| Author | Message | ||
     Andrew Reitnauer (Areitnau) Member Username: Areitnau Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2007 |
I agree with the DNA swabbing. DNA is a valuable evidentiary aspect of a case like this and the swabbing of the mouth area will most likely not impact your LP examination. If the bottle is very greasy, you could try CA-fuming and Sudan Black. It is a recommended application for greasy items. | ||
| Etienne Bennett (Ii2none59) Member Username: Ii2none59 Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2007 |
Thanks so much to both of you for responding. I still haven't had a chance to fingerprint the bottle -- not only is it still slightly oily with what I now expect is from the baby's brain matter and other unknown substances (I'm still seeing tiny spots of "oil" whenever I check the bottle), we have been swamped with so much other work that I haven't had time to do anything as far as follow-up. But I'll keep all your recommendations in mind. Seems that we may have another concern as far as fingerprinting, but I'll put that in another post! | ||
| Webservant (Member) Moderator Username: Member Post Number: 236 Registered: 03-1997 |
Despite what your investigators recommend, do NOT skip DNA examination of the bottle opening. There is a high probability the DNA of the person drinking from the bottle can be recovered from the immediate area where their mouth/lips contacted the bottle. DNA collection (swabbing) from that area of the bottle will probably involve only the area immediately adjacent to the opening and should not interfere with latent prints present on the lower parts of the bottle. After DNA collection, recommend contacting the nearest state crime lab and requesting to borrow some of the dye stain (and any other supplies) that would keep you from complete processing of the evidence. | ||
| Ernie Hamm (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted From: adsl-154-92-24.jax.bellsouth.net |
This may have already been one of your options, so it is not mentioned, but I would consider light source visualization, both UV and white light. Latents have been seen quite readily on glass surfaces with oblique or back-lighting (considering putting a flexible light tube inside the bottle) techniques. If the bottle is not broken, I have seen bottles filled with a fluorescent liquid, bottle subjected to UV illumination and observe any visible marks seen on the outside surface that are highlighted by the fluorescence. A little different approach, but as long as you are careful with the liquid, essentially non-destructive to your latent bearing surface. You seem to be prepared with the other processes once the surface is stabilized. | ||
| Etienne Bennett (Ii2none59) Member Username: Ii2none59 Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 |
This is a problem I've never run across before, so I thought I would try with you all & get some feedback since I've gotten good results from this group before. This past Sunday I was asked to respond to the scene of a fatal traffic accident, in which a 2-year-old was killed in a truck driven by an alleged drunk driver. Although the truck had gone onto its' side, the driver was able to escape. Our fatal team had me -- before the truck was towed for evidence -- process the driver's side door for fingerprints as they knew the driver escaped that way by climbing over it. But they also had me collect a beer bottle they had found inside the truck, and here's where my problem lies. The bottle was partially spattered not only with blood and likely brain matter from the baby, but possibly another fluid as well (I was thinking from the truck itself after the wreck). I did notice a greasy spot in the paper bag after I collected it, and was wondering whether that might have been caused by the brain matter. The bottle, however, has been in one of our drying cabinets since Sunday morning. Last night it was still damp. I checked a few minutes ago, and it has dried somewhat but is still slightly damp, and there was a tiny oil spot on the paper bag I have under it (again making me think about the possible brain matter). I'm looking for suggestions for the best ways to fingerprint the bottle considering its' condition. I had planned on super glue fuming it, but then wonder what to try afterwards. We are currently out of dye stains so that option is out for now. Flourescent powders are available right now, and I could use Mikrosil for lifting any suspected LPs as the glass now has a rougher texture to it due to the damage. But all suggestions will be a great help. Finally, I asked the investigators what was most important to them: fingerprints or DNA, knowing that some chemicals can destroy the DNA present. They said fingerprints. But just in case, I'd like to keep DNA in mind in case they change THEIR minds. Thanks from any help you can give me! |
