Evidence Examples
Chips and residue can be analyzed in a database. Often used when solving hit-and-run automobile cases.
Paint!
Can reveal where a person has traveled. Samples can be examined for chemical composition, plant material, pollen, etc., and link to a crime scene.
Dust and dirt
Where and how the suspect appeared at the crime scene
Point of entry
The original location of a crime or accident
Primary crime scene
Particles can be found at crime scenes and will be analyzed to determine the color surface, thickness, density, and chemical composition. This can help investigators connect evidence to a suspect or an object.
Glass
Shoeprints, tire tracks, bite marks. Can be photographed, lifted, or matched with dental records.
Impression evidence
Where and how the suspect left the crime scene
Point of exit
An alternate location where additional evidence may be found
Secondary crime scene
Substances can be examined to determine the chemical composition. Traces found on a suspect’s clothing, skin, and hair can be matched to a crime scene.
Explosives
There are three types of patterns: arches, loops, and whorls. Investigators also use a database used to search for matches found at crime scenes.
Fingerprints
What is known or proved to be true
Factual
Person thought to be capable of committing a crime
Suspect
Any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect’s possession
Physical evidence
Evidence from firearms including ammunition and residue can be analyzed and then matched to suspects and evidence found at a crime scene.
Ballistics
Can often be matched to weapons or tool marks on the weapon. Analysis may provide clues to a victim’s injuries, characteristics of the suspect, and positions of the victim and suspect at the time.
Wounds
What has been stated, but has not been proved
Allegedly
Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime
Alibi
Oral or written statements given to police as well as court testimony by people who witnessed an event
Testimonial evidence
Can provide useful clues. Factors like weather conditions, location and condition of the body, and knowledge of life cycles can help investigators determine the time between death and discovery of the body.
Insects
Investigators can extract from almost any tissue (hair, fingernails, bones, teeth, and body fluids). This can be used to create a profile that can be compared to profiles of suspects or victims.
DNA
Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred
Crime scene
Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime
Accomplice
Physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells
Trace evidence