Criminal Investigation: Death Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?

To conduct a preliminary investigation (correct)

To identify the patrol officer's major responsibilities

To identify the main problems associated with death investigations

To identify the functions of the Medical Examiner

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

To conduct the autopsy and determine the cause of death (correct)

To identify the type of death scene

To remove and dispose of the body

To notify the police of the death

What is the purpose of marking a body position at a crime scene?

To identify the type of death scene

To notify the Medical Examiner of the death

To document the position of the body for evidence collection (correct)

To identify the patrol officer's major responsibilities

Who is responsible for removing and disposing of the body at a homicide scene?

The coroner Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a preliminary investigation?

To gather evidence and identify the circumstances surrounding the death Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the questions to ask when investigating a death scene?

To gather evidence and identify the circumstances surrounding the death Signup and view all the answers

What determines the cause of death in a homicide investigation?

M.E. (Medical Examiner) Signup and view all the answers

What type of homicide pattern involves a love-based motive and often targets an estranged spouse or lover?

Triangle Killing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

To associate a suspect with the use of a firearm Signup and view all the answers

What are the two chemical elements found in Gunshot Primer Residue?

Antimony and Barium 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 significance of a positive Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test result?

It proves the suspect was in the presence of a discharged firearm Signup and view all the answers

What type of homicide involves a financial gain motive?

Killing for Profit Signup and view all the answers

What determines who was responsible for causing death?

Police investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a control group in the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

To compare the level of Gunshot Primer Residue on the suspect's hands to a baseline level Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a negative Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test result?

It may be due to various factors, including the suspect washing their hands or the firearm not leaving residue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when investigating a suicide by firearms?

Protecting the victim's hands Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when responding to a death scene?

Protecting the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do when encountering a death scene that is unclear or suspicious?

Treat it as a homicide scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the medical examiner in a death investigation?

Determining the cause and manner of death Signup and view all the answers

What type of death scene may involve a ruling of accidental death, which can have significant financial implications for the family of the deceased?

Accident Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe a death that resembles a suicide but is actually an accidental death during sexual self-gratification?

Auto-erotic death Signup and view all the answers

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

Protecting the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do upon arriving at a death scene?

Assess the scene and determine what type of death has occurred Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of noting all conditions, events, and remarks at a death scene?

To provide a detailed description of the scene 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

Where do suicides tend to select for attack when using a knife?

Front of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a suicide with a firearm?

Shots to the forehead or temple Signup and view all the answers

What is indicative of an assailant trying to discover a vital spot?

Presence of purposeless incisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a female suicide?

Tendency to avoid disfiguring the face Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of psychopathic self-mutilation?

Enucleating one's eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to determine whether a shooting was a suicide or not?

Direction of the wound Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a suicide with multiple methods?

Indecision or insurance of one method by another Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a suicide with a knife?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a suicide with a gun?

Shots to the forehead or temple Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a combination of methods?

Hanging and poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What does a negative result in a GSR test indicate?

No conclusion can be drawn. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should a GSR test be performed on a suspect?

If there are no witnesses to testify to his use of a firearm, no more than a few hours have elapsed, and the suspect has not washed his hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is used to collect GSR evidence from the hands of a suspect?

A 5 percent solution of nitric acid and a cotton-tipped applicator with a plastic shaft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the control swabs in GSR testing?

To test for contamination. 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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of suicide?

The killing of one's self. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in investigating a death?

Distinguishing between suicide, accident, and murder. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the best indicators 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 type of injury in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

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

What is the importance of experience and fund of information in investigating a death?

It is important in distinguishing between suicide, accident, and murder. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to search adjoining areas if the weapon is not found near the body?

Because a mortally wounded person can travel a considerable distance Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why relatives might conceal a weapon?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What might be a motive for suicide in certain occupations?

Anxiety and tension Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect to investigate during a death inquiry?

The victim's financial condition Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate a person's intention to commit suicide?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should the investigator focus on during interviews with the victim's acquaintances?

Factual information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to look for a diary or un-mailed letters?

To find evidence of suicide Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical communication indicating a person's intention to commit suicide?

A written note Signup and view all the answers

What might a victim do to conceal a weapon?

Attach it to an elastic and have it disappear into a chimney Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for a weapon not being found at the scene?

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

What percentage of young suicide victims typically leave notes?

Less than 30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why girls are more likely to attempt suicide but less likely to succeed?

They use less lethal methods Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to handle a suicide note with care?

To prevent contamination with fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What should an investigator do when finding a suicide note?

Regard it with skepticism Signup and view all the answers

Why are some suicides difficult to determine?

Lack of eyewitnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of young people who attempt suicide in a typical year?

Between 70,000 and 80,000 Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a suicide note that is found in a sealed envelope?

Leave it sealed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to obtain an additional handwriting sample for comparison?

To verify the authenticity of the note Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when investigating a suicide by firearms?

Determining the authenticity of the note Signup and view all the answers

What is the general index of investigative suspicion in suicide cases?

A set of questions to ask during investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of paying attention to notes, past attempts, and mental condition in a suicide investigation?

To assess the general index of investigative suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding traces of antimony, barium, and primer mixture in a gunshot residue kit?

It confirms the presence of gunshot residue Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of referring to the handout on page 6 in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?

To gather additional points to check in the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when handling a suicide note?

To examine it for handwriting analysis and fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding red blotches on the skin in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?

It confirms carbon monoxide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking for traces of powder burns in a gunshot investigation?

To confirm the presence of gunshot residue Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding a rope or cord in an auto-erotic death scene?

It confirms the use of neck compression Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of maintaining control and security of a suicide note?

To prevent tampering or loss of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding evidence of prior auto-erotic activity in a death scene?

It indicates a history of auto-erotic behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of examining a suicide note for handwriting analysis and fingerprints?

To determine the authenticity of the note Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Death Investigations

Death scenes can be classified into three categories: homicide, suicide, and accident/natural causes
During an investigation, it is essential to identify the type of death scene and approach it accordingly
If there is any doubt, treat the scene as a homicide and process accordingly

Investigative Questions

Are there signs of a struggle?
- Overturned furniture
- Broken items
Are there indications that the deceased attempted to defend themselves?
- Defense wounds (hands, arms)
Are there indications that the deceased killed themselves?
- Suicide note

Types of Death Scenes

Homicide:
- Murder/manslaughter
- Self-defense
- Accidental killing
Suicide:
- Intentional killing of oneself
Accident/Natural Causes:
- Disease
- Medical problems
- Accidents (e.g., fire, auto accident, drug overdose)

Problems in Death Investigations

Removal of the body from the scene:
- Alters the scene
- Potential loss of evidence
Embalming:
- Destroys evidentiary value of substances in the body
Burial:
- Must obtain exhumation order
- Passage of time may destroy or reduce the value of body evidence

Patrol Officer's Responsibilities at a Homicide Scene

Proceed safely and promptly
Render assistance
Effect the arrest
Maintain the crime scene
Inform/notify specialized units
Note all conditions, events, and remarks
Arrange for evidence collection
Interview and interrogate
Report the incident fully and accurately

Marking the Body at a Crime Scene

Photography
Sketching
Markers or cones
Silhouette chalking
Responsibility for the body: Medical Examiner has total authority over body disposition

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
Triangle killing
Revenge/jealousy killing
Killing for profit
Random killing
Murder-suicide
Sex and sadism

Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test

Tests for the presence of gunshot residue on a suspect's hands
Collects evidence samples using a 5% solution of nitric acid
Tests for antimony and barium particles

Suicide Investigations

Definition: The killing of oneself
Types of injuries:
- Wounds on the front of the body
- Choice of methods (e.g., gun, knife, poison)
- Combination of methods
- Extent of wounds
Difficulty of self-infliction
Awkward positions
Incapacitating sequence
Presence of weapon
Concealment of weapon
Motive and intent

Importance of Protecting the Victim's Hands

In suicide investigations, it is essential to protect the victim's hands to preserve evidence### Investigating Suicides
The primary focus of the investigation should be on discovering any domestic, business, or financial troubles that may have contributed to the suicide.
Marital harmony, pregnancy, and love are not significant factors in determining motives for suicide.

Historical Context

Between 70,000 and 80,000 young people (ages 15-24) attempt suicide annually, with around 5,000 succeeding.
Fewer than 30% of young suicides leave notes, and more girls attempt suicide, but more boys succeed.
The increase in young suicides is attributed to an inability to communicate and feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Handling Suicide Notes

The suicide note should be picked up with a pair of tongs and placed in a transparent envelope to avoid contact with fingers.
The note should be photographed and transmitted to a laboratory or qualified agency, along with handwriting samples of the deceased, for comparison.
Precautions should be taken to avoid contaminating the note with fingerprints.
If the handwriting does not match the deceased, the note should be processed for fingerprints.

Accidental Deaths

Fatal accidents that are not witnessed may involve injuries that suggest suicide.
In cases where eyewitnesses are absent or unreliable, it is crucial to investigate thoroughly to avoid misclassification.

Types of Suicides

Motor Vehicle Suicide: often hard to determine without a note or background information.
Jump Suicide: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and building line.
Overdose Suicide: mostly women and young girls, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and containers.
Firearms Suicides: more common among men, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and gunshot residue.
Carbon Monoxide Suicide: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and the vehicle.
Poison Suicides: rare, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and skin tone.
Incised (Cut) Wound Suicides: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and object used.
Hanging Suicides: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, ropes, and security of premises.

Auto-Erotic Deaths

Definition: deaths associated with solo sexual activity.
May resemble a suicide, but often involves males, and family members may alter the scene out of shame or embarrassment.
Methods include neck compression, airway obstruction, chest compression, and oxygen exclusion.
Common evidence includes bondage, sexually stimulating paraphernalia, mirrors, and evidence of fantasy.

Procedure for Handling Suicide Notes

The originating agency with jurisdictional control will maintain control and security of the note.
Important handling procedures include:
- Not handling the note with bare hands.
- Not folding, spindling, or mutilating the note.
- Examining the note for handwriting analysis, fingerprints, stains, and origination.
- Treating the note as though it were a loaded weapon.
- Using a cover sheet if mailed to prevent indented handwriting from being obliterated or added.

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Description

This lesson plan covers the primary objectives of a criminal investigation, including the procedures for conducting an investigation and the main objectives and steps of a preliminary investigation. The focus is on death investigations.