An identification case study from fingerprint photographs

• Published in: Forensic science international 2021-07, Vol.324, p.110826, Article 110826
• Main Authors: Jara San Miguel, Juan Carlos, Cuadrado Piñas, Juan, Miralles Mosquera, Samuel, Ruiz Mediavilla, Elena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeology; Case reports; Criminal investigations; Finger; Fingerprint comparison; Fingerprints; Fingers; Forensic sciences; Friction skin detail; Hand (anatomy); Identification systems; Match; Methods; Police; Skin friction
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110826

•7 of the 10 photos of fingers revealed clear ridge detail suitable for identification.•Two were identified with the imprint of the left middle finger of the candidate.•Four were identified with the imprint of the left index finger of the candidate.•One was identified with the imprint of the left ring finger of the candidate.•Identification from photographic recording of fingers has been performed successfully. This study is a fingerprint comparison of the friction skin detail observed on fingers appearing in ten photographs requested by the Historic Heritage Brigade. These photographs had been uploaded to an online marketplace and show a hand holding different archaeological pieces that had allegedly been stolen. After the ten images had been digitally optimized, seven were determined to contain sufficient clear and continuous ridge detail for the purpose of fingerprint comparison and search. These imprints were compared to the fingerprints of the subject under investigation. Four of them were matched to the index finger, two with the middle finger and one with the ring finger, all from the left hand. These fingerprints were also entered into the Spanish Automated Fingerprint Identification System, resulting in a match to the individual under investigation by the Judicial Police Group.