The Reconstruction of the Dynamic of a Murder Using 3D Motion Capture and 3D Model Buildings: The Investigation of a Dubious Forensic Case

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 2019-09, Vol.64 (5), p.1540-1543
• Main Authors: Aquila, Isabella, Sacco, Matteo A., Aquila, Giuseppe, Raffaele, Roberto, Manca, Alfredo, Capoccia, Giuseppe, Cordasco, Fabrizio, Ricci, Pietrantonio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D model buildings; 3D motion capture; Computer Simulation; Crime; Crime Victims; Criminal investigations; Criminals; dynamics reconstruction; Female; forensic injury biomechanics; forensic science; Forensic Sciences - methods; Homicide; Humans; Hypotheses; Image reconstruction; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Motion capture; Murder; Murders & murder attempts; Surveying; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional motion; virtual crime scene; Weapons; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - pathology; Wounds, Stab - pathology
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14041

Photographic surveying is fundamental to crime scene investigation. It is performed using 2D images; however, this method is limited because it does not offer a detailed view. We present a 3D (three‐dimensional) experimental model that has clarified unsolved aspects of a homicide. A woman was found dead in her home. Considering the large number of injuries on the victim, signs of the use of two weapons, and the absence of traces of the killer/s, several hypotheses about the dynamics and the number of offenders were made. The forensic surveys suggested that a single offender had used two weapons at the same time, but this hypothesis was considered to be impossible by investigators. Our 3D model allowed us to experimentally reproduce the murder and compare various dynamics. The model was used as evidence in Court to prove the hypothesis of a single killer and demonstrate that no other people were involved.