Laboratory & Analysis Techniques
This technique separates mixtures like ink or dyes.
Chromatography
This type of witness can give opinions based on specialized knowledge.
This type of killer murders three or more victims with a cooling-off period.
Serial killer
This refers to the cooling of the body after death.
Algor Mortis
Several cases studied this year involved early investigative mistakes.
Identify ONE crime scene protocol error seen in either the O.J. Simpson or JonBenét Ramsey case and explain how it weakened the investigation.
In the JonBenét Ramsey case, the crime scene was not properly secured (family members and investigators moved items before they were documented).
This weakened the investigation by contaminating evidence and making it difficult to determine what was original versus what had been altered at the scene.
This unit examines handwriting, printed materials, and altered documents.
Questioned documents unit
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
4th amendment
This term describes a criminal’s typical method of committing crimes.
Modus operandi (MO)
This condition causes muscles to stiffen after death due to chemical changes.
Rigor Mortis
These types of victims were targeted in the Atlanta Child Murders, which helped investigators identify a pattern in the crimes.
Children (mostly African American boys)
Firearm examinations compare bullets and casings based on these unique marks.
Striations and toolmarks
Courts must decide whether scientific methods are widely accepted or scientifically valid under these standards.
Frye and Daubert standards
The minimum number of victims required for someone to be classified as a serial killer.
3 or more
This postmortem change causes blood to settle in the lowest parts of the body.
Livor Mortis
Investigators linked this serial killer’s crimes through his unique behavior patterns, including breaking into homes at night and targeting specific victims.
What is the main forensic science lab?
FBI
This type of evidence is often reexamined years later using improved DNA technology to solve cold cases.
Biological evidence
According to the FBI, how would serial killers typically be described?
White males (25 – 35 years old)
Average to high intelligence
High or low income
Usually married with children & a career
This medical professional determines cause and manner of death through autopsy.
Forensics Pathologist
The Casey Anthony case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence (inference to connect).
Give an example of circumstantial and physical evidence in this case, and discuss how circumstantial evidence was still powerful in this case.
Circumstantial evidence: Her suspicious behavior (partying) and internet searches (circumstantial)
Physical evidence: The remains of her daughter in the trunk (physical)
The circumstantial evidence was still powerful because, when combined, it helped build a strong inference that she was involved in the crime.
Paper bag (allow it to dry). Never in an airtight bag!
What crime scene protocols were not followed in the O.J. Simpson case?
Investigators did not adequately secure and isolate the crime scenes, allowing multiple officers, media, and civilians to move through areas where evidence was present. This led to possible contamination and cross-transfer of evidence.
Evidence collection and documentation: Inconsistent handling, packaging, and chain of custody procedures.
Decisions made without proper warrants and poor coordination between scenes weakened the reliability of the evidence, ultimately raising reasonable doubt in court.
What are the three types of serial killers?
Bonus 500: Explain one.
What can be utilized to determine an accurate time of death for a body found at a crime scene?
Body temperature, livor mortis (lividity), algor mortis, rigor mortis, ambient (surrounding) temperature, insects, etc.
In cases such as the Night Stalker and BTK, investigators used behavior patterns to link crimes.
Explain how modus operandi (MO) or signature behavior helped connect multiple crimes to a single offender.
The Night Stalker and BTK killer each had unique patterns in how they committed crimes, such as the types of victims or methods of attack.
MO and signature behaviors allowed investigators to link separate crimes to the same offender by identifying consistent behaviors or rituals.