Forensic Analysis of Fingerprint Evidence in the Murder of Emily Anderson
Abstract
This report details the evidence-gathering process for the murder of 35-year-old female Emily Anderson on June 3, 2023. The report details identifying, collecting, and developing fingerprints at the crime scene. In addition, the report contains information about the difficulties the team encountered in collecting fingerprints at the crime scene.
Moreover, the methods of collecting and developing prints used in the present case have been described. They helped to obtain complete and high-quality prints, which contributed to the detection of the offender. The report demonstrates the importance of thoroughly examining the crime scene and fingerprinting to identify the perpetrator. The evidence found, including prints and biological materials, became the basis for the prosecution in the case.
Introduction
On the night of June 3, 2023, a brutal murder took place at the home of Emily Anderson, a 35-year-old female. The examination found that the victim was raped and then killed between 2 and 4 am. This report describes the details of this crime, as well as the role of the forensic examination of physical and biological evidence seized from the scene of the crime.
Case Background
On the night of the murder, the victim was alone in the house and already asleep when an unknown man broke into the house through the back door. The perpetrator’s motives are still unknown since the investigation has not established a relationship between the victim and the attacker. Arriving at the scene of the crime, the task force found many traces left by the criminal, including fingerprints, a shoe print near the back door, and biological materials that were seized for examination. All evidence was collected in the shortest possible time to ensure that it was credible and informative in this case (Sahar et al., 2019). The murder weapon, which was a knife that belonged to the victim, was found in the backyard.
Fingerprint Evidence
Fingerprints are one of the main pieces of evidence in this case. Arriving at the crime scene, the team found many prints. Subsequent research showed that fingerprints of 18 people were collected from the victim’s home, including the victim and the perpetrator. Given the large evidence collection area, the team focused on items the perpetrator touched or could touch to identify the perpetrator’s fingerprints (Prasad et al., 2020). A clear fingerprint of the left hand was found on the knife handle, based on which it was concluded that the perpetrator was left-handed.
Collection, Development, and Analysis of Fingerprints
Collection
Standard methods were used to collect fingerprints. Fluorescent lamps have been used as the primary method to more effectively detect fingerprints and biological materials (Lian et al., 2020). With their help, the handle of a knife found in the victim’s backyard and the back door through which the perpetrator entered the house were examined. In addition, given that the bedroom where the victim was found had signs of a struggle, it also became a place to collect fingerprints. The prints found were recent, which led to the conclusion that the attacker had left them.
Development
Some technologies have been developed to improve the quality of the latent fingerprints. For example, partial prints found on a semi-porous surface in the victim’s bedroom were treated with chemicals to make them easier to see and collect (Sahar et al., 2019). Dusting was used for more straightforward and smooth surfaces, like the knife handle and back door.
Conclusion
The prints found have become crucial evidence in the case of the murder and rape of 35-year-old Emily Anderson. They helped identify the assailant by comparing them to fingerprints in databases. During the comparison, it was found that the offender already had a criminal record and was released on parole 2 years ago. Fingerprints, along with other collected evidence and biological materials, form the basis for filing charges in this case.
References
Lian, J., Meng, F., Wang, W., & Zhang, Z. (2020). Recent trends in fluorescent organic materials for latent fingerprint imaging. Frontiers in Chemistry, 8, 1-8. Web.
Prasad, V., Lukose, S., Agarwal, P., & Prasad, L. (2020). Role of nanomaterials for forensic investigation and latent fingerprinting—a review. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 65(1), 26-36. Web.
Sahar, A. H. S., Bibi, J., & Iqbal, R. K. (2019). Issues with DNA fingerprinting in forensic lab: a review. Journal of Medical Research and Case Reports, 1(1), 1-6. Web.