Homicide Deaths Flashcards
Do search warrants apply to death investigators?
yes. (HS)
Will evidence on the body stay with the body when it goes to the coroner’s office?
Yes. (HS)
Why are the decedent’s hands bagged?
To preserve DNA, trace evidence, and defensive wounds. (HS)
What are some scene aspects that might make a death suspicious?
Some examples include: evidence the body was moved, signs of redressing, defensive wounds, injuries that cannot be explained by the scene. (HS)
Are autopsies always performed during a homicide death investigation?
Yes. (HS)
Who is most likely going to be collecting evidence on a homicide scene?
Police and Crime Scene Techs
(KW)
True or False: Homicide scenes are generally fast scenes to process
False, they are usually much longer than other
death scenes.
(KW)
What are homicide scenes usually referred to as before they are deemed a likely homicide?
Suspicious deaths/scenes
(KW)
What are some ways we as death investigators can preserve evidence?
Using recovery sheets, ensuring that hands are bagged, clothing remains intact and unaltered, and nothing is “cleaned up” on the body before transport.
(KW)
What is a recovery sheet and what does it do?
They are sheets that are wrapped around a body that help preserve trace evidence while its in the body bag.
(KW)
Is the body cleaned up or “tidy” when it is being transported from the scene?
AR
no
Does the police have jurisdiction over the scene and the body?
AR
No
Should autopsy always be performed?
AR
Yes
As a coroner, should you go talk with the Media?
AR
No, its not your job to
Why should we have a good relationship with the police?
AR
Allows the investigation process to progress smoothly
What initial information should investigators take?
Name of descendent (if known)
Sex and age
Type of homicide (gunshot, stabbing etc)
Address/location of death
If protective gear or equipment is needed
Next of Kin
(NA)
What other initial information should be known?
Is the scene safe
Has the suspect been identified
Who reported the death
Who found the body
How many decedents
Visible trauma
If police or EMS is familiar with the descendent
Status of search warrant
(NA)
Should anything be moved before everyone who needs to assess the scene has done what they need to do?
No
(NA)
What should you remember about media presence?
The media are likely to be on the scene whether you see them or not. Be mindful of your faces and what you say because you are likely to be recorded
(NA)
Why is protection important as a MDI?
You don’t know the types of emotions or suspects that could still be present in the are. You still have the possibility to be mistaken as someone when there are people in emotional states. Your safety is important
(NA)
