A Blind Trial Evaluation of a Crime Scene Methodology for Deducing Impact Velocity and Droplet Size from Circular Bloodstains

In a previous study, mechanical engineering models were utilized to deduce impact velocity and droplet volume of circular bloodstains by measuring stain diameter and counting spines radiating from their outer edge. A blind trial study was subsequently undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of this tech...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 2007-01, Vol.52 (1), p.65-69
Main Authors: Hulse-Smith, Lee, Illes, Mike
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blood
blood drop
Blood Stains
bloodstain pattern analysis
Calibration
forensic science
Forensic sciences
Humans
Mechanical engineering
Methods
Models, Biological
Physical Phenomena
Physics
spines
Surface Properties
Wood
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Summary:In a previous study, mechanical engineering models were utilized to deduce impact velocity and droplet volume of circular bloodstains by measuring stain diameter and counting spines radiating from their outer edge. A blind trial study was subsequently undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of this technique, using an applied, crime scene methodology. Calculations from bloodstains produced on paper, drywall, and wood were used to derive surface‐specific equations to predict 39 unknown mock crime scene bloodstains created over a range of impact velocities (2.2–5.7 m/sec) and droplet volumes (12–45 μL). Strong correlations were found between expected and observed results, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.83 and 0.99. The 95% confidence limit associated with predictions of impact velocity and droplet volume was calculated for paper (0.28 m/sec, 1.7 μL), drywall (0.37 m/sec, 1.7 μL), and wood (0.65 m/sec, 5.2 μL).
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00298.x