Journal Published Online: 01 January 1995
Volume 40, Issue 1

A Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation in a Homicide Case Involving an Apparent “Stomping”

CODEN: JFSCAS

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.

Author Information

Ristenbatt, RR
Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, NY
Shaler, RC
Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, NY
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13779J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13779J