CDI Notes PDF: Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science

CDI Notes There is no such thing as special crime because each crime is categories by title Special Crimes involves those major crimes such murder, homicide, rape, bombing, and if someone died that is called special, it also uses special methods involving forensic sciences. Criminal Investigation I...

CDI Notes There is no such thing as special crime because each crime is categories by title Special Crimes involves those major crimes such murder, homicide, rape, bombing, and if someone died that is called special, it also uses special methods involving forensic sciences. Criminal Investigation Is an art and applied science which deals with the identity and location of the offender and gather pieces of evidence to prove the guilt of an accused in a court proceeding. Not science itself Criminal Investigator Is a person who is charged with the duty of carrying the objectives of investigation, such as:. Identify the criminals · Locate and arrest the offender · Gather evidence to prove his guilt · Attend court duties as prosecution witness If you didn’t appear to court to discuss the case that you built up you will get a bench warrant and later on it will become an administrative charge and the severe is dismissal. “Neglect of Duty” “PROBER” other term to described Investigator Modus Operandi – Is made up of vs Signature - Is a general term used to those actions that were necessary described unnecessary actions to the to complete the crime. crime Admission - is the statement of vs Confession - is a direct acknowledgment facts by the accused in a criminal by the accused in a criminal case case which do not directly involve of the truth of his guilt as to the the acknowledgment. crime charged. Additional Requirements for Confession or Admission to Prove the Guilt of the Accused · It must be supported by other corroborative evidence. Ex. Eyewitnesses · The Corpus Delicti must be established. Corpus Delicti “body of the crime” · The confession must be voluntary and freely given. What is Forensic Science? the application of science to criminal and civil laws enforced by the police agencies and criminal justice system. Where all the Physical Evidence are present Forensis – Forum/Public place for meeting or public trial What is Crime Scene? an area of vicinity of occurrence of physical evidence. General rule: Warrant is needed to enter a crime scene “EVERY RULE HAS AN EXEMPTION” Circumstances where there’s no need for warrant to enter a crime scene: 1. If it is in outdoor, no need to secure the crime scene 2. If it is in plain or public view/sight 3. If in emergency situation 4. If the lawful occupant gave their consent Types of Crime Scene º Indoor - easiest to investigate (protected of other element such as walls, roof, etc.) º Outdoor – the hardest to investigate (exposed to anything that could affect the evidences such us weather or animals) º Conveyance – the crime scene happened in a moving transportation Classification of Crime Scene PRIMARY - Refers to the site of the original criminal or first activity. SECONDARY – This may be subsequent places which may include the victim's home, suspects home, suspect's vehicle, or any other comparable indoor or outdoor area. “where the event of crime moved to any other places where be treated as secondary crime scene” First Responder – It could be a patrolman/tanod/medics but it is the first Police that arrive at the crime scene. Duty of the First Responder Upon arrival at the crime scene, the first responder shall assess whether the victim is still alive in case of violent incident and the same be brought to the nearest hospital and shall endeavor to arrest the suspect/s if he is still at the crime scene. Duty of the First Responders º Cordon off the crime scene with whatever available materials º Evacuate injured person to the nearest hospital º Prepare to take the "Dying declaration" of severely injured person, if any ask the victim if he thinks he can survive his injury first, then if the victim want to give an information to help the case, it should have Thumb Print or Blood Print for proof. Hearsay evidence is an exemption º Prevent entry/exit of persons within the cordoned area º Prepare to brief investigators of the situation upon their arrival 3rd Line or Outer Perimeter for the media 2nd Line or Mid Perimeter for Police/Investigators 1st Line or Perimeter for SOCO Basic Functions of Investigator Providing emergency assistance Securing the crime scene. Photographing and sketching. Takings notes and writing reports. Searching for, obtaining and processing physical evidence. Obtaining information from witnesses and suspects. Identifying suspects. Stakeout and undercover assignments. Testifying in court. Investigation monitoring and research. EDMOND LOCARD (1847-1915) The first to use scientific methods of criminal investigation. The Locard's Exchange Principle Whenever a criminal comes into contact with a victim, an object, or a crime scene, he or she will leave behind evidence, and also take away. “EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE” Golden Rule "Never touch or move any object at the crime scene unless it has been properly documented, photographed, measured, and sketched" Composition of S.O.C.O Team A. Team leader B. Photographer/log recorder C. Sketch preparer D. Evidence recorder/Evidence recovery personnel E. Specialist Crime Scene Investigation Proper 1. Receipt of briefing - The team leader upon arrival of the crime scene receives the briefing from the first responder. Briefing of what happen, a summary of the incident or the crime scene status, the condition of the crime scene 2. Designation of command post – Designate a command post which is ideally located adjacent to the scene where the evidence custodian stays and receives the pieces of evidence turned over to him. Set up a temporary command post near the crime scene. Biological Evidence (Ice Box) 3. Initiation of the preliminary survey – The team leader makes a general assessment of the scene, takes cautious walk-through of the crime scene, and takes down extensive notes to document important factors. take notes to identify what search method is applicable or suitable. 4. Note taking and logs - The personnel assigned in the note taking and logs in the crime scene uses a systematic approach in taking notes and logs report. Serve as a permanent record for activity to be part of the chain of custody The chain of custody refers to the detailed documentation of the handling, transfer, and storage of evidence from the moment it is collected at the crime scene until it is presented in court. Who enter and exit the crime scene to secure the chain of custody (The name, time, condition of the scene, weather condition of the crime scene) NOTE TAKING LOGS Crime scene location Name of supervising officers Name of witness and victims Identification of unit members Arrival time/date Name of first responders Departure time/date Name and rank of those who Conditions of the crime scene Enter and exit the crime scene Weather 5. Documentation of the crime scene – The photographer begins taking photographs as soon as possible. Video, photograph or sketch for measurement reference -to preserve the evidences. To record physical evidence, time, the exact look or initial appearance of it. Should be authentic and not edited. Purpose of Crime Scene Photography To record the initial appearance of physical evidence To provide investigators permanent visual records of the scene and evidence Can be used in criminal court trials THREE (3) methods of crime scene documentations 1. Photography 2. Crime scene sketch 3. Video recording How to take the photograph of the crime scene Take two photographs of evidence one without measuring device and the other is with measuring device. 6. Crime scene sketches - A sketch is prepared indicating the actual measurement of things with scale and proportion observed and oriented to the north pole. Crime scene sketch gives and provide exact details, exact measurements, distance and relationship of the evidence to the crime scene (companion to photography) Four (4) measuring techniques used to obtain accurate measurement for the sketch General Rule: Always face north | Fixed Point cannot be altered easily (wall, post, tree etc.), find a nearest fixed point to the evidence/s Purpose: to document the scene before removing anything, to determine the exact location of everything (Evidence/s) 1. Triangulation method 2. Rectangular coordinate method 3. Polar coordinate method 4. Transecting baseline method (only one fixed point every evidence) CRIME SCENE SKETCH Rough Sketch & Final Sketch Kind of Sketch Sketch of loyalty Sketch of gratitude Sketch of details 7. Detailed search - The search for physical evidence is done using the accepted methods of search depending upon the actual location to be searched. Methods of crime scene search - There are several different methods of search patterns used during the examination of the scene: º The Parallel search method All the members of the CSI team form a line. They work in a straight line, at the same speed, from one end of the crime scene to the other. Can be done by a multiple person or a team, every person has a specific role to get evidence then the person who get the evidence was responsible for it. º The Grid search method It’s like the parallel method, with the exception that two strips are regarded to constitute a grid. Only two individuals can accomplish the searches by going through different strips and them switching strips for more precision. For evidence that is hard to find or small º The Spiral search method A pattern used for searching area at crime scenes. The spiral can begin of a specific point and spiral outward or  start on a perimeter and spiral inward. Walking in circle, inward or outward, if the number of people limited and can be done by a single person. Searching for a large object. º The Quadrant or zone search method Divide the scene to be searched into quadrants. Additional personnel may be used of the Investigator can perform the search independently. Personnel searching each quadrant may use any method they choose. This method works well in large areas. Useful for finding Fingerprint. Team Leader walkthrough at first to identify what kind of search method is best to use for a crime scene. “NO TRIAL AND ERROR” 8. Collection of physical evidence - The team leader is always informed of significant evidence located. The evidence collector shall put his initial, location and date of the collection on the item and turn it over to the evidence custodian for documentation and safekeeping. Methods of recovery of evidences: Shaking Brushing Taping Dusting Swabbing Hand picking/use of tongs/ forceps NOTE: In cases the evidence needs a special processing the SOCO specialist shall be requested. Special methods of collecting physical evidence: o Firearms, knives and tools - This type or articles can be secured by means of strings passing through perforation. o Bullets and fired cases - They should be placed in small boxes and surrounded by cotton. o Semen stains - If it's still moist it can be collected in a test tube. The area must be first moistening with distilled water if it's a dry stain. o Blood - If in fluid condition, it would be removed by eye dropper and placed in a test tube. Marking or Tagging of Evidence: o Evidence labeling - Evidence should be marked with; 1. Initials (Collector) 2. Identification number (badge number) 3. Evidence number 4. Date and time it was collected 5. Evidence description 6. Location it was found o Firearms - It should be unloaded before submission. The marking should on the right of the frame, slide, barrel and magazine if it is a pistol. o Bullet - Avoid scarring the area with rifling imprint. The bullet may be marked at the nose. o Cartridge case - A fired cartridge case should be marked at the inside portion of the mouth. o Evidence numbering - Each impression must have a unique number, this number should; correspond to the placard next to the evidence. 9. Conduct of final survey - The team leader makes a final review of the crime scene to determine whether or not the processing has been completed. 10. Release of the crime scene - The release of the crime scene shall be done if the investigator is satisfied that all pieces of evidence have been recovered. LESSON 1 Part 1 What is legal medicine? Legal medicine is a branch of medicine which deals with the application of medical knowledge to the purpose of law and the administration of Justice. º Imhotep - (2980 BC) Earliest recorded medico-legal expert and the chief physician and architect of King Zoster. º Paulus Zachias (1584 - 659) a papal physician regarded as the father of forensic medicine. º Julius Ceasar - 24 stab wounds but only one that has caused his death º Antistius - First police surgeon of forensic pathologist and performed the autopsy in the body of Julius Ceasar KINDS OF DEATH  Medico Legal Aspects of Death Death - is defined as absence of life in a living matter. It is a termination of life and complete loss of vital functions of the body. What are the kinds of death? 1. Somatic Death or Clinical Death - it is a complete, continuous and persistent cessation of respiration, circulation and almost all brain functions of an organism. Actual Death/Normal Death 2. Molecular Death - is the cessation of the life of individual and the body which occurs one at the time after somatic death. Gradually Dying, Follows after Somatic Death 3. Apparent Death or Suspended Animation - it's a state of temporary cessation of vital activities of the body. Classification as to the causes of Death I. Natural Death - sudden death occurs due to the ailment or disease in the body (Due to old age) II. Violent Death - is a death due to injuries by some forms of outside force wherein the physical injuries inflicted is a proximate cause of death. Examples of violent death: Accidental – A person dies because of an accident, like falling from a high place or a car crash. It was not planned. Negligent Death – Someone dies because another person was careless or didn’t do something they were supposed to do (like leaving a baby alone in a hot car). Infanticide – The killing of a baby who is less than 3 days old. Parricide – The killing of a close family member, like your father, mother, or spouse. Homicide – This is a general term for killing another person. It can be intentional or accidental. Murder – The intentional and illegal killing of another person. It’s done on purpose. External signs of death; º Stoppage of respiration - The person is no longer breathing. º Stoppage of heart action and circulation - No pulse, no blood flowing. º Examination of peripheral circulation - Blood no longer moves through the arms, legs, and skin. º Rise of body temperature (postmortem caloricity) slight warming of the body - The body may feel slightly warm for a short time after death. º Loss of body heat (algor mortis) (normal body temp = 3r°F) cooling of the body - The body slowly gets cold after death because it stops making heat. º Absence of reaction of the skin to injury ‘numbness’ - The skin doesn’t feel pain or react when touched or hurt. º Loss of elasticity of the skin - The skin becomes stiff or loose; it doesn’t bounce back when pulled. Autopsy vs. Postmortem Examination º Autopsy is a comprehensive study and dissection of the cadaver to identity the cause of death. º Postmortem examination refers to external examination of a dead body without incision, although blood and other body fluids collection Two types of Autopsies: º Hospital / Non-Official Autopsy - Also called a clinical autopsy - Done in hospitals - Used to find out the cause of death when it’s natural or not suspicious - Often done with permission from the family 🩺 Example: A patient dies from an unknown illness, and the doctor wants to know why. º Medico Legal / Official Autopsy - Ordered by law or police - Done in suspicious, violent, or unclear deaths - Helps in criminal investigations ⚖️ Example: Someone is murdered, and the autopsy helps find out how and when they died. Common methods of Disposal of dead body Embalming - it is the method of preserving the dead body for the removal of the body fluid and replacement of the same by chemicals Burial or inhumation - it is the method of placing the dead body into the grave. Cremation - pulverization of the body by using intense heat Other kinds of death º Sociological Death (Neglected by the society) º Psychic Death (Accept Death Give up the will to live) º Biologic Death (Sustain by life support devices or machine) Presumption of Death Disputable Presumption - Rules of Court Sec. 96 Rule 123 ○ That a person not heard, seen or absent for 7 years is dead ○ A person on board or vessel who has lost during a sea voyage or an airplane which is missing who had not been heard for 4 years. ○ A person in the military or armed forces who has taken part in war and has been missing for 4 years. ○ A person who has been in danger of death under other circumstances and his existence and has not been known for 4 years. Changes in the human body after death Changes in the body after Death Stages of Muscular Change 1. Primary Flaccidity: It is characterized by relaxation of muscles and loss of their natural tone so the jaw or the head drops down, thorax collapses and limb become flaccid and the splinter is relaxed. 2. Post Mortem Rigidity (Rigor Mortis): the whole body become rigid due to contraction of muscles. This develops 3-4 hours after death in warm countries and the process is completed in 2-6 hour it may last from 18-36 hours. What are the conditions simulating Post Mortem Rigidity? Condition Mistaken as Rigor Mortis: º Heat Stiffening - a condition characterized by hardening of the muscles due to coagulations of muscle proteins when the dead body is exposed to intense heat as burning or immersion to hot water. Pugilistic Stance/Attitude º Cold Stiffening - a condition characterized by hardening of the muscles due to solidification of fats, muscle, and fluid when the body is exposed to extremely cold temperature. º Cadaveric Spasm or Spontaneous Rigidity/Instantaneous Rigidity - it is the stiffening of a certain group of muscles which occur immediately at the moment of death. Usually associated with violent death due to extreme nervous tension and injury to the central nervous system. It records the last act of a person before they die. Rigor Mortis Cadaveric Spasm º Begins 3-4 hours after death º Begins immediately after death º All muscles are affected º Only certain muscles are involved º Natural phenomenon º Unnatural phenomenon and unusual º Determines time of death º Determines the nature of the crime 3. Secondary Flaccidity: A muscular change is characterized by the softness and flaccidity of the muscles which no longer responses to electrical or mechanical stimuli due to the dissolution of the muscle proteins that have been previously coagulated during the stage of rigor mortis. 4. Putrefaction (Autolysis/Self Digestion) It is the process of dissolution of tissues by the digestive action of its enzymes and bacteria that results in softening and liquefaction of tissues are usually accompanied by the liberation of foul-smelling gases and change of color of the tissues. Basis in Estimating the Time of Death Post Mortem Lividity or Livor Mortis Discoloration of the body after death when blood tends to pool in the blood vessels of the most dependent portions of the body which appears 20-30 minutes after death and completes in about 12 hours. The usual color is dull red or reddish-purple with some bluish-black paterae e to rupture of small engorged capillaries. º Post Mortem Lividity or Livor Mortis (earliest sign of death) The onset of post mortem lividity is 20-30 minutes and completes in about 12 hours. º Post Mortem Rigidity or Rigor Mortis Onset is 3-4 hours after death, completed in about 12 hours. May lasts 24-36 hours in tropical countries. º Changes in the blood The blood remains fluid in the body after death for 6-9 hours. º Changes in the Stomach It usually takes 3-4 hours for the stomach to empty its contents after meals. Sequence of events in Putrefaction of dead body in tropical countries º After 1 - 2 days (24 - 48 hours) Marbling Rigor mortis absent, putrefaction changes, muscles soft and flaccid. Greenish discoloration of the abdomen. Some veins beneath the skin as interlacing purplish-brown network over the shoulder, chest, and abdomen known as marbelization. º 3rd day (72 hours) Abdomen distended with gases, trunk bloated, hair and nails loosened from its attachment. Blister formation and blebs. Face grossly swollen and discolored. Maggots were seen. *Forensic Entomology refers to the study of insect in determining the time of death. º 1 week (7 days) Further bloating of the body and discoloration of the skin. Bursting of blisters and denudation of the skin. Soft tissues continue to putrefy. º 2 weeks (14 days) A detachment of the hairs and nails from its attachment. Bursting of the thorax and abdomen. Further dissolution of more resistant viscera. º 30 days to 1 month - Body completely skeletonized First to composed is human brain NOTE: The hotter the climate, the faster the decomposition rate of the cadaver. LESSON 2 Part 2 Identification of the dead body What are the factors to consider in identifying a dead body? º The face is a very important means of identifying a dead person. Hippocratic Facies - it's a facial expression of a person approaching death. Myxedema Facies - The face of a person is pole, swollen cheeks which do not pit on pressure associated with slow speech and muscle weakness. Manifestation of a grave decease Facies Leonine – Lion face of a person suffering from leprosy with a bid pinched. Note: Facial expression or facies brought about by effects of disease. Ketong/Leprosy – decease that can make fingerprints disappear Other points to consider in identifying a person: Eyes - big or small, shape and color Nose - flat or pointed, condition of nasal opening Head - elongated, flat or round Hair - thin, thick or kinky Ears - size, shape, presence of earing's Mouth - size big or small, lips thick or thin Body built - thin or skinny, fat, obese or robust Height - approximate and calculated height of a person Teeth - natural or artificial Other means that may be of help in Identification: Clothing – style, stains in the clothing Ornaments or Jewelries – watch, rings Personal Belongings – wallet, bag, license, ID, cellphone Scientific means of identification of a dead body 1. Fingerprint 2. Dental record 3. DNA can be easily falsified P.D. no. 1575 Requiring practitioners of dentistry to keep records of their patients. What is law of multiplicity? “The greater number of similarities or Dissimilarities; the greater is the Probability for the conclusion to be Correct" The Skeleton Examination Examination of Skeleton - Bones of the skeleton are remnants of the dead body and are very important in elucidating legal problems. Importance in the study of skeleton: º It can be determined whether the skeleton is human origin or not º Determination of sex º Determination of race º Determination of height º Determination of Age º Determination of Ante Mortem of Post Mortem Injuries What is the difference between male and female pelvis? Male pelvis: Egg shape (male) º Heavier in construction º Narrow and less round º Diameter of true pelvis is less º Obturator foramen is egg shape Female pelvis: Triangular Shape (Female) º Lighter in construction º Wider and round º Diameter of true pelvis is greater º Obturator foramen is triangular in shape Determination of age Importance of Age Determination 1. Classification of person whether infant, child adolescence, adult or old age 2. To determine criminal liability The best guide is the eruption of deciduous teeth or temporary teeth which starts to erupt at 6 months and completed at 2 years while the eruption of permanent teeth in adulthood starts at 8th year and completed at 17-18 years of age. Wisdom tooth starts to erupts 17 to 24 years old to determine the age if the person is already an adult. 300 bones to 206 - infant and adult difference º Pubic hair in female appears at age 13 while at age 14 in male º Moustache and beard start to appear at age 16-18 years old º Enlargement of breast in female develop at age 13-14 years old º Change of voice in male & female occurs at age 16-18 years old º Change in color of hair at age 40 turns to black to grey º Menstruation usually starts at the age 12-13 years old º Wrinkles at the skin usually appears at age 40 above Sexual Crimes Sexual harassment - sexual act committed by any person by means of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment. usually occurs in work, education and training. Sexual assault - is a genderless crime which involves conventional sexual acts of violence and aggression committed on the genital, oral and anal orifices of another person. What is carnal knowledge? Carnal knowledge - is a sexual act involving bodily connection done by the penetration of male sex organ into that of a female sex organ. Sexual Intercourse/Coitus What is virginity? Virginity - is a condition of a woman who has not experienced sexual intercourse, and whose genital organ has not been altered by sexual intercourse. Parts of female anatomy which may be considered in determination of virginity: º Basis #1 the breast - Although this not a good basis to determine virginity because some woman have a firm breast with small nipples, yet have experience sexual intercourse. º Basis #2 the labia major and labia minora - A gaping labia majora and labia minora may indicate sexual experience however these structures may not be a good basis in determining virginity. Some woman may have plump and firm labia but already experience sexual intercourse. º Basis #3 the hymen - This is a thin fold mucous membrane. It raptures during sexual intercourse, instrumentation or self- manipulation. This not a good basis of virginity also because a woman may have a rapture hymen and yet she is still a virgin. º Basis #4 the fourchette - This is a "V" shape structure form by the union of labia majora and labia minora posturing and below the vaginal orifice. This may become rounded by several intercourse or passage of fetus during childbirth. What is defloration? Defloration - rupture or laceration of the hymen as a result of sexual intercourse. Note: all lacerations or rupture of the hymen by any other means aside from sexual intercourse is not called defloration. Kinds of Virginity: 1. Moral virginity - is a state wherein the female is not physically and sexually matured and has not experienced sexual intercourse. 2. Physical virginity - a condition of a female wherein she is conscious about sexual life, the sex organs and secondary sex characteristics are fully developed but had not experienced sexual intercourse. º True Physical Virginity - sexually matured, no sexual intercourse experience, hymen still intact, the opening is small barely admit the tip of small finger. º False Physical Virginity - is a condition of a woman who had not experienced sexual intercourse, the hymen is not ruptured, elastic and distensible and admits 1 or 2 examining fingers with least resistance. 3. Demi virginity - is a condition of a woman who allows any form of sexual acts but refrain from rupturing the hymen. 4. Virgo intacta - is a condition of a woman who had several sexual intercourses but had not born a child. Semen not part of the sperm, fluid which carries the sperm to the egg, deliver the sperm to the egg Semen refers to the fluid contains millions of sperm. Sperm part of semen, the job of the sperm is to fertilize the egg inside the body of a woman Sperm refers to the microscopic male reproductive cell. Classifications of wounds and injuries Physical Injury Wound - is a break or solution in the continuity of the skin or tissues of living body. Vital Reaction - is the sum total of all reactions of tissues or organs to physical injury or trauma. Classification of wound as to severity: Mortal Wound - wound which inflicted is capable of causing death. Non-Mortal Wound - wound when inflicted will not endanger life. Wound as to the kind of instrument used: 1. Lacerated Wound - wound produced by blunt objects or instrument, not sharp 2. Incised Wound - wound produce by sharp edge instrument 3. Stabbed Wound - produced by sharp edge and sharp pointed instruments. 4. Punctured Wound - wound produced by sharp pointed instrument. 5. Slashed Wound - the length of the wound is greater than the depth. As to the relation of the site of application or force and location of injury: º Coup Injury - injury which is found at the site of application of force. º Contre Coup Injury - injury which is found not at the site but opposite the site of the application of the force.  º Coup Contre Coup Injury - injury which is found at the site and also opposite the site of application of force. º Locus Minor's Resistencia / Extensive Injury - injury which is found not the site or opposite the site of application of force but in some areas offering least resistance to the force applied. º Patterned Wound - wound produced by the shape of the instrument or object reflected in the body. º Defense Wound - wound produced by person's distinctive reaction for self-protection. Burns Classification of Burns i. Thermal - like fire, hot objects, boiling water, steam ii. Chemical – Caused by strong acids or bases that damage the skin or tissue iii. Electrical - Caused by electric current passing through the body iv. Radiation - Caused by exposure to radiation, like UV rays or X-rays v. Friction - Caused by rubbing the skin against a rough surface Classification of burns by degree A. First Degree Burn - it is a burn which involves the superficial layer of the skin characterized by redness and pain. B. Second Degree Burn - it is a burn which involves the superficial layer of the tissues, skin and nerve endings characterized by blister formation. Most painful burn due to the irritation of the nerve endings C. Third Degree Burn - it is a burn involving the skin, nerves, muscle and bones which is usually met in victims of conflagrations Abrasions - wound produce with sliding motion to the rough surfaces Bite Marks - a pair of curved of opposing bruises usually abraded or bruised seen in the skin. Legal Classification of Physical Injuries º Slight Physical Injury - it is the physical injury wherein the victim is incapacitated for work or requires medical attendance for a period of 1-9 days. º Less Serious Physical Injury - a physical injury wherein the offended party is incapacitated for work or require medical attendance for 10 days or more but not more than 30 days. º Serious Physical Injury - it is an injury wherein the victim becomes incapacitated for the performance of his usual work for more, 90 days, and suffer any loss of member of his body thereof. Closed Wound What is closed wound? Closed wound - when there is no break in the continuity of the skin or mucous membrane. Types of Closed Wound º Petechiae - minute pin-point circumscribed extravasations of blood underneath the skin or mucous membrane. º Contusion or Bruise - wound in the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterized by swelling and discoloration of tissues because of extravasations of blood. º Hematoma - large extravasations in a newly formed cavity secondary to trauma characterized by swelling, discoloration of tissues and effusion of blood underneath the tissues. º Sprain - partial or incomplete disruption in the continuity of muscle or ligaments. º Dislocation - displacement of the particular surface of the bone. º Fracture - it is a break in the continuity of the bone tissues. Gunshot Wound What is gunshot wound? Gunshot wound - is an open wound brought about by the penetrating power of projectile propelled by the expansive force of burning gunpowder in the cartridge shell. Characteristic of the wound entrance: 1. In general, the size of the wound of entrance is usually smaller the missile owing to the retraction of the skin. The edge of the wound in inverted with contusion collar around the wound of entrance. 2. Closed Contact Gunshot Wound - In contact or closed range fire, there is burning of the skin and singeing of hair due to flame and gunpowder tattooing. Tattooing or Stippling  Gunshot Wound Characteristic of wound of exit: Usually, the size larger than the missile it has no definite shape º The edge of the wound is averted º Some flaps the skin and tissues º Are seen protruding from the wound Entrance wound and exit wound from different caliber: Determination whether the gunshot wound Suicidal, Homicidal or accidental A. Evidences to prove that the gunshot wound is suicidal º Parts of the body involved are accessible to hands of the victim º There is usually one gunshot wound º Presence of suicidal note º Usually, distance is near or close range º History of frustration º Drug dependency B. Evidences to prove that the gunshot wound is homicidal º Wound is located in any parts of the body º The victim is usually certain distance from the assailant º Signs of struggle or defense wound in part of the victim º Wounding weapon usually not found at the crime scene º There may be disturbance in the surrounding Dermal Nitrate Test/Paraffin Test - is a forensic procedure used to detect the presence of gunpowder residue on a person's hands. this is usually performed on suspects of gun-related crimes to establish whether they have recently fired a gun. The "odd and even rule" in gunshot wounds If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit found in the body of the victim is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged in the body. But if the number of gunshot wounds entrance and exit is odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets might have lodge in the body. What if no exit wound found in the body of the victim? 1. Bullet lodge in the gastro intestine tract and expelled thru the bowel. 2. Bullet may enter the wound of entrance and after hitting the course is deflecting to have the wound of entrance as wound exit. Asphyxia What is asphyxia? Is a condition wherein there is interference in the process of respiration resulting to impairment of normal exchange of respiratory gases. Classification of asphyxia: I. Asphyxia by hanging - is a form of violent death wherein the body is suspended by a ligature encircle around the neck. It may be complete hanging whereby the feet do not touch the floor and incomplete hanging when the victim is in sitting, kneeling and lying position. Complete & Partial Hanging: Complete Hanging (feet above or off the ground) Incomplete Hanging (kneeling position and lying position)  II. Asphyxia by strangulation - is produced by compression of his neck by trying the ligature around the neck and the two ends pulled in the opposite direction in such manner to tighten the ligature. Forms of strangulation: º Manual strangulation - is a form of strangulation whereby the hands are used in applying pressure to the neck and obstructing the air passage º Garroting - is a form of strangulation wherein a metal collar or strap is placed around the neck and tighten to compress the neck. º Mugging – is a form of strangulation wherein the assailant stands at the back of the victim and forearm is applied in front of the neck. º Compression of the neck with a stick, rod or pipe - this is a form of strangulation wherein a piece of pipe, rod or stick is used in applying pressure over the neck and the assailant is either in front or at the back of the victim. III. Asphyxia by suffocation - is exclusion of air from the lungs by closure of air openings or obstruction of air passages from the external openings. Forms of asphyxia by suffocation: º Smothering - cause by closing of the external respiratory orifices. º Over laying - most common accidental smothering in children suffocated either from beddings or pillows. º Gagging - application of materials through the mouth or nostrils. º Choking - brought about by impaction of food or blood clots to the respiratory passages. º Plastic bag suffocation - use of plastic bag, common children. IV. Asphyxia by drowning - the air passage submerged in water thereby preventing the force blow of air into the lungs. Conclusive findings in drowning: º Clenched fist with foreign bodies in the hands of the victim. º Presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory passage º Presence of water in the stomach º Presence of water in the middle ear º Increase lung volume º Presence of Diatoms Pond Micro-organism Name: Diatom Classification (group): Algae Description: Average Size: