[Forensic biological traces as a "portrait" of perpetrators of murder and other offences]

Ann Acad Med Stetin. 2007:53 Suppl 2:159-65; discussion 165.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Introduction: In the introduction remarks will be provided on inspections of the sites of murder or of other offences, conducted with the participation of a forensic physician or other experts of forensic biology. The goal of this paper is to make interested parties aware of the possibility of numerous biological traces and micro-traces found on the scenes of diverse crimes, which many a time are omitted. The presence of those traces prompts one to strive for individualised identification of perpetrators of murder based upon the material they leave behind. In case of problems with actual identification of a perpetrator there is a possibility of a group-wise identification, accompanied by the creation of one but specific version of the subject occurrence. Those type of actions may be carried out thanks to the application of modern investigation methods and materials at individual stages of looking at evidence. Furthermore, a whole procedural algorithm is developed, from discovering a biological trace through its technical and procedural preservation, inspections of the victim, and perpetrator and collection of comparative materials from both of them, selection of appropriate methods and measures till the eventual findings i.e. individualisation of man. In the paper morphologic properties of forensic material of human origin (tissues, secretions, excrements, nail and teeth scratches) will be exposed; the material will be classified and on that basis some pre-selected material will undergo further analyses with particular attention drawn to molecular researches.

Conclusions: Conclusions will include the finding of biological micro-traces being often times omitted but which are of importance and thanks to currently applied equipment and genetic methods may lead to individual identification on the basis of a very small amount of evidential material collected.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Forensic Anthropology / methods*
  • Forensic Medicine / methods*
  • Homicide / classification*
  • Humans