Death Investigation Techniques
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?

  • To establish a procedure for conducting the investigation (correct)
  • To identify the main problems associated with death investigations
  • To identify the perpetrator
  • To determine the cause of death

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

  • To remove and dispose of the body
  • To ensure the security of the crime scene (correct)
  • To identify the cause of death
  • To mark the body position at the crime scene

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

  • The Coroner's Office (correct)
  • The Forensic Pathologist
  • The Medical Examiner
  • The patrol officer

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

    <p>To determine the cause of death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of identifying the type of death scene?

    <p>To develop a procedure for conducting the investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To develop a procedure for conducting the investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when approaching a death scene where the cause of death is unknown?

    <p>Treat it as a homicide scene and process accordingly</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To identify potential areas of evidence contamination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of death scene may resemble a suicide?

    <p>Auto-erotic death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when removing a body from a death scene?

    <p>Preserve potential evidence on the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To secure the scene and render assistance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be included in a police report regarding a homicide?

    <p>A detailed description of the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has total authority over the body's disposition at a death scene?

    <p>The medical examiner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus when investigating a hanging suicide?

    <p>Observing the rope and knot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of protecting the victim's hands when investigating a suicide by firearms?

    <p>To preserve evidence of gunshot residue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of identifying the types of evidence to look for in a given type of suicide investigation?

    <p>To ensure a thorough investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of determining the motive in a homicide investigation?

    <p>To understand the nature of the crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common pattern of homicide, according to the text?

    <p>Anger Killing</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To associate a suspect with the use of a firearm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible indicator of a motor vehicle suicide at a traffic fatality scene?

    <p>Driving pattern that reflects intentional directional control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential limitation of the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

    <p>The residue can rub off easily, making it difficult to detect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main limitation of GSR tests in distinguishing between a suicide and a homicide where the victim is shot from close range?

    <p>The residues deposited on the hands of the shooter and the victim are indistinguishable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Triangle Killing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the police in a homicide investigation?

    <p>To identify the perpetrator of the crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition should GSR tests be performed on a suspect?

    <p>If the ammunition from the suspected firearm is known to contain both antimony and barium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a Sex and Sadism homicide?

    <p>Involves sexual perversion and is often accidental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using a 5 percent solution of nitric acid in collecting GSR evidence?

    <p>To react with antimony and barium residues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible reason for a negative result on the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They may interfere with the test results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of taking control swabs in collecting GSR evidence?

    <p>To compare with the evidence samples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Medical Examiner (M.E.) in a homicide investigation?

    <p>To determine the means of death and the cause of death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method of testing GSR evidence provides a visual image of the residue particles?

    <p>Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDX)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of suicide?

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

    Why is the investigator's experience and fund of information important in solving the problem of suicide?

    <p>To distinguish between suicide, accident, and murder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important indicator in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to eliminate the theory of murder, accident, or natural causes in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

    <p>To ensure that all possible explanations are considered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following wound locations is most likely to indicate murder?

    <p>Back</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A combination of methods or a choice of several sites is indicative of:

    <p>Suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of suicide victims who use firearms?

    <p>The choice of site varies, but often includes the temple, forehead, or mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Presence of purposeless incisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do suicides tend to avoid disfiguring their face?

    <p>Concern for their appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of suicides who use knives?

    <p>They often select the front of the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an indication of suicide?

    <p>Series of parallel slashes on the left side of the head and neck</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consideration when determining suicide or murder?

    <p>Presence of a weapon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do suicides often choose methods like carbon monoxide and barbiturates?

    <p>Because they are less painful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an indication of a deranged mind?

    <p>Extreme self-mutilation, such as cutting off one's feet and hand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in investigating a suicide note?

    <p>Regard it with skepticism and consider it as evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do girls attempt suicide more often than boys?

    <p>Because they are more likely to use less lethal methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated number of young people who attempt suicide every year?

    <p>Between 70,000 and 80,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with the suicide note when it is found?

    <p>Pick it up with a pair of tongs and place it in a transparent envelope</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of young suicides leave notes?

    <p>Fewer than 30 percent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are accidents sometimes mistaken for suicides?

    <p>Because they often lack eyewitnesses or clear intentions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be included in the original request when sending the suicide note to the laboratory?

    <p>A request for fingerprint analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do boys tend to succeed in their suicide attempts more often than girls?

    <p>Because they tend to use more lethal methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Leave it sealed and send it to the laboratory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to obtain additional handwriting samples for comparison?

    <p>To verify the authenticity of the suicide note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for relatives to conceal a weapon in a suicide investigation?

    <p>To collect insurance benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what occupations have a higher incidence of suicides been found?

    <p>Medical and legal professions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary motive for suicide according to the text?

    <p>Mental uneasiness or worry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of interviewing family members, business associates, and friends in a suicide investigation?

    <p>To determine the motive of the suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common location where a weapon may be concealed in a suicide investigation?

    <p>In the chimney</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It indicates the intent of the deceased to commit suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible reason why a person may not be found near the body in a suicide investigation?

    <p>They may have been capable of considerable activity despite being mortally wounded</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To learn of any statements made by the deceased indicating a purpose of self-destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why may a person's death initially be misclassified as a murder?

    <p>Because the weapon was stolen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important factor to consider when investigating the state of mind of the deceased?

    <p>The deceased's financial condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To determine the authenticity of the note</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It is a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when handling a suicide note during an investigation?

    <p>To prevent contamination of the evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To alert investigators to potential signs of suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding a rope burn in an auto-erotic death investigation?

    <p>It is a sign of prior auto-erotic activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To identify potential signs of forced entry or struggle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of collecting evidence of masturbation in an auto-erotic death investigation?

    <p>To confirm the auto-erotic nature of the death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding a vibrator in an auto-erotic death investigation?

    <p>It is a sign of sexual activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of identifying the type of suicide in an investigation?

    <p>To identify the type of evidence to look for</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding a Padding on the neck in an auto-erotic death investigation?

    <p>It is a sign of protective padding to prevent self-harm</p> 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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    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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