JFI Abstracts from 2025

Issue 1: Apr - Jun 2025 

Linking Crime Scenes via Toolmark Comparison of Construction Nails

Author(s): Aronson, Ayal; Pertsev, Roman
Type: Case Report
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 2, Page 153
Abstract: This case report demonstrates the linking of three crime scenes via the forensic examination of construction nails located at each scene. These nails could easily have been ignored at the beginning of the investigation because they did not seem to be a significant finding. However, thanks to the creative thinking "outside the box" of the crime scene investigator, samples of nails from each scene were collected and sent for toolmark comparison in the laboratory. The microscopic comparison showed correspondences in manufacturing marks between subsets of the nails from each scene. These nails turned out to be significant evidence, helping to link the three scenes. In this case, the suspects were linked to one of the scenes via additional forensic evidence. The totality of the evidence led to the submission of an indictment to the court.

Oil Red O Comparison and Evaluation

Author(s): Harrison, Mary Monks; DiLuzio, Amanda; Allred, B. McKay
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 2, Page 165
Abstract: The development of prints on wet or previously wetted substrates can be difficult as many print processing techniques focus on enhancing the water-soluble components in latent print residues. However, there are latent print techniques that stain the hydrophobic components that can also define print ridge detail. Physical Developer (PD) has been utilized for lipid enhancement since approximately 1975, and Oil Red O (ORO) was first documented for the development of latent prints on porous substrates in 2004 by Beaudoin et al. Since then, the capability of ORO has been explored by various researchers. The present work tested the relative performance of two common ORO solutions, including a propylene glycol solution and a methanol solution with sodium hydroxide. Developed print quality of up to twenty donors on previously wetted papers were measured using expert evaluations and automated clarity scores then benchmarked against PD. The variability introduced during print deposition was accounted for by randomly assigning replicates to different treatment groups. In contrast to previous reports, the methanol-based solution was observed to typically develop prints of higher quality except for prints on one type of thermal paper tested. The quality of ORO produced prints relative to PD varied inversely with the individual donor, highlighting the complementary nature of these two techniques.

Benchmarks for Time to Identify Unidentified Human Remains

Author(s): Metcalf, Roger D.
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 2, Page 187
Abstract: This paper presents a summary of the findings from a Capstone project the author conducted as part of the Doctor of Forensic Sciences program at Oklahoma State University. The study aimed to develop benchmarks for the time required to identify unidentified human remains (UHR) at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME). The Burr Type XII statistical distribution was initially used to model the identification time for over 8,200 UHR cases spanning the period from 2004 to 2020. Notably, the simple mode of identification times provided a more accurate ref lection of practical experience compared to the Burr mean. To enhance data visualization, a bar graph with variable-width bins was used, which highlighted the complex long-tail characteristics of the data. While the benchmarks are highly specific to this office, they may serve as a reference for other forensic professionals seeking to develop similar benchmarks for their own settings.

Expert and Trainee Performance Determining Bullet Directionality of Shots Fired Through Vehicle Windshields with Three Documentation Methods

Author(s): Ammar, Noam; Abu-Rezek, Adam; Shmilovitz, Matan; Altman, Eli; Grafit, Arnon
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 2, Page 199
Abstract: In forensic ballistics, the perforation of glass by a bullet leaves characteristic marks, such as radial and concentric fractures and cones, which are crucial for reconstructing the bullet’s trajectory and the shooting scene. Traditionally, digital forensic photography has been used to document these distinct characteristics. This research compared the ability of experts and trainees to accurately assess the directionality of bullets shot through vehicle windshields using photography and two innovative approaches: 1) paper and pencil to create a frottage and 2) latent print powder and gel lift. Two vehicle windshields were shot six times, from the outside and the inside, by two different types of ammunition. The inside and outside of each bullet hole was documented via the three methods. The documen-tation for each bullet crater was blindly presented to experts and novices to assess their accuracy determining entry versus exit. The two innovative approaches of paper and pencil method and gel lift method produced higher accuracy for both experts and trainees when compared to traditional photography. Furthermore, there was no sig-nificant difference in accuracy of the experts and novices. This work aims to contribute to the ongoing refinement of forensic ballistics methodologies, enhancing the precision and reliability of evidence collection in the field.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy CLPE Coordinator
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 2, Page 220
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.

Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2025 

Forgery of Friction Ridge Impressions by Transfer of Undeveloped Residue

Author(s): Recker, Daniel C.
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 1
Abstract: This small scale study looked at the feasibility of transferring undeveloped residue from one non-porous sur-face to another using tape. The transferred residue was then processed using powder to see if a forged latent print resulted. Forged latent prints that were suitable for comparison were developed in 30% of the ten trials.

Interagency Study of Crime Scene Investigation Using Virtual Reality

Author(s): McKay, Jaclynn; Grassel, John; Keyes, Kelly; Hill, Edward; Thomas, Nicholas
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 8
Abstract: To facilitate the development of standards for crime scene investigation (CSI) and to improve the field of forensic science, RTI International conducted a national interagency comparison study on crime scene (CS) processing using virtual reality (VR) scene recreations. The study assessed participants’ performance in CS processing across a variety of individual and agency characteristics. A total of 163 participants completed a sexual assault scene, with 92 of which completing a second scene: overdose or assault. Study findings indicated that prior experience with VR was not necessary to use its capabilities regarding simulated CS processing. Out of the processing variables assessed, swabbing DNA samples, glove use, and number of photos taken had the most significant distributions across the characteristics assessed, indicating these skills may have the biggest variability across crime scene teams or are the most different in the virtual space. Although certain regions performed better than others in certain areas, on the whole larger crime scene units, CSI primary function, more CSI experience, and more scenes worked exhibited better performance. Those at agencies with forensic accreditation demonstrated better performance across all three scenes with regards to glove use. There was a lot of positive feedback regarding processing scenes in the virtual world including being time-efficient, relatively low-cost, and easy-to-use; however, VR is not suitable for all people due to the potential for motion sickness and headaches, and there are some limitations to the technology with regards to demonstrating CSI skills.

Forensic Examination of Fire Accelerants in Waterproofing Bitumen Sheets.

Author(s): Avissar, Yaniv Y.; Rezek, Adam Abu; Grafit, Arnon; Stier, Erez; Kasherman, Yonit
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 103
Abstract: Bitumen, also known as asphalt, are a form of petroleum and are used mainly in waterproofing. Analysis of samples of bitumen sheets in Arson investigations could lead to incorrect interpretations. The importance of data interpretation in arson case investigation is discussed in this work. As no similar studies were found in the literature, several properties of bitumen sheets were studied. Background tests of ten different types of bitumen sheet samples showed presence of flammables compounds at intensities lower than the laboratory’s threshold for accelerant identification. Additionally, the findings from bitumen sheets subjected to diesel or gasoline highlighted the differences between bitumen and inert media. Results indicate fuel that had been in contact with the sheets was still detectable 24 hours after exposure. In addition, no changes were found in the composition of accelerants applied to bitumen media, contrary to what investigators expect to find in residue analyses in arson cases.

Hitting the Mark: A Bespoke Imaging System for the Enhanced Capture of Lifted Marks

Author(s): Marsh, Nick P.; Hart, Andrew J.; Bleay, Stephen; Hall, Lisa J.
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 128
Abstract: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of an agency's existing protocol for scanning transparent lifts of aluminum powder marks using a flatbed scanner to a bespoke in-house photographic alternative. Preliminary testing and an operational trial demonstrated that using a bespoke imaging system improved the quality and clarity of marks that had been previously determined to be unsuitable or borderline for comparison. This, in turn, resulted in more identifications and exclusions being reported. The significance of the findings of this research was such that the bespoke system has been introduced into routine operational casework.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy CLPE Coordinator
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 151
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.