Forensic Science

1. Forensic Science An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques Stuart H. James and Jon J. Nordby CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

2. Chapter 30 Serial Offenders: Linking Cases by Modus Operandi and Signature Chapter Author: Robert D. Keppel • Presentation created by Greg Galardi, Peru, Nebraska CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

3. Introduction to Crime Scene Assessment • Outcomes possible from crime scene assessment (Keppel and Walter, 1999) include: • Determining the physical, behavioral, and demographic characteristics of the unknown offender • Developing post-offense behavior of the offender and strategies for apprehensions CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

4. Introduction to Crime Scene Assessment • Developing interviewing strategies once the offender is apprehended • Determining the signature of the offender • Determining where the evidence may be located CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

5. Introduction to Crime Scene Assessment • Information used for analysis may come from: • Police officer reports • Statements • Crime laboratory results • Photographs • Videotapes of crime scenes • Autopsy reports CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

6. Historical Perspective • MO- modus operandi or method of operation • Modus Operandi first appeared in literature in 1654 • Chief Constable Major L.W. Atcherly of England used ten categories related to an offender’s modus operandi in 1879 CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

7. Classword Entry Means Object Time Style Tale Pals Transport Trademark Atcherly’s 10 Categories CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

8. Trademark • Atcherly’s trademark was the precursor of what would have been known as the signature today • Trademark, according to Atcherly, was whether the criminal committed any unusual act in connection with the crime- such as changing clothes, poisoning the dog, leaving a note CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

9. What is a Killer’s Signature • Also referred to as a killer’s psychological calling card • Homicide detectives are trained to look for unusual characteristics: victim left in a certain position, beaten or raped with a certain instrument • Subsequent killings of same type alert detectives to possible serial qualities CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

10. Differentiating MO and Signature • MO is simply the way a particular criminal operates: • Using a glass cutter to break into building • Using a drill to open door locks • Way entry was gained CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

11. Differentiating Modus operandi (MO) and Signature • MO accounts for type of crime and property attacked, including the person, time and place of crime, tool or implements used, way of entry, how victim was caught, or how suspect represented himself to victim CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

12. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • FBI Behavioral Science Units and representatives, such as John Douglas, advise MO of killer is only those actions necessary to commit the murder CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

13. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • Signature is the killer’s compulsion to express themselves • Imprint left at scene he feels psychologically compelled to satisfy himself sexually CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

14. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • FBI defends the signature aspect of a killer, saying that the elements of personal expression will only develop more fully over time • According to Douglas, person’s violent fantasies progress in nature over time, and develops a need to develop those fantasies CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

15. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • According to Gerberth (1996), it is simply not enough to consummate the murder, the killer must act out fantasies in some manner. • The acting out is the signature of the killer CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

16. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • Detectives who investigate a series of murder scenes look for the same type of extraordinary violence and a set of bizarre similarities • A signatures constitutes a strong possibility the same person is committing the crime CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

17. Signature Versus Modus Operandi • Items a detective or investigator may look for at a crime scene: • How victim was placed, arrangement of crime scene, preoccupation with a certain aspect of the scene, mutilation, overkill, body carving, engaging in postmortem activity, making victim respond in a certain manner CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

18. Signature Analysis • Examples of clues to a serial killing in the Shoreline Murders • Acts of binding occurring at consecutive murders • Number of stabbing strokes necessary for killing • Disposition of victim’s body- placement • Taking of souvenirs • Burning of bodies in certain areas CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

19. Statistical Analysis • Homicide Investigation and tracking System (HITS) in Washington State is a central repository for murder and sexual assault victims in state of Washington • System has 227 query capabilities • Other states and federal agencies have similar systems CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition

20. Catching the Killer • Necessary items to catch a killer: • Thorough investigation of crime scene • Cooperation with all agencies involved • Review all evidence from witnesses • DNA analysis and laboratory analysis of evidence • Coordinated efforts with prosecution CRC Press: Forensic Science, James and Nordby, 2nd Edition