Investigator: Anne Chase

Crime Scene: #1
Evidence being examined: Coroners Report
Forensic Science Used: Forensic Pathology
Summary of the Science:
In 44 BC, first historical account of a forensic pathology examination occurred after at
the murder of Julius Caesar. After forensic pathology had solved thousands of crime
scenes around the world, it was officially recognized in the US in 1959. Forensic
pathology is one of the most important fields of forensic science today. A forensic
pathologist determines the cause of death whether it is homicide, suicide, or of natural
causes. The most commonly used technique to determine the cause of death is an
autopsy. An autopsy is a specialized post-death surgery evaluating the body and
recognizing any present disease or injury.
The initial examination usually occurs at the crime scene. A visual inspection is
conducted identifying any wounds on the surface. It is important the body is not moved
or touched any more than necessary and to use the correct protocol in removing the
body to protect trace evidence. On Mr. Lee a gunshot entrance wound was found on the
right temple and the exit wound on the left temple and left arm, knuckles were bruised,
and a bruise on lower left arm. The Crime Scene Photographer takes quality photos of
the body both clothed and unclothed, takes pictures of unusual features, and examines
the body for trace evidence. The photographer should take photos using different light
sources. Its also important to use a microscope to examine fingernails and other areas.
Blood was found on Mr. Lees clothing and oxycodone residue was found around the
mouth. Ultraviolet and infrared lights were used. If the body has not been identified,
fingerprints need to be sent to the Print Analyst for comparison with police records. The
clothing needs to be examined to determine if the clothes were on during the crime, or
if the body was re-dressed after death. If necessary the clothing will be inspected by the
Exhibits Officer and samples may be taken and sent to a laboratory, if not necessary the
clothing will be put into police custody. Mr. Lees clothing had a closer inspection and
samples were taken and sent.
Measurements of the body are taken. Mr. Lee was a male 58, weighed 174llbs, fortyfour year old Asian with brown eyes. X-rays were taken to reveal depth of wound, the
path and final location of a bullet, and knife fragments. Both old injuries and new
injuries alike need to be examined and photographed. The location, type, and number
of injuries can help determine how the murder was carried out and the series of events
that happened. For example, if continuous bruises are found, that indicates struggle or
torture and bruises around the throat could indicate strangulation. Six bruises were
found on Mr. Lee as well as four bullet inflicted wounds. The body was in Rigor Mortis,
stiffening of joints and muscles after death, when removed from the scene. It was in was
in Algor Mortis, reduction of body temperature after death, and Livor Mortis, settling of
blood at bottom half of body at 8:00am on 9/23/2014.

After all of the steps above have been taken, an autopsy is conducted on the body. An
autopsy is a post-death specialized surgical examination of a body. It begins with a Yincision starting from the shoulders to the lower end of the sternum connecting to
another line that begins at the sternum and ends at the pelvis. The collarbones and ribs
are sawed and the breastplate is removed, exposing the organs. The heart and lungs are
removed and weighed. Blood samples are taken from the heart, aorta, or a peripheral
vessel for blood typing, DNA analysis, and toxicological testing. The samples are then
placed in a tube with sodium fluoride that retards bacterial growth. The abdominal
organ is weighed, examined and samples are taken. If the time of the victims last meal
is known, the contents of the stomach may help determine the time of death. Urine, eye
fluid, stomach contents, liver tissues, and bile from the gall bladder are taken for
toxicological testing. From these tests, it was determined Mr. Lee had Ethanol and
Oxycodone present in his system. The skin is then sliced over the forehead from ear to
ear for the brain to be examined for head trauma and skull fractures. The skull is sliced
away and the brain is examined in place and removed for a more through inspection.
The organs return to the body and the incisions are closed.
With the use of forensic pathology, it can be determined the cause of death was a
gunshot wound to the head and blood aspiration into the lungs. Head trauma was the
literal event that caused Mr. Lees death and was a homicide. The time of death was
1:30am.

Sources:
"History of Forensic Pathology." Crime Scene Investigator CSI and Forensics Information.
ItsGov.com, 17 Dec. 2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2014.