had previously been fooled by the notes that Irving had forged, the voice analyst correctly identified the speaker as Hughes. Irving was exposed and confessed before the book was published. He spent 17 months in prison, while Suskind spent five. Irving later wrote a book about the scheme,  The Hoax , which became a major motion picture in 2008.

forensic science case studies with questions

The Night Stalker   Between June 1984 and August 1985, a Southern California serial killer dubbed the Night Stalker broke into victims’ houses as they slept and attacked, murdering 13 and assaulting numerous others. With citizens on high alert, an observant teenager noticed a suspicious vehicle driving through his neighborhood on the night of August 24, 1985. He wrote down the license plate and notified police. It just so happened that the Night Stalker’s latest attack took place that night in that area, so police tracked down the car. It had been abandoned, but police found a key piece of evidence inside: a fingerprint . Using new computer system, investigators quickly matched the print to 25-year-old Richard Ramirez and plastered his image in the media. Within a week, Ramirez was recognized and captured by local citizens. He was sentenced to death.

forensic science case studies with questions

Machine Gun Kelly George “Machine Gun” Kelly was a notorious criminal during the Prohibition era, taking part in bootlegging, kidnapping and armed robbery. On July 22, 1933, he and another man kidnapped wealthy Oklahoma City oilman Charles Urschel. After a series of ransom notes and communications, a $200,000 ransom was paid — the largest amount ever paid in a kidnapping to date. Urschel was released nine days later, unharmed. The oilman had shrewdly paid close attention to every detail during his ordeal and was able to relate it all to police. Although he was blindfolded, he could tell day from night and was able to estimate the time of day that he heard airplanes fly above. He also noted the date and time of a thunderstorm and the types of animals he heard in what he presumed to be a farmhouse. Using his memories, the FBI pinpointed the likely location in which Urschel was held to a farm owned by Kelly’s father-in-law. What truly linked Kelly and his gang to the kidnapping, though, was Urschel’s fingerprints , which he made sure to place on as many items in the house as possible. Kelly was sentenced to life in prison, where he died in 1954.

forensic science case studies with questions

The Green River Killer The Green River Killer was responsible for a rash of murders — at least 48 but possibly close to 90 — along the Green River in Washington state in the ’80s and ’90s. Most of the killings occurred in 1982-83, and the victims were almost all prostitutes. One of the suspects that police had identified as early as 1983 was Gary Ridgway , a man with a history of frequenting and abusing prostitutes. However, although they collected DNA samples from Ridgway in 1987, the technology available didn’t allow them to connect him to the killings. It wasn’t until 2001 that new DNA techniques spurred the reexamination of evidence that incriminated Ridgway . He was arrested and later confessed. Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 murders — later confessing to even more, which remain unconfirmed — in exchange for being spared the death penalty. He was sentenced to 48 life sentences without the possibility of parole.

forensic science case studies with questions

BTK Killer The BTK (“Bind, Torture, Kill”) Killer was a serial killer who terrorized the Wichita, Kansas area between 1974 and 1991, murdering 10 people over the span. The killer craved media attention and sent letters to local newspapers and TV stations, taunting investigators. It’s this egotism that led to his capture, however. When he resurfaced in 2004 with a series of communications, he chose to send a computer floppy disk to the  Wichita Eagle . Forensic analysts traced the deleted data on the disk to a man named Dennis at the Christ Lutheran Church in Wichita . It didn’t take long for the police to arrest Dennis Rader , who confessed and was sentenced to nine life terms in prison.

forensic science case studies with questions

Jeffrey MacDonald Early in the morning of February 17, 1970, the family of Army doctor Jeffrey MacDonald was attacked, leaving the doctor’s pregnant wife and two young daughters dead from multiple stab wounds. MacDonald himself was injured by what he claimed to be four suspects, but he survived with only minor wounds. Doubt was immediately cast on the doctor’s story, based on the physical evidence on the scene that suggested that he was the killer. However, the Army dropped the case because of the poor quality of the investigative techniques. Several years later, though, MacDonald was brought to trial in a civilian court. Key evidence was provided by a forensic scientist who testified that the doctor’s pajama top, which he claimed to have used to ward off the killers, had 48 smooth, clean holes — too smooth for such a volatile attack. Furthermore, the scientist noted that if the top was folded, the 48 holes could easily have been created by 21 thrusts — the exact number of times that MacDonald’s wife had been stabbed. The holes even matched the pattern of her wounds, suggesting that the pajama top had been laid on her before during the stabbing and not used in self-defense by the doctor. This crime scene reconstruction was crucial in MacDonald’s conviction in 1979. He was sentenced to life in prison for the three murders.

forensic science case studies with questions

John Joubert In 1983, two murders of schoolboys rocked the Omaha, Nebraska area. The body of one of the boys was found tied with a type of rope that investigators couldn’t identify. While following up on the lead of a mysterious man scouting out a school, they traced the suspect’s license plate to John Joubert , a radar technician at the local Air Force base. In his belongings, they found a rope matching the unusual one used in the murder (which turned out to be Korean). Although DNA analysis technology was not yet an option, the extreme rarity of the rope was enough to lead to Joubert’s confession . Furthermore, hair from one of the victims was found in Joubert’s car . The child killer was even linked to a third murder, in Maine, when his teeth were found to match bite marks on a boy killed in 1982. Joubert was found guilty of all three murders and was put to death in the electric chair in 1996.

forensic science case studies with questions

Source: Criminal Justice School

  • Serial Killers

spot_img

More articles

[…] are perhaps the most well-known of the expert witness cadres, largely thanks to their importance in many high profile criminal cases. Forensics, generally speaking, is the use of scientific methods to aid in the solving of a crime. […]

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

spot_img

Latest article

Latest posts, popular posts, the acid test: can you dissolve a body completely, people about to commit a crime shouldn’t throw stones… why because we can get good fingerprints off them, crime scene chemistry – luminol, blood & horseradish, popular category.

  • Case Studies & Stories 162
  • Fingerprint News 59
  • Fingerprints 45
  • Crime Scene News 34
  • Fingerprint Research 28
  • Court Testimony News 27
  • Crime Scene Research 20

Logo

Development of the NCCSTS Case Collection was originally funded by major grants to the University at Buffalo from the National Science Foundation , The Pew Charitable Trusts , and the U.S. Department of Education .

IMAGES

  1. Forensic Case #14 : Ten Famous Cases Solved by Forensics (article

    forensic science case studies with questions

  2. Forensic Case Studies Exam Notes

    forensic science case studies with questions

  3. Forensic science notes

    forensic science case studies with questions

  4. Forensic Evidence In Court A Case Study Approach

    forensic science case studies with questions

  5. Unit 1 Forensic Science Lab Questions

    forensic science case studies with questions

  6. Forensic Science Case Study.docx

    forensic science case studies with questions

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Forensic Science Sample Case Study

    Date: June 26, 2016 Name: Red Fisher Address: 8916 Ashcroft Ave, Nashville, Tennessee Teeth: Own Condition: Viewable Time Autopsy Began: 1005 hours EXTERNAL EXAMINATION: 6/26/2013, 1005 hours. The body is that of an unembalmed adult male who appears the stated age of 20 years. The body is identified by toe tags.

  2. Case Studies

    Case Studies Government and law enforcement agencies consult with LLNL's Forensic Science Center (FSC) for analyses beyond the experience of their in-house laboratories and for interpreting samples that demand unusually insightful forensic assessment.

  3. Discovering a double murder through skeletal remains: A case report

    Forensic examination of human remains is a complex process that relies on the contribution of multidisciplinary forensic medicine specialties. Here we present a complex forensic case regarding a double murder whose victims were found almost completely skeletonized.

  4. Case study 1-1

    Case Studies in DNA Forensics Summer 2019 Case #01-(5 pts) This first assignment is actually a series of 5 "mini-cases (Situations)". In each situation determine whether the suspect is excluded or included as the possible perpetrator of the crime. State your rationale for your conclusions.

  5. PDF Crime Scene Investigation

    the school. They will integrate math, science, and language arts into the study of forensic science and associated health science careers such as pathology, forensic science, and medical examination. In Subunit 1, students are introduced to the unit and the task of crime scene investigation. They will read

  6. Case Studies

    The World's Oldest Forensic Case - The Iceman's Mystery. In the annals of forensic science, one of the most remarkable and oldest solved cases revolves around the mysterious death of a man who lived over 5,000 years ago. Discovered in the Alps in 1991, the ancient remains, aptly named "Ötzi the Iceman," have provided an astonishing ...

  7. Forensic Science Case Studies!! Flashcards

    186 terms Brooke_Earley Preview Forensic Science. Case Studies

  8. 2020 Case Studies

    Just Off The Shelf Forensics. Original Release Date: December 25, 2020 In the eighth and final episode of the 2020 Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Tim Schade and Brian Cochran to discuss off-the-shelf crime scene processing products. Budgetary concerns often plague smaller forensic labs….

  9. PDF Forensic Science

    Case studies on infamous crimes and serial killers ... This teacher manual includes not only factual answers to assignment questions, but also tips on how to assess student responses, and suggestions for ways to guide your student's learning. ... Forensic Science Lesson 1: Forensic Science and the Law Oak Meadow 3 percent was perplexing ...

  10. Introduction to Forensic Science

    Week 1 - 3 Application of Forensic Science • 8 minutes. Week 1 - 4 Limits of Forensic Science • 10 minutes. Week 1 - 5 Locard's Exchange Principle • 8 minutes. Week 1 - 6 Roberto Calvi Case • 8 minutes. Week 1 - 7 Buck Ruxton & the Jigsaw Murders Case • 6 minutes. Week 1 - 8 Forensic Laboratories • 18 minutes.

  11. 2.3 Case study: The Shirley McKie story

    2.3 Case study: The Shirley McKie story. In February 1997, a British policewoman, Shirley McKie, was charged with perjury after testifying at a murder trial that she had not been in the victim's house, where her thumbprint was supposedly found. McKie's house was searched and she was taken back to the police station where she was strip ...

  12. A forensic case study: the detection of contraband drugs in carrier

    At the much higher concentrations of cocaine in rum, the detection of the cocaine was far easier. At 37.5% w/v the peak at ∼880 cm −1 in the rum was of similar intensity to that of the peak at 1003 cm −1 which corresponds to the presence of cocaine.. Both Brugal and Lamb's Navy Rum ™ analyzed at 785 nm fluoresced; this was most likely caused by additional impurities within the rum.

  13. Forensic Fiber Analysis and Chemical Tests With Case Studies

    FR Author Group at ForensicReader is a team of Forensic experts and scholars having B.Sc, M.Sc, or Doctorate( Ph.D.) degrees in Forensic Science. We published on topics on fingerprints, questioned documents, forensic medicine, toxicology, physical evidence, and related case studies. Know More.

  14. PDF Forensic Science

    Forensic Science provides HOSA members with the opportunity to work as a team to apply their knowledge and skills in creating a solution to a forensic science-related problem. This competitive event consists of 2 rounds and each team consists of 2 people. Round One is a written test and will evaluate the team's understanding of forensic science.

  15. 10 Famous Cases Cracked by Forensics

    The Lindbergh Kidnapping On March 1, 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of the famous aviator, was kidnapped, and although a ransom of $50,000 was paid, the child was never returned. His body was discovered in May just a few miles from his home.

  16. Forensic science and the case of Dr Mario Jascalevich

    This is the story of Dr Mario Jascalevich, who probably killed as many as 25 hospital patients, and the battle between two sets of forensic experts, the outcome of which failed to convince the jury of the doctor's guilt. Jascalevich was the chief surgeon at Riverdell Hospital, New Jersey, US. In 1965-6 patients began to die unexpectedly.

  17. NCCSTS Case Studies

    Enrich your students' educational experience with case-based teaching. The NCCSTS Case Collection, created and curated by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, on behalf of the University at Buffalo, contains nearly a thousand peer-reviewed case studies on a variety of topics in all areas of science.

  18. Forensic Science

    Dead On Arrival (DOA) Unit. Body Temp time of death- Graphing worksheet to determine time of death. DOA stories- a collection of short readings from "Forensics for Dummies" with questions pertaining to mean, mechanism, and cause of death. Entomology Introduction- Basic worksheet to introduce students to the idea of entomology and its uses.

  19. Forensic science

    Forensic science can be involved not only in investigation and prosecution of crimes such as rape, murder, and drug trafficking but also in matters in which a crime has not been committed but in which someone is charged with a civil wrong ( see tort ), such as willful pollution of air or water or causing industrial injuries.

  20. Forensics Publications & Resources

    Cloud Storage Forensics, 1 st Edition. Elsevier Science | 2013 | ISBN-13: 9780124199910. To reduce the risk of digital forensic evidence being called into question in judicial proceedings, it is important to have a rigorous methodology and set of procedures for conducting digital forensic investigations and examinations.

  21. Forensic Case Study With Questions Teaching Resources

    forensic case study with questions 392 results Sort: Relevance View: Forensic Handwriting Analysis, Forgery & Counterfeiting Case Studies Ch 10 by Ms D Wants To Save The World 5.0 (3) $7.50 Word Document File Case studies from a forensic textbook written by Bertino. 3 case studies typed with questions following each case study.

  22. Forensic Science

    Forensic File PRoject. Monday (11/13) 1. Test Review 2. DNA test 3. Forensic File Project Tuesday- Friday (11/14-11/17) Objectives: Explain how DNA has been used to convict or exonerate people in crimes. 1. Forensic File Project Work day. forensic file project sheet.

  23. PDF New for 2023 2024

    understanding of forensic science. The test score from Round One will be used to qualify the team for Round Two. In Round Two, teams will be given a case study to analyze that may include physical evidence and written information such as police reports and an autopsy. Teams will have six (6) minutes to view the "crime scene" and

  24. Justice Reimagined: The Power of Forensic Genetic Genealogy and DNA in

    A new era of crime-solving is upon us, as forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) emerges as a powerful tool in the quest for justice. This was the central theme at the National Center on Forensics conference, where experts Dr. Anthony Falsetti, Dr. Mark Wilson, and renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore shared their insights on the transformative potential of DNA in solving cases of unidentified ...