76 Questions
What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?
To establish a procedure for conducting the investigation
What is the responsibility of the patrol officer at a homicide scene?
To ensure the security of the crime scene
Who is responsible for the removal and final disposition of the body at a homicide scene?
The Coroner's Office
What is the purpose of the Medical Examiner in a death investigation?
To determine the cause of death
What is the purpose of identifying the type of death scene?
To develop a procedure for conducting the investigation
What is the purpose of identifying the general index of investigative suspicion in suicide cases?
To develop a procedure for conducting the investigation
What is the primary concern when approaching a death scene where the cause of death is unknown?
Treat it as a homicide scene and process accordingly
What is the purpose of determining the security of the premise in suicide investigations?
To identify potential areas of evidence contamination
What type of death scene may resemble a suicide?
Auto-erotic death
What should be done when removing a body from a death scene?
Preserve potential evidence on the body
What is the responsibility of the patrol officer at a homicide scene?
To secure the scene and render assistance
What should be included in a police report regarding a homicide?
A detailed description of the scene
Who has total authority over the body's disposition at a death scene?
The medical examiner
What is the primary focus when investigating a hanging suicide?
Observing the rope and knot
What is the importance of protecting the victim's hands when investigating a suicide by firearms?
To preserve evidence of gunshot residue
What is the purpose of identifying the types of evidence to look for in a given type of suicide investigation?
To ensure a thorough investigation
What is the primary purpose of determining the motive in a homicide investigation?
To understand the nature of the crime
What is the most common pattern of homicide, according to the text?
Anger Killing
What is the primary purpose of the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?
To associate a suspect with the use of a firearm
What is a possible indicator of a motor vehicle suicide at a traffic fatality scene?
Driving pattern that reflects intentional directional control
What is a potential limitation of the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?
The residue can rub off easily, making it difficult to detect
What is the main limitation of GSR tests in distinguishing between a suicide and a homicide where the victim is shot from close range?
The residues deposited on the hands of the shooter and the victim are indistinguishable.
What type of homicide involves a love-based motive and targets an estranged spouse or lover?
Triangle Killing
What is the primary role of the police in a homicide investigation?
To identify the perpetrator of the crime
Under what condition should GSR tests be performed on a suspect?
If the ammunition from the suspected firearm is known to contain both antimony and barium.
What is a characteristic of a Sex and Sadism homicide?
Involves sexual perversion and is often accidental
What is the purpose of using a 5 percent solution of nitric acid in collecting GSR evidence?
To react with antimony and barium residues.
What is a possible reason for a negative result on the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?
All of the above
Why are glass containers or applicators with wooden shafts not used in collecting GSR evidence?
They may interfere with the test results.
What is the purpose of taking control swabs in collecting GSR evidence?
To compare with the evidence samples.
What is the role of the Medical Examiner (M.E.) in a homicide investigation?
To determine the means of death and the cause of death
What method of testing GSR evidence provides a visual image of the residue particles?
Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDX)
What is the definition of suicide?
The voluntary and intentional destruction of one's self.
Why is the investigator's experience and fund of information important in solving the problem of suicide?
To distinguish between suicide, accident, and murder.
What is an important indicator in determining whether a case is one of suicide?
All of the above.
Why is it important to eliminate the theory of murder, accident, or natural causes in determining whether a case is one of suicide?
To ensure that all possible explanations are considered.
Which of the following wound locations is most likely to indicate murder?
Back
A combination of methods or a choice of several sites is indicative of:
Suicide
What is a characteristic of suicide victims who use firearms?
The choice of site varies, but often includes the temple, forehead, or mouth
What is an indication of an assailant trying to discover a vital spot?
Presence of purposeless incisions
Why do suicides tend to avoid disfiguring their face?
Concern for their appearance
What is a characteristic of suicides who use knives?
They often select the front of the body
What is an indication of suicide?
Series of parallel slashes on the left side of the head and neck
What is a consideration when determining suicide or murder?
Presence of a weapon
Why do suicides often choose methods like carbon monoxide and barbiturates?
Because they are less painful
What is an indication of a deranged mind?
Extreme self-mutilation, such as cutting off one's feet and hand
What is the first step in investigating a suicide note?
Regard it with skepticism and consider it as evidence
Why do girls attempt suicide more often than boys?
Because they are more likely to use less lethal methods
What is the estimated number of young people who attempt suicide every year?
Between 70,000 and 80,000
What should be done with the suicide note when it is found?
Pick it up with a pair of tongs and place it in a transparent envelope
What percentage of young suicides leave notes?
Fewer than 30 percent
Why are accidents sometimes mistaken for suicides?
Because they often lack eyewitnesses or clear intentions
What should be included in the original request when sending the suicide note to the laboratory?
A request for fingerprint analysis
Why do boys tend to succeed in their suicide attempts more often than girls?
Because they tend to use more lethal methods
What should be done with the suicide note when it is in a sealed envelope?
Leave it sealed and send it to the laboratory
Why is it important to obtain additional handwriting samples for comparison?
To verify the authenticity of the suicide note
What is a common reason for relatives to conceal a weapon in a suicide investigation?
To collect insurance benefits
In what occupations have a higher incidence of suicides been found?
Medical and legal professions
What is the primary motive for suicide according to the text?
Mental uneasiness or worry
What is the purpose of interviewing family members, business associates, and friends in a suicide investigation?
To determine the motive of the suicide
What is a common location where a weapon may be concealed in a suicide investigation?
In the chimney
What is the significance of a 'suicide note' in a suicide investigation?
It indicates the intent of the deceased to commit suicide
What is a possible reason why a person may not be found near the body in a suicide investigation?
They may have been capable of considerable activity despite being mortally wounded
What is the purpose of searching for a diary or un-mailed letters in a suicide investigation?
To learn of any statements made by the deceased indicating a purpose of self-destruction
Why may a person's death initially be misclassified as a murder?
Because the weapon was stolen
What is an important factor to consider when investigating the state of mind of the deceased?
The deceased's financial condition
What is the primary purpose of examining a suicide note for handwriting analysis?
To determine the authenticity of the note
What is the significance of finding red blotches on the skin in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?
It is a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning
What is the primary concern when handling a suicide note during an investigation?
To prevent contamination of the evidence
What is the purpose of identifying the general index of investigative suspicion in suicide cases?
To alert investigators to potential signs of suicide
What is the significance of finding a rope burn in an auto-erotic death investigation?
It is a sign of prior auto-erotic activity
What is the purpose of examining the security of the premises in a suicide investigation?
To identify potential signs of forced entry or struggle
What is the primary purpose of collecting evidence of masturbation in an auto-erotic death investigation?
To confirm the auto-erotic nature of the death
What is the significance of finding a vibrator in an auto-erotic death investigation?
It is a sign of sexual activity
What is the primary purpose of identifying the type of suicide in an investigation?
To identify the type of evidence to look for
What is the significance of finding a Padding on the neck in an auto-erotic death investigation?
It is a sign of protective padding to prevent self-harm
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.
Learn how to approach death scenes and identify the type of death, including homicide, suicide, and accident/natural causes. Discover key investigative questions to ask at the scene.
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