The use of a forensic blood substitute for impact pattern area of origin estimation via three trajectory analysis programs. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Polacco, Sumiko; Illes, Mike; Stotesbury, Theresa
• Is Part Of: Journal. Volume 51:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Bloodstain pattern analysis -- impact pattern area of origin -- forensic blood substitutes -- BackTrack™ -- Hemospat -- Sherlock; Analyse de modèles de taches de sang -- aire d'origine -- substitut synthétique de sang forensique -- BackTrack™ -- Hemospat -- Sherlock; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Criminal investigation -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.2506071
• DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2018.1463274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-5030

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explores the use of forensic synthetic blood substitute (FBS) for impact pattern simulation and area of origin estimation. Ten impact patterns were created at a known origin using the FBS and were analyzed by groups of undergraduate students participating in a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course. The students selected 20 upward-moving stains from their given patterns to estimate an area of origin. Three linear trajectory models – BackTrack™, Hemospat, and Sherlock – were used to estimate each pattern's area of origin. Coordinate data from each model's analysis were compared with the known origin and between programs at the x -, y -, z -coordinates, and overall. Results from this analysis yielded estimates comparable to the known. A one-way ANOVA found no significant difference between programs at the x - ( p = 0.79), y - ( p = 0.84), z - ( p = 0.96) coordinates, and overall ( p = 0.81). These results support the practical use of the FBS as an alternative to whole blood for impact pattern simulations and area of origin estimation.