The repeat CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode titled "Dead of the Class" airing on 8/7/13 also had a post from 3/21/13.
The episode begins with the description of the deceased females neck wound as an irregular laceration. Wound interpretation can lend itself to some valuable information in a criminal investigation.
First there is a distinction between a cut and a laceration. A laceration is not a defined wound but more of a tear. A cut is a wound which has been 'sliced' and displays clean edges. Also a cut is longer than it is deep and a stabbing is deeper than it is wide.
A wound's edge can often give information as to the width of a blade, if the knife has a hilt, if the blade is single or double edge, and if the blade is serrated.
The depth of the wound may give an indication of the length of a knife's blade. One must be cautious because if strength and force is applied during a stabbing the knife can go into the body farther than the length. The skin has elastic properties and may reconstitute to an original state once the knife has been withdrawn.
I have spoken of Langer's Lines before. These lines which are also referred to as cleavage lines is used to describe or define the direction within the human body along which the skin has the least flexibility. One must also consider if the wound is located in a fleshy or fatty portion of the body or in an area where bone is prevalent.
Retrieving information from a wound, and documenting these informational points, is a good investigative tool.
Of course, nothing will ever be as definitive as "the Mark of Zorro". Crime scene investigators should be so fortunate.
No comments:
Post a Comment