Bloodstain Sequencing
Essay Preview: Bloodstain Sequencing
Report this essay
Bloodstain Sequencing
Images – IMG_142, IMG_143, IMG_145
Image IMG_142 is a medium range photograph in portrait orientation showing a transfer bloodstain (identified by green ellipse) which appears to be a partial impression of a left hand. Also visible in the photograph is a projected bloodstain, (identified by blue ellipse). The size shape and distribution of the projected bloodstain is indicative of, but not limited to, a cast-off bloodstain.
IMG_142
Image IMG_143 is a close-up photograph, in portrait orientation, of the projected and transfer bloodstains (identified byorange ellipse). The photograph shows the target surface to be textured and partially glossy.
Image IMG_145 is similar to image IMG_143 although it is orientated in a landscape format and is out of focus.
IMG_143
IMG_145
Sequencing the Stains
My attention was drawn to the close-up images (IMG_143 and IMG_145) and my initial thoughts were that the transferred stains were deposited first and the projected bloodstains were the secondary deposition. The reasons behind this interpretation were:
The projected bloodstain does not appear to be altered in any way after it was deposited onto the target surface.
There does not appear to be any patterning, similar to the partial ridge detail surrounding the projected bloodstain, in or on the projected bloodstain.
The opacity, or lack thereof, of the lower portion of the projected bloodstain is sufficient to cover the transferred bloodstain beneath.
I then realized that the my interpretation was made assuming that both bloodstains were deposited at, or close to the same time and that blood was wet. I then hypothesized that the projected bloodstain was deposited first and allowed to dry and the transferred stain was deposited on top of the projected bloodstain.
After a closer examination of image IMG_142 I discovered the following;