Crime Classification Manual Introduction 10

 

A STANDARD SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATING AND CLASSIFYING VIOLENT CRIMES

SECOND EDITION

 

John E. Douglas, Ann W. Burgess, Allen G. Burgess, and Robert K. Ressler,

Editors

 

 

Forensic Findings
Forensic findings are the analysis of physical evidence pertaining to a crime, evidence that is used toward legal proof that a crime occurred. This evidence is often called a silent witness, offering objective facts specific to the com- mission of a crime. The primary sources of physical evidence are the victim, the suspect, and the crime scene. Secondary sources include the home or work environment of a suspect; however, search warrants are necessary for the collection of such evidence (Moreau, 1987).

 

Medical reports provide important evidence. These reports include toxi- cological results, X-ray films, and autopsy findings. In homicide cases, the forensic pathologist identifies and documents the postmortem findings pres- ent and interprets the findings within the context of the circumstances of death (Luke, 1988).
 
Cause of Death. The mechanism of death is often a determining factor when attempting to classify a homicide. The victim of a street gang murder almost always dies from gunshot wounds. Explosive trauma is a frequent fo- rensic finding with many criminal competition and extremist murders. Stran- gulation is common to the more personal crimes such as domestic murder and sexual homicide.
 

Trauma. The type, extent, and focus of injury sustained by the victim are additional critical factors the investigator uses when classifying a crime.

 

Overkill, facial battery, torture, bite marks, and mutilation are examples of forensic findings that will often lead the investigator to a specific homicide category and, thus, a possible motive for the offense.

 

Sexual Assault. Evidence of assault to the victim’s sexual organs or body cavities has great bearing on motive and classification. The type and se- quence of the assault is important as well as the timing of the assault (before, during, or after death).

 

 

The investigator should remember that the apparent absence of penetra- tion with the penis does not mean the victim was not sexually assaulted. Sex- ual assault also includes insertion of foreign objects, regressive necrophilia, and many activities that target the breasts, buttocks, and genitals.