Bloodstain pattern analysis techniques can allow us to determine such information as the type of bloodstain pattern involved, the event that produced it, and the area from which the bloodshed originated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bloodstain patterns can be enhanced using chemicals such as luminol. In this case, the victim's body can be plainly seen on carpet where very little blood was visible prior to enhancement.

Knox & Associates provides crime scene analysis and reconstruction services for all types of cases. We specialize in:

Crime scene reconstruction is the process of taking all available information, with a focus on physical evidence, to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding a crime, a suicide, or an accident. The crime scene reconstructionist seeks to determine:

  • What happened?

  • How did it happen?

  • Where did it happen?

  • When did it happen?

  • Who performed specific acts?

It is important to understand that a crime scene reconstructionist can rarely make specific determinations about when a crime occurred; in other words, he will not often be able to say, "The victim was killed at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday." However, it is often possible to determine that one event occurred prior to another event, e.g., the suspect fired a shot at the victim before the victim fired back at the suspect.

 

Proper crime scene reconstruction is conducted in three phases:

  • Investigation: The crime scene is examined and documented to determine what evidence is present without consideration to the particular meaning of any of the evidence.

  • Analysis: Individual items of evidence, or groups of related evidence, are examined to determine their individual significance without respect to how those items fit into the overall reconstruction of the crime.

  • Reconstruction: All evidence, including testimonial and documentary evidence, is taken into consideration to determine how the crime took place. The overriding concern here is: CONTEXT.

Crime scene reconstruction can be described as putting together a puzzle without knowing what the picture is supposed to look like and without even having all of the pieces. The more pieces you have, the more clearly you see the picture. It is the job of a crime scene reconstructionist to find the pieces and put them together.

Knox & Associates can provide a variety of crime scene reconstruction services including bloodstain pattern analysis and shooting incident reconstruction. We can also evaluate death scenes in equivocal death investigations to determine the manner of death. Knox & Associates can also process physical evidence for fingerprints; collect blood and biological evidence for submission to a DNA laboratory; search crime scenes for trace evidence and invisible blood; photograph and videotape scenes and physical evidence; and create diagrams of crime scenes and reconstruction efforts.

In this case, bloodstain patterns showed that one of the victim's was chased into the corner where he was killed.

Bloodstain patterns such as these are very telling. Our experts can use these patterns in conjunction with other crime scene evidence to tell you a great deal about how a particular crime happened. (The baby in the photograph is only a toy doll.)

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Bloodstain patterns at crime scenes, accident scenes, and other death scenes can be some of the most telling evidence available. Bloodstain patterns can indicate such information as what events took place, where those events took place, and even what type of weapon was involved. Bloodstain patterns can often tell an analyst very specific information about the origin of an impact, such as a blow received during a beating. Such information can show, for example, that a victim was kneeling rather than standing.

Bloodstain pattern evidence can often be difficult to detect. However, it is possible to find, document, and even collect blood evidence that has been cleaned up and even painted over. Knox & Associates can use a variety of chemicals and methods to detect invisible blood, enhance bloodstain patterns, and provide you with meaningful results.

Blood evidence also is important for DNA comparison. Knox & Associates can properly collect and package blood evidence to be submitted to a DNA laboratory.
 

Shooting Incident Reconstruction

Shooting incidents can lead to significant litigation. Knox & Associates can reconstruct virtually any shooting incident to determine such factors as (1) where were the people involved in the shooting located, (2) how many shots were fired, (3) what could the shooter(s) see, and (4) what environmental factors surrounded the scene.

Most crime scene analysts can reconstruct shootings over short distance using string or lasers. Few, however, can reconstruct shooting incidents over longer distances where the curvature of the bullet's path must be accounted for. Knox & Associates can reconstruct shootings of all types. Using advanced mathematics, such as the differential equations of bullet motion, along with computer software tools, Knox & Associates can reconstruct bullet trajectories dealing with such factors as gravity, crosswind, drag, and other issues not normally dealt with by crime scene analysts.

* Due to conflict of interest issues, Knox & Associates currently will not accept any plaintiff or prosecution cases where a law enforcement agency, officer, or administrator is the defendant. Knox & Associates is also currently unable to accept criminal defense cases.