ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

A Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation in a Homicide Case Involving an Apparent “Stomping”
Shaler, RC
Forensic Analyst and Laboratory Director, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, NY

Ristenbatt, RR
Forensic Analyst and Laboratory Director, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, NY

(Received 4 June 1992; accepted 23 May 1994)

Abstract

A New York City homicide case was investigated at the request of the District Attorney's office. The deceased had been violently beaten about the face, neck, and chest area. The bludgeoning left the victim unrecognizable, and produced blood-spatter patterns at the scene that attained heights over nine feet. The suspect claimed that he reacted in self-defense to the victim's attack with a table leg at which point he “knocked him down” and possibly “kicked him a few times.” Our investigation was intended to determine whether the bloodspatter patterns observed at the crime scene were consistent with the statements made by the defendant. Conclusions were drawn from an analysis of the crime scene, autopsy photos and report, physical evidence submitted to the laboratory, and reconstruction experimentation performed at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). The spatter patterns observed at the scene were found to be consistent with those that would be produced from a “stomping” incident.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, criminalistics homicide, bloodstains, pattern interpretation, “stomping”

Paper ID: JFS13779J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13779J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.