A Physical Match of a Metallic Chip Found on a Bolt Cutters’ Blade

Bolt cutters are known as devices which are used for cutting hard objects and rigid materials such as padlocks and bars. They are commonly used in instances of forced entries. In this case study, a bolt cutter was found in the car of two suspects in a grocery burglary. This study indicates how the presence of a small metallic chip found on a suspected bolt cutter can prove that the tool was used in the crime scene. During the initial examination, a metallic chip from the cut shackle padlock was found stuck to one of the bolt cutters’ blades. By comparing the metallic chip's microscopic edge and the breaking (fracture) line of the padlock's shackle, a full physical match was noticed. We wish to report here how residue, even the smallest, can be used to link burglary tools to a crime scene with a high level of certainty.     

Improve Toolmarks' Impressions in Soft Wax

When the forensic toolmarks laboratory receives for examination and comparison a tool that is suspected of having been involved in a crime, the expert performs tests designed to determine whether or not the specific tool generates the same toolmarks as those found at the crime scene. This is performed by testing tool striation on a piece of soft metal, such as lead, and examining the marks left by the tool. Studies have shown that wax may be an optimal material for this purpose. This study examines the use of wax at different temperatures and shows that quality of results is better when the wax is cooled (recommended temperature is ?18°C). At this temperature, the wax is flexible enough but does not smear and is not sticky. This makes the obtained marks clearer and of better quality.     

Identification of wires and the cutting tool by scanning electron microscope

The cut ends of aluminium and copper wires made by different pliers have been compared under the scanning electron microscope to correlate the two pieces of a wire and to identify the cutting tool. The mechanism of producing the cut ends has been discussed. Matching of extrusion marks and correspondence of breakages at the edges of the cut ends were observed. Correspondence between the fine striations was observed on the opposite faces. These features are put forward for assigning a cut wire to a source.The ends produced by repeatedly cutting a wire by the same portion of the edge of a pair of pliers have been compared. It was found that the striations and fracture zones were reproduced on the respective surfaces of the consecutive cut ends. To identify the cutting tool in wire theft cases, it is suggested that the trial cut ends can be made by cutting the wire with successive portions of the edge of the suspected tool and compare the surface features with that on the questioned ones.     

液压断线钳与普通断线钳剪切痕迹的检验及应用

目的通过研究不同类型、规格和功能断线钳所形成剪切痕迹的异同,准确的进行工具痕迹的同一认定。方法运用实验观察法,比较法对液压断线钳与普通断线钳形成痕迹特征反映的异同进行分析。结果液压断线钳与普通断线钳从结构特征、剪切痕迹特征反映等方面存在着明显的差异。结论在对剪切痕迹的检验中,需要注意从被剪断头的材质、直径、断端形状等方面着手,区别不同种类的剪切工具,尤其要注重对实验样本的制作,这样才能充分发挥剪切痕迹在侦查破案中的证据作用。     

单芯电缆线断头痕迹实物提取方法

目的研究单芯电缆线这种离散型客体的实物提取方式、涉及的提取工具和最佳提取长度。方法采用模拟实验的方式,选用不同种类的单芯电缆线为客体,以电缆线断头痕迹不发生变化为基准,确定不同实物提取方式或不同种类工具提取单芯电缆线的最短长度。结果单芯电缆线实物提取可采取的方式主要有钳剪和割削两种,其中钳剪提取方式使用的工具为断线钳和线缆剪,割削提取方式使用的工具为钢锯和角磨机;针对直径小于16mm、非金属外护套及绝缘层的单芯电缆线,断线钳剪切提取最佳长度约为55cm,线缆剪剪切提取最佳长度约为70cm,钢锯锯割提取最佳长度约为5cm,角磨机切削提取最佳长度约为5cm。结论割削提取方法是提取电缆线断头的最佳方法;依据提取操作简便性及快捷性,角磨机(或充电式角磨机)为现场提取电缆线断头的最佳工具。     

Friction Marks of Stabbing Tools in Tires

When receiving a stabbed tire for examination, forensic toolmark examiners can determine whether a suspect tool was used in a specific crime based on class-characteristics and individual-characteristics marks that have been left by the tool on the tire. This study discusses friction marks and their forensic value during the examination of a punctured tire. The term friction mark refers to the noticeable mark around the penetration area on a tire's surface. Tires designed to create high friction when contacting a road. Due to this design, friction is created between the stabbing tool shank and the sides of the hole. As a result of this friction, the shank of the stabbing tool wears the outer layer of tire around the hole. This leaves a friction mark whose general shape reflects the cross-sectional shape of the stabbing tool’s shank. This phenomenon was observed and named by Locke (7) in his evaluation of tire puncture marks with knives. This article demonstrates the same phenomenon with other types of stabbing tools. Test stabs were produced with different tools representing a variety of cross-sectional shapes of shanks, and the resulting friction marks were photo-documented and discussed. Correlations between the various cross-sectional shapes and their corresponding friction marks are shown. Based on friction mark examination, the examiner: (i) can infer suspect tool shank cross-sectional shape with the evaluation of the friction mark shape and (ii) can deduce the maximum dimensions of the shank. This examination simplifies and accelerates the forensic comparison procedure and the investigation time.     

Identification of Tool Marks of a Sickle on a Telephone Cable

Linkage of a cutting tool (a sickle) with a telephone cable of 100 pairs of copper wires is reported in a case of theft of a telephone cable. Telephone cables contain numerous insulated copper wires of small diameter inside an outer covering and are stolen for the relatively precious copper. The cutting pattern of the cable can only point to the type of the tool but because of the large number of copper wires, it is practically difficult to make a definite linkage with the tool used to cut the cable by comparing the tool marks. The present work reports the successful attempt of the authors in establishing a definite linkage of a stolen telephone cable with a sickle recovered from the suspects. Spot microchemical test was performed for detection of copper on the blade of the sickle, and then tool mark comparison was performed to link the tool marks on the metal strip inside the outer covering of the cable to the blade of the sickle.     

6种现场常见断线钳加工特征的研究

目的研究不同品牌断线钳加工特征的差异性及痕迹反映与加工特征之间的关系。方法以6种现场常见断线钳为研究对象,首先观测断线钳的刃顶厚度、刃片咬合间隙、刃侧铣纹宽度和铣纹间距等参数,然后观测剪切断头痕迹的立顶高度、立顶厚度、刃侧铣纹印痕宽度和铣纹印痕间距等参数,并用SPSS统计软件进行处理。结果 6种品牌的断线钳加工特征存在差异,断头痕迹可以稳定地反映该差异。结论可利用断头痕迹特征推断断线钳种类。     

Analysis of microtraces in invasive traumas using SEM/EDS

Scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is a proven forensic tool and has been used to analyze several kinds of trace evidence. A forensic application of SEM/EDS is the examination of morphological characteristics of tool marks that tools and instruments leave on bone. The microtraces that are left behind by these tools and instruments on the bone are, however, often ignored or not noticed at all. In this paper we will describe the use of SEM/EDS for the analysis of microtraces in invasive sharp-force, blunt-force and bone-hacking traumas in bone. This research is part of a larger multi-disciplinary approach in which pathologists, forensic anthropologists, toolmark and microtrace experts work together to link observed injuries to a suspected weapon or, in case of an unknown weapon, to indicate a group of objects that could have been used as a weapon. Although there are a few difficulties one have to consider, the method itself is rather simple and straightforward to apply. A sample of dry and clean bone is placed into the SEM sample chamber and brightness and contrast are set such that bone appears grey, metal appears white and organic material appears black. The sample is then searched manually to find relevant features. Once features are found their elemental composition is measured by an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). This method is illustrated using several cases. It is shown that SEM/EDS analysis of microtraces in bone is a valuable tool to get clues about an unknown weapon and can associate a specific weapon with injuries on the basis of appearance and elemental composition. In particular the separate results from the various disciplines are complementary and may be combined to reach a conclusion with a stronger probative value. This is not only useful in the courtroom but above all in criminal investigations when one have to know for what weapon or object to look for.     

Quantitative analysis of sharp-force trauma: an application of scanning electron microscopy in forensic anthropology.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has occasionally been used by anthropologists and forensic scientists to look at morphological characteristics that certain implements leave on bone. However, few studies have addressed techniques or protocols for assessing quantitative differences between tool marks on bone made by different bladed implements. In this study, the statistical variation in cut mark width was examined between control and test samples on bone using a scalpel blade, paring knife, and kitchen utility knife. Statistically significant differences (p < .0005) were found between cut marks made by the same knife under control and test conditions for all three knife types used in the study. When the control sample and test samples were examined individually for differences in mean variation between knife types, significant differences were also found (p < .0005). While significant differences in cut mark width were found, caution should be used in trying to classify individual cut marks as being inflicted by a particular implement, due to the overlap in cut mark width that exists between different knife types. When combined, both quantitative and qualitative analyses of cut marks should prove to be more useful in trying to identify a suspect weapon. Furthermore, the application of SEM can be particularly useful for assessing many of these features.     

利用铣纹痕迹数量和角度判断钢丝钳剪切位置

目的观察钳剪钢丝铣纹痕迹规律。方法用钢丝钳剪切铁丝,观察形成铣纹痕迹的特点和规律,并对铣纹痕迹数量和倾斜角度与钢丝钳剪切刃口位置的关系予以分析。结果钢丝钳刃口形成的铣纹痕迹数量和倾斜角度随刃口位置变动而发生相应变化。结论通过检测铣纹痕迹的数量和倾斜角度能可靠判断剪切刃口的具体位置,为制作样本选择刃口部位提供依据。     

Virtual casting of stab wounds in cartilage using micro-computed tomography

In homicidal stabbings using a serrated knife, stab wounds involving costal cartilage leave striations on the cut surface of the cartilage from the serration points on the blade edge. Class characteristics of the serrated blade can be determined from the striation marks, and individualizing characteristics may be seen also. The traditional method for recording the striation marks involves the pernickety technique of casting with dental impression material. We assessed the potential utility of micro-computed tomography scanning of the stab track as a technique for nondestructive recording of striation patterns and virtual casting of them. Stab tracks in porcine cartilage, produced with a coarsely serrated blade, were scanned with a bench-top micro-computed tomography scanner. The typical irregularly regular striation pattern could be demonstrated, and the images manipulated, using proprietary software to produce a virtual cast. Whether the technology will have sufficient resolution to image not only class characteristic tool marks but also the much finer individualizing tool marks remains to be evaluated, but the technology shows considerable promise.     

Interpreting the Effects of Burning on Pre-incineration Saw Marks in Bone

This study examined the effects of fire on the features associated with saw marks in bone. Both class and individual characteristics were examined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty-four semifleshed Sus scrofa L. tibiae were sawed into three sections with the middle section having deep and shallow false starts. Twelve saw blades of varying age and type were each used to cut two tibiae. In each case, the first tibia was burned in an outdoor open fire to the point of partial calcination. The second tibia, our control, was macerated using a heated enzyme solution. Controls and burned specimens were examined for the following characteristics: breakaway spur, tooth hop, false start, exit chipping, tooth imprint, breakaway notch, pull out striae, kerf flare, and blade drift. In general, there was parity in the observed characteristics in the burned samples using the SEM and the stereomicroscope. SEM observation, however, provided enhanced images, with the addition of observing individual tooth imprints, previously not visible. Therefore, this study recommends using an SEM for the examination of saw cuts in burnt bone.     

Validation of tool mark analysis of cut costal cartilage

This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage. Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations, regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on the cut surface by the blade's cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by the presence or absence of striations led to a 65% misclassification rate. Use of the classification tree and cross-validation methods and inclusion of the mean interstriation distance decreased the error rate to c. 50%.     

Deep incisional neck injuries caused by an electric knife

Electric knives, due to the double blades swinging in opposite directions, have a high injury potential. Tissues such as skin can be cut smoothly without cutting motion and with only little pressure. Authors report on the case of a woman of 47 years who cut herself deeply on both sides of her neck with an electric knife, slightly carving a notch into the larynx and a cervical vertebra and opening large blood vessels. With respect to the extent of injuries the capacity to act had to be questioned. However, considering the absence of venous air embolism and the peculiarity of the tool it had to be assumed that the capacity to act lasted for a short time.     

通过痕迹认定肇事车辆

随着交通事故勘验技术的发展,物证技术在重特大交通事故现场勘验以及侦破交通逃逸案件中发挥的作用越来越重要.痕迹检验技术作为物证技术的一个重要分支,在认定肇事车辆中发挥着举足轻重的作用.交通事故中的痕迹是车辆与车辆、人体、道路等客体在路面上相对高速运动形成的痕迹,相对于其它类型案件有着自己的特点.交通事故中的痕迹分布范围广、造痕体和承痕体相对运动剧烈,形成痕迹的造痕体和承痕体大多都会发生形变.基于交通事故中痕迹形成的这些特点,交通事故中的痕迹检验难度是比较大的.但交通事故中车辆的特殊结构形成的印压痕迹、车辆轮胎、摩托车车篮等造痕体在灰尘等介质作用下在人体的衣服等表面形成的印压痕迹都可以很好反映造痕体的外部结构特征,从这些痕迹反映出造痕体的外部结构特征可以寻找和认定交通肇事车辆.     

Classification of firing pin impressions using HOG-SVM

Crimes, such as robbery and murder, often involve firearms. In order to assist with the investigation into the crime, firearm examiners are asked to determine whether cartridge cases found at a crime scene had been fired from a suspect's firearm. This examination is based on a comparison of the marks left on the surfaces of cartridge cases. Firing pin impressions can be one of the most commonly used of these marks. In this study, a total of nine Ruger model 10/22 semiautomatic rifles were used. Fifty cartridges were fired from each rifle. The cartridge cases were collected, and each firing pin impression was then cast and photographed using a comparison microscope. In this paper, we will describe how one may use a computer vision algorithm, the Histogram of Orientated Gradient (HOG), and a machine learning method, Support Vector Machines (SVMs), to classify images of firing pin impressions. Our method achieved a reasonably high accuracy at 93%. This can be used to associate a firearm with a cartridge case recovered from a scene. We also compared our method with other feature extraction algorithms. The comparison results showed that the HOG-SVM method had the highest performance in this classification task.     

Hair analysis for diphenhydramine after surreptitious administration to a child

Diphenhydramine is one of the first effective antihistamine agents to have been discovered. The compound is also used for its sedative and antiemetic effects. The first case involving repetitive sedation linked to the use of diphenhydramine as a drug-facilitated crime and subsequent impairment of a 9-year-old female victim is reported. Due to the long delay between the alleged crime and clinical examination, collection of blood or urine was of little value. Hence, the laboratory developed an original approach based on hair testing by LC-MS/MS. A single strand of hair from the victim was sampled about 7 weeks after the last suspected administration and was cut into small segments. After cutting into small pieces, about 20 mg of hair per segment was incubated overnight in a phosphate buffer (pH 8.4). The aqueous phase was extracted with 5 ml of a mixture of methylene chloride/diethyl ether (80/20), in presence of diazepam-d5, used as internal standard (IS). The hair extract was separated on an XTerra MS C18 column using a gradient of acetonitrile and formate buffer. Detection was based on two daughter ions: transitions m/z 256.2-152.1 and 167.1 and m/z 289.9-154.0 for diphenhydramine and the IS, respectively. In the hair of the child, diphenhydramine was detected at concentrations in the range 33-39 pg/mg, depending on the segment.     

Photographic Image Comparison of Vegetation

Images and videos are common types of evidence in crime scene investigations and laboratory analysis. Images may be taken by the suspect and/or by crime scene investigators and may serve as crucial elements in forensic laboratory analysis. Forensic photographic image comparison is the process of comparing one or more objects or persons in photographs/images when at least one image is known to be related to a crime. The forensic examiner usually compares the images in order to determine whether or not an association between the exhibits in the images can be made. This paper proposes an extension to the currently prevalent photographic image examination method. The extension introduces comparison of landscape and vegetation over time. It is revealed that similarities between images may still be found between the period of time the suspect photograph was taken and the period the crime scene investigator took the photograph from the same area. In this case report, two suspects to be involved in growing a marijuana field were arrested by the police. The forensic experts were asked to examine images taken by the crime scene investigators and to compare them to the images found in the suspects’ phones. They then tried to determine whether the suspects could be linked to the specific locations. While applying techniques derived from morphological comparison methodologies, the plants at the scene provided significant additional information. A tree trunk, branches, and twigs on a hedge in the photographs revealed specific individual characteristics that led the examiner to reach a conclusive decision.     

Artifacts Caused by Leaf-Cutting Ants of the Genus Atta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Postmortem Bite Injuries and the Tearing of Clothes

Ants are one of the first insects to find an exposed cadaver and can be present during all stages of decomposition. Although these organisms are not commonly used in postmortem interval estimates, they are to be taken into account on criminal investigations involving human corpses, since they can leave bite marks that can be mistaken for antemortem or perimortem injuries, which could be misleading when ascertaining the occurrence of abuse or physical altercation during a crime. A few studies report the action of ants on human cadavers and even though leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta are frequently encountered in succession studies that use animal carcasses, there are no records of these fungus-growing species on human corpses. Atta is a genus restricted to the New World, ranging from northern Argentina to southern United States and acts as one of the most conspicuous neotropical herbivores. In this study, we report three cases of violent death that illustrate the impact of ants, especially those of the genus Atta, in a forensic setting. We compare the patterns displayed by postmortem bite injuries caused by leaf-cutter ants and other common species with less robust mandibles. We also present the capability of Atta ants to create artifacts by cutting victim’s clothes in a crime scene, contributing to the knowledge of ant-mediated confounding factors in crime scene investigation.