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Converting Scene Data Into Event Sequence

Crime scene reconstruction is an investigatory technique in which evidence is gathered, organized, and analyzed to recreate the precise sequence of events that occurred during the course of a crime. The following are the stages of Crime Scene Reconstruction 1. Data Collection: All information or documentation information obtained at the crime scene, from the victim, or witnesses. Data including condition of evidence, obvious patterns and impressions, condition of the victim, etc., are reviewed, organized, and studied. 2. Conjecture: Before any detailed analysis of evidence is obtained, a possible explanation or conjecture of the events involved in a criminal act may be done, but it must not become the only explanation being considered at this stage. It is only a possibility. There may be several more possible explanations too. 3. Hypothesis Formulation: Further accumulation of data is based on the examination of physical evidence and the continuing investigation. Scene examination and inspection of the physical evidence must be done. Scene and evidence examination includes interpretation of patterned evidences and analysis of trace evidences. 4. Testing: Once a hypothesis is formulated, further testing must be done to confirm or disprove the hypothesis. Once the hypothesis has been tested a reconstruction is made based on the data collected and the hypothesis. In India, police accident reports are often the main source of data for accident investigations. These reports usually contain information on traffic conditions, vehicle performance, road environment, driver characteristics, casualty demographics, and injury severity level. When comparing police reports with hospital records, the degree of the under-reporting of road casualties has been found to be quite significant. Casualty demographics, time of injury, hospital admission, mode of transport, vehicle class, and car occupancy are all contributory factors to the reporting rate in police accident records. Fatal accidents are normally assumed to be reported in full. However, the degree of under-reporting is greater for less seriously injured casualties. The quality of police accident reports has also been examined in relation to the accuracy of accident attributes, vehicle performance, driver characteristics, and accident causes. The vehicle can hold the clues to solving cases related to accident analysis. A general methodology for examining an accident vehicle and road accidents for the crime scene investigator is also summarized through a flow chart as follows.

Niranjana.S.Karandikar

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Investigation of cause of death is very important and needs special attention and training. Protection of the crime scene is very important for the proper investigation of the crime. Observe people, vehicle, events, potential evidence and environmental conditions. Safety and well being of officers and other individuals should be the first priority. Identify and control any dangerous situations or persons so as to avoid further complications.

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Case Study In this case, it was reported that on 30th April 2007, a dead body of a man aged 27 years was found on the middle seat of a Mahindra Bolero vehicle lying in a field about 50 feet away from the road near the village Sanwalpura as an FIR in Khatu Shaymaji Police station, Rajasthan, India. Forensic Findings After the crime scene was assessed, the following were the findings made by the mobile forensics team:The Vehicle: 1. A silver grey colored Mahindra Bolero Turbo DI vehicle bearing registration number RJ 05 UA 0116 was located at the Police Station Khatu Shyamji and was examined. 2. Fresh scratches and dents were detected on the front left side bonnet of the vehicle. Front headlight was broken (Photograph 1). 3. Wind screen was found missing and some windows were also broken. 4. Dent & scratches were also found on the front right side top corner of the vehicle. 5. Rear side left tyre was burst (Photograph 2). Other/Foreign smears: No foreign smear/paint was observed at the location of the scratched and dented portion of the vehicle, which can be seen in Photograph 1. Dead Body: 1. The body was lying at the middle seat of the vehicle having a badly injured head. 2. The front lateral part of the head was badly damaged (Photograph 3). 3. Other parts of the body did not have any serious injuries. Blood spots and the window of the right (passenger side) rear door: It was observed that the maximum pool of blood and blood splashes were detected at the middle window (Photographs 4a to 4e) and on the ceiling and roof of the rear right side portion of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle: Maximum blood was detected in the middle (second row) of seats. At the spot: 1. There was a "Nallah" of width 9 feet and depth of about 3-4 feet between the road and the field. 2. Broken windscreen glass and pieces of tire guard were also detected at the spot (Photograph 5).
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Skid Marks: The skid marks are shown in Photograph 6. Bystanders: 1. The people gathered at the scene believed that the deceased was the driver of the vehicle. 2. *After being shown the results of the forensic examinations, they changed their minds. Results of examination: 1. Thorough examination of the dents and scratches on the vehicle revealed no evidence that it had collided with another vehicle. 2. The possibility of the vehicle becoming imbalanced due to a sharp turn and the failure of the right rear tire cannot be ruled out. 3. No evidence of murder was observed. 4. The length of the cut on the victims head is approximately equal to the length of the dent on the upper portion of the right rear window, indicating that the head struck the window frame. 5. The direction of the blood splashes on the ceiling and the location of hair from the eyebrows of the deceased on the right rear window indicate that the deceased was seated in the middle row of seats. 6. The pieces of glass matched the glass from the broken windshield 7. The pieces of plastic matched the tire guard. By looking at the findings and calculations using skid marks, following inferences can be made: 1. The vehicle was traveling at speed and due to the bursting of the right rear tire, the vehicle became imbalanced causing it to leave the roadway. 2. Since the deceased was seated in the middle, the deceased was not driving the vehicle. 3. The driver must have fled the scene of crime Conclusion The results of the forensic examination changed the views of the Investigating Officer as well as the family of the victim and the news media. There is a possibility that the accident was planned and the driver must have fled the crime scene. References: Krishnamurthy, R., Introduction to Forensic Science in Crime Investigation, 2011,Selective & Scientific Books, New Delhi. Lee, C. H., Palmbach, T., Miller, T. M., Henry Lee's Crime Scene Handbook Sharma, B.R. : Forensic Science in Criminal Investigaion and Trials, Central Law Agency, Allahabad, 1974.
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Niranjana.S.Karandikar

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