Crime Scene Investigation: Death Investigation

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?

To identify the perpetrator of the crime (correct)

To determine the cause of death

To reconstruct the crime scene

To determine the motive of the crime

What is the main responsibility of a patrol officer at a homicide scene?

To collect evidence

To conduct a preliminary investigation

To interview witnesses

To secure the crime scene (correct)

What is the purpose of the Medical Examiner in a death investigation?

To collect evidence

To conduct a preliminary investigation

To determine the cause of death (correct)

To identify the perpetrator

What types of death require notification by police to the Medical Examiner?

All deaths, including natural causes Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the removal and final disposition of the body at a homicide scene?

The coroner's office Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the pattern of criminal homicide?

To understand the behavior of the offender Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of protecting the victim's hands in a suicide investigation by firearms?

To preserve fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of determining the security of the premise in suicide investigations?

To rule out the possibility of homicide Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motive behind Revenge/Jealousy killing?

Love or passion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Triangle Killing?

Motive has a love base Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a positive and negative GSR test result?

A positive result indicates the suspect was in the presence of a discharged firearm, while a negative result indicates they weren't Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a GSR test?

To determine if the suspect was in the presence of a discharged firearm Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common pattern of homicide?

Anger Killing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Murder-Suicide?

Often involves an agreement between partners Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when processing a death scene?

Preserving evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that indicates a possible motor vehicle suicide?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of a GSR test?

It is not 100% reliable, and may not detect gunshot residue in all cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a suicide note in a death investigation?

It may provide insight into the deceased's mindset Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Sex and Sadism killing?

Sexual perversion, sometimes accidental, usually bizarre Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a patrol officer at a homicide scene?

Maintaining the integrity of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of an exhumation order in a death investigation?

It enables the collection of evidence from a buried body Signup and view all the answers

Why is it not necessary to prove motive in a homicide investigation?

Because motive is not a necessary element to obtain a conviction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a police report in a homicide investigation?

To document the scene and events Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the killing of one human being by another?

Homicide Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a medical examiner's determination in a death investigation?

It provides a definitive diagnosis of the cause of death Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when handling a suicide note?

Maintaining control of the note Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for death resulting from accidental injury or poisoning?

Accident Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the police in a death investigation?

To investigate and gather evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why a GSR test is not helpful in distinguishing between a suicide and a homicide where the victim is shot from close range?

The victim may have reached for the gun. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended solution used for swabbing the hands of suspects in a GSR test?

A 5 percent solution of nitric acid with distilled or demineralized water. Signup and view all the answers

Why are glass containers or applicators with wooden shafts not used for collecting GSR evidence?

They may interfere with the test results. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using SEM/EDX in GSR testing?

It provides a visual image of the residue particles showing size and shape as well as a chemical analysis of their composition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the investigator in a suicide case?

To provide factual information to assist in deciding whether the death is murder, suicide, or accident. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best indicator in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

The cause of death. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the position and awkwardness of the wound in a suicide case?

It can establish the improbability of self-infliction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general principle regarding the accessibility of the body in a suicide case?

Any part of the body accessible to the suicide is also accessible to the murderer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of suicide?

The voluntary and intentional destruction of one's self. Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical punishment for suicide by common law?

Ignominious burial and forfeiture of goods. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of wounds is most indicative of murder?

Knife wound in the back Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of suicidal behavior when using a knife?

Selecting the throat, wrist, and heart region Signup and view all the answers

A person is found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. What is a possible indication of suicide?

Multiple parallel slashes on the left side of the head and neck Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of suicidal behavior when using a firearm?

Selecting the temple, forehead, center of the back of the head, mouth, and heart Signup and view all the answers

A person is found dead with multiple wounds. What is a possible indication of suicide?

A combination of stab wounds and gunshot wounds Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of a deranged suicide?

Inflicting very severe wounds in great numbers Signup and view all the answers

Why might a suicide choose carbon monoxide or barbiturates as a method of death?

To avoid excessive pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of female suicides?

Avoiding disfigurement of the face Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of suicidal behavior when using a weapon?

Pushing clothing aside to ensure direct contact with the body Signup and view all the answers

What should investigators look for when investigating a death?

The presence of a weapon near the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for concealing a weapon in a suicide investigation?

To avoid unfavorable publicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief cause of suicide according to the text?

Mental uneasiness or worry Signup and view all the answers

What should be emphasized during the investigation of a suicide?

The victim's anxiety over their position or work Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of searching for a diary or un-mailed letters in a suicide investigation?

To discover statements indicating a purpose of self-destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common motive for suicide in certain occupations?

Anxiety and tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical content of a suicide note?

A clear expression of motive and intent Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to handle a suicide note?

Use a pair of tongs and place it in a transparent envelope Signup and view all the answers

Why may a weapon be accidentally disappeared in a suicide investigation?

It was stolen by neighborhood boys Signup and view all the answers

What should the investigator do when finding a suicide note?

Regard it with skepticism Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of young suicides leave notes?

Fewer than 30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of interviewing the victim's family, business associates, and friends?

To learn factual information about the deceased's state of mind Signup and view all the answers

Why do boys succeed in suicide more often than girls?

Boys use more certain methods Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the suicide note if it is in a sealed envelope?

Leave it sealed Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to a person fatally shot through the head or heart?

They may travel a significant distance before succumbing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to transport a suicide note?

In a plastic bag or acetate folder Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dusting a suicide note for fingerprints?

To determine if the note was written voluntarily Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason attributed to the increase in young suicides?

Inability to communicate and feeling of isolation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a fatal accident is not witnessed?

Investigate further to determine the cause Signup and view all the answers

Why are general indexes of investigative suspicion used?

To investigate potential suicide cases Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked in a jump suicide investigation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of observing red blotches on the skin in a suicide investigation?

It is a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking the security of premises in a suicide investigation?

To rule out the possibility of homicide Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding a ligature with padding in an auto-erotic death scene?

It is used to prevent ligature marks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the originating agency in handling a suicide note?

To maintain control and security of the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding evidence of masturbation in an auto-erotic death scene?

It is a sign of sexual pleasure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of identifying the general index of investigative suspicion in a suicide investigation?

To pay attention to note, past attempts, and mental condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding a rope with a cut above the knot in a hanging suicide investigation?

It is a sign of the position of the knot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking the skin tone in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?

To look for red blotches on the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding evidence of fantasy in an auto-erotic death scene?

It is a sign of a diary or pornography Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when handling a suicide note?

To maintain control and security of the evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Death Scene Investigation

A death scene investigation involves determining the type of death, identifying the main objectives and steps, and identifying the patrol officer's major responsibilities.

Types of Death Scenes

Homicide: the killing of one human being by another, including murder, manslaughter, and self-defense.
Suicide: the act of taking one's own life.
Accident: an unintentional death, such as a car accident, fire, or drowning.
Natural Causes: death due to disease or medical conditions.

Problems in Death Investigations

Removal of the body from the scene: alters the scene and may result in loss of evidence.
Embalming: destroys evidentiary value of substances in the body.
Burial: may require exhumation order, and passage of time may destroy or reduce the value of body evidence.

Patrol Officer's Responsibilities

Proceed safely and promptly.
Render assistance.
Effect the arrest.
Maintain the crime scene.
Inform and notify specialized units.
Note all conditions, events, and remarks.
Arrange for evidence collection.

Marking the Body

The body may be marked by photography, sketching, markers, or cones.
Silhouette chalking may also be used.

Responsibility for the Body

The medical examiner has total authority over the body's disposition.
The medical examiner and police work together to investigate the death.

Homicide Investigation Questions

What was the cause of death?
What were the means that caused the death?
Was the homicide excusable or justifiable?
Who was responsible for causing the death?

Homicide Patterns

Anger Killing: often involves family members or friends, and is the most common pattern.
Triangle Killing: involves a love triangle.
Revenge/Jelly killing: involves an "eye for an eye" philosophy.
Killing for Profit: involves financial gain.
Random Killing: involves a random and unprovoked attack.
Murder-Suicide: often involves an agreement between partners.
Sex and Sadism: involves sexual perversion and sadistic behavior.

Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test

The test is used to determine if a suspect has fired a gun.
The test involves collecting residue from the hands of the suspect.
A positive result indicates that the suspect was in the presence of a discharged firearm.
A negative result does not necessarily indicate that the suspect was not involved in the shooting.

Suicide Investigation

The investigator must determine whether the death is a suicide, homicide, or accident.
The type of injury, presence of a weapon, and existence of a motive must be considered.
The position and awkwardness of the wound, as well as the difficulty of self-infliction, must be considered.
A combination of methods or a choice of several sites is indicative of suicide.
The extent of the wound, direction of the wound, and painfulness of the method must also be considered.
Disfigurement considerations, such as the avoidance of facial disfigurement, must be taken into account.
The presence of a weapon or instrument, as well as any concealment or accidental disappearance of the weapon, must be considered.
Motive and intent, such as a suicide note or oral statements, must be considered.### Investigating Suicide Cases
Investigator should interview family, business associates, friends, and acquaintances to determine the state of mind of the deceased.
Interviews should focus on factual information, not opinions, and explore domestic, business, or financial troubles.

Importance of Suicide Notes

A suicide note can be a crucial piece of evidence in determining the intent of the deceased.
Notes should be handled with care and submitted to a qualified document examiner for analysis.
Examiner should verify the authenticity of the note and handwriting.

Handling Suicide Notes

Note should be picked up with tongs and placed in a transparent envelope.
Photograph and transmit the note to the laboratory or agency for analysis.
Include a request for comparison of the known writing of the deceased with the writing of the suicide note.
Take precautions to avoid contact with fingers during handling.

Young Suicides

Estimated 70,000 to 80,000 young people (ages 15-24) attempt suicide annually.
About 5,000 succeed, with fewer than 30% leaving notes.
Girls attempt suicide more often, but boys are more likely to succeed.

Accidents vs. Suicides

Fatal accidents without witnesses can be mistaken for suicides.
Injuries should be examined to determine if they are compatible with self-infliction.

Types of Suicide

Motor Vehicle Suicide: difficult to determine without a note or background information.
Jump Suicide: investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, and building layout.
Overdose Suicide: mostly women and young girls; investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, containers, and security of premises.
Firearms Suicide: mostly men; investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, gun, bullets, and powder burns.
Carbon Monoxide Suicide: investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, vehicle, and skin tone.
Poison Suicide: not common; investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, and object used.
Incised (cut) Wound Suicides: investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, object used, and security of premises.
Hanging Suicides: investigate notes, past attempts, mental condition, ropes, and security of premises.

Auto-erotic Deaths

Deaths associated with solo sexual activity, often resembling suicide.
May involve family alteration of the scene due to shame or embarrassment.
Usually involves males, with methods including neck compression, airway obstruction, chest compression, and oxygen exclusion.

Auto-Erotic Death Scene Evidence

Location: secluded area.
Nude body.
Cross-dressing and evidence of masturbation.
Bondage indications, such as ropes, chains, blindfolds, and gags.
Protective padding on the neck.
Sexually stimulating paraphernalia, such as vibrators and dildos.
Mirrors and evidence of fantasy, such as diaries and pornography.
Auto-erotic literature and evidence of prior auto-erotic activities.
Positioned camera.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the primary objectives and procedures of a criminal investigation, including steps taken in a preliminary investigation of a death scene.