General Criminalistics
Crime Scene Reconstruction
Our forensic criminalistics team has decades of experience reviewing the physical aspects of a crime in concert with the sequence of events. By reconstructing a crime scene, we may assist in determining what could and could not have happened in the commission of a crime. Crime scene reconstruction considers any and all evidence recovered, the physical layout of the space and ties in other forensic disciplines such as toxicology, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms testing, gunshot residue testing and DNA.
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When two items or substances come together, they behave and interact in ways that tell a story (Locard’s Principle) that experienced forensic criminalistics experts can read. Our scientists are here to analyze your evidence, visit the crime scene if needed, write reports, provide comprehensive case review, consultation, and expert testimony.
Extensive Evidence Experience
Complex cases that involve crime scene reconstruction are typically multi-faceted. The case may involve reconstruction of a crime scene by examining the toxicological or impaired state of an individual, the actual scene where the event occurred, and often involves reviewing various reports such as police reports, laboratory reports, laboratory notes, autopsy reports and photographs. It can also include the examination of a variety of evidence such as firearms and clothing which can contain biological evidence (blood or other bodily fluids) and trace evidence (i.e., gunshot residue, hair, fibers, glass).
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Bloodstain pattern analysis is used to assist in determining the direction and speed of blood deposited at the scene of a crime. The analysis of blood spatter can corroborate the use of other physical evidence and can indicate important information such as the type and general velocity of the weapon used, the number of blows to cause such spatter, the position of the assailant and victim, the order of wound infliction, and types of injuries. Examination of blood stains and drip patterns can help characterize how the stains and patterns may have been created which may, in turn, assist in reconstructing events during a crime.
Shooting Incident Reconstruction
Shooting Incident Reconstruction techniques can be used to complement bloodstain pattern analysis during crime scene reconstruction. By tracing the trajectory of bullets, one can determine the possible positions of the victim’s body at the time of a shooting, the angle of impact on inanimate or intervening objects, and the shooter’s position. By stringing trajectories, for example, our scientists can trace the path or trajectory of a bullet in an effort to locate the origin of the gunshot. Cartridge case ejection patterns and bullet impact sites can also add valuable information about how a shooting incident occurred and where the shooter and firearm were located at the time of firing.
Firing Distance Determination
When fired, firearms discharge not only the projectile, but other constituents of the cartridge. Through careful evaluation of the suspected/known weapon and the performance of range-of-fire testing of known weapons, our scientists can assist in providing estimated distances between the muzzle and the target. Our scientists can also examine intervening materials (particularly clothing) that may have adherent burned and partially burnt gunpowder particles or vaporous lead using microscopic and chemical methods.
Forensic Trace Evidence
Trace Evidence Analysis in forensics is the in-depth analysis of minute “traces” left behind at a crime scene or accident location. Most typically these traces are left when items touch or are rubbed together. However these trace materials were deposited, it is key to identify them, collect them, and then analyze them scientifically to determine their nature and their origin. Trace evidence analysis is a broad term. At FACL we have in-house expertise in bloodstain pattern analysis and GSR. We can also help you determine if other forms of trace analysis might benefit your case and coordinate with other labs to assist with other specific analyses. For instance, if our analysis of your case and evidence finds that there is trace evidence beyond the expertise and instrumentation in our laboratory, we can collaborate with an outside laboratory to perform and appropriately interpret the recovered material.