Reconstruction

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Crime Scene Reconstruction

"I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts."

Sherlock Holmes "A Scandal in Bohemia"

The Crime Scene is the starting point for all investigations.

Crime Scene Reconstruction would be considered the "totality" of the investigative process.

What makes Forensic Consulting different from the others?

	Thirty four years of crime scene experience.
	Over twenty years of crime laboratory experience.
	A thorough understanding of evidence and the information it bears.
	Twenty five years as specialist instructors.
	Involvement in "major" cases both for the state and defense.

When Forensic Consulting is called to the scene of the crime, we are prepared to assist in the entire investigation. We will also assist in the recommendations on laboratory submissions, evidence interpretation and crime scene reconstruction.

Just what is involved in crime scene reconstruction. The following is a list of some of the processes required of reconstruction:

Autopsy Report Review

Blood spatter interpretation

Blood detection

Crime Scene Investigation

Crime Scene Review

Diagrams/Models

Ejection characteristics

Evidence Review

Investigative Report Review

Laboratory Report Review

Witness Statement Review

Suspect Statement Review

Photography/Videography

Re-enactments

Trajectory Interpretation

We do not assume facts nor render opinions unsupported by the evidence.

Crime scene reconstruction can also be used to determine witness credibility, something most attorneys would like to know.

The results of our reconstructions are placed in a "Report of Examination." We also incorporate crime scene photographs, photographs taken during our reconstruction, re-enactments, simulations and other supporting information in the body of the report. In this manner we are able to demonstrate the basis for our opinion.

Case Example

In a murder case, a process called crime scene reconstruction became very important. During the course of the investigation the defendant was adamant he did not commit the shooting. In all his statement he claimed he was in the living room and heard a shot. When he went into the bedroom he found the gun on the floor by the left side of the bed. He picked the gun up and placed it on the dresser on the left side of the bedroom wall.

The defense was able to get access to the scene a short time after the original investigation. During our investigation we found the presence of blood spatter on the top of the dresser and on the wall to the right of the mirror. Measurements of the room and furniture were taken for further examination. As a visual learner a scale model of the bedroom was prepared.

The State's case was built on the concept the victim's husband shot her as she sat on the foot of the bed as shown below:

The red rod in the victim indicates the trajectory as determined by autopsy. The black lines on the dresser at the top of the photo indicate the blood spatter direction from front to back. What cannot be seen in this photo is the blood spatter found on the wall to the right of the mirror.

The examination process revealed the trajectory for this theory is incorrect. The blood spatter should be on the right wall and on the bed.

My examination found the trajectory supported this relative positioning of the victim:

The examination of the trajectory was supported by the blood spatter on both the dresser and on the wall.

In this instance the statement of the defendant was corroborated by the evidence.

Crime scene reconstruction can afford the greatest amount of information related to the incident in question. It also demands the greatest amount of time and expense. We make every attempt to work with the attorney regarding the monetary issues so this process can be completed.