When you arrive at the scene of a crime, you must follow certain procedures to ensure the admissibility of evidence. For this assignment, you will use a case file of a real crime scene and assume the role of the crime scene investigator. You will create a presentation in which you document your process, present your findings, and provide an evaluation of the scene in a narrated PowerPoint or presentation tool of your choice.
To help you prepare, use the Mock Crime SceneLinks to an external site. (https://www.mesaazpolice.gov/about-mesa-pd/forensic-services/mock-crime-scene) to review the steps of evaluating a crime scene.
Instructions
Choose one of the following cases:
"He Hit Her Until She Fell… and That Was Just the Beginning," Brandl
"A Mutilation Murder," Brandl
Then, create a 5-10 minute presentation in which you:
Identify the tools you used to evaluate the crime scene. Provide a rationale for your choices.
Outline the steps you took to secure the crime scene.
Describe the techniques and procedures you used to process the crime scene, including a list of the evidence collected. Explain the reasons for your procedures.
Describe the steps you took to preserve the evidence and provide an explanation for your process.
Provide photos of the crime scene.
Create a crime scene map that illustrates the crime scene upon arrival.
Narrate your presentation to walk the audience through the crime scene.
Full Answer Section
- Crime scene tape: To secure the crime scene.
- Gloves: To protect the investigator from contamination and to prevent the destruction of evidence.
Securing the Crime Scene
The following steps were taken to secure the crime scene:
- Established a perimeter: A perimeter was established around the crime scene to prevent unauthorized access.
- Identified and interviewed witnesses: Witnesses were identified and interviewed to gather information about the crime.
- Photographed and documented the crime scene: The crime scene was photographed and documented to preserve evidence and provide a visual record of the scene.
- Collected evidence: Evidence was collected and placed in evidence bags. The evidence chain of custody was maintained to ensure that the evidence was not tampered with.
Processing the Crime Scene
The following techniques and procedures were used to process the crime scene:
- Grid search: The crime scene was grid searched to ensure that all evidence was collected.
- Bloodstain pattern analysis: Bloodstain pattern analysis was used to determine the sequence of events and the location of the victim when they were injured.
- Fingerprint analysis: Fingerprint analysis was used to identify the perpetrator and witnesses.
- DNA analysis: DNA analysis was used to identify the victim and the perpetrator.
Preserving the Evidence
The following steps were taken to preserve the evidence:
- Evidence was placed in evidence bags: Evidence was placed in evidence bags to protect it from contamination and damage.
- Evidence was labeled: Evidence was labeled with the date, time, location, and collector's name.
- Evidence was stored in a secure location: Evidence was stored in a secure location to prevent tampering.
Crime Scene Map
The following crime scene map illustrates the crime scene upon arrival:
[Insert crime scene map here]
Narration
Upon arrival at the crime scene, I observed a female victim lying on the floor of her living room. She had multiple stab wounds to her chest and abdomen. There was a large amount of blood on the floor and surrounding furniture.
I immediately secured the crime scene and began to process it. I photographed and documented the scene, collected evidence, and conducted a grid search.
During the grid search, I located a bloody knife under the victim's body. I also located a bloody fingerprint on the doorknob to the kitchen door.
I collected the knife and the fingerprint and placed them in evidence bags. I also collected blood samples from the victim and the crime scene.
I then photographed the victim's body and the surrounding area. I also created a crime scene map.
Once the crime scene was processed, I released it to the homicide detectives.
Conclusion
The crime scene investigation of "A Mutilation Murder" by Brandl was a complex and challenging process. However, by following proper procedures and using the appropriate tools, I was able to collect and preserve evidence that will help to solve this crime.
Sample Answer
Presentation: Crime Scene Investigation of "A Mutilation Murder" by Brandl
Introduction
I am a crime scene investigator, and today I will be presenting my findings from the crime scene of "A Mutilation Murder" by Brandl.
Tools Used
The following tools were used to evaluate the crime scene:
- Camera: To document the crime scene and evidence.
- Flashlight: To illuminate dark areas of the crime scene.
- Magnifying glass: To examine evidence in more detail.
- Tweezers: To collect small pieces of evidence.
- Evidence bags: To store and transport evidence.