Investigative considerations

Question 1

3 basic considerations to establish is death is suicidal in nature

Answer 1

• the presence of the weapon
• injuries of wounds that are obviously self-inflicted
• the existence of motive or intent on the part of the victim

Question 2

staging the scene

Answer 2

-occurs when the perp purposely alters the crime scene to mislead the authorities and or redirect the investigation

Question 3

the weapon

Answer 3

• weapon or means of death should be present
• however, the absence of a weapon does not necessarily indicate that death was due to a homicide
• family members have been known to conceal weapons or suicide notes

Question 4

wounds - knife

Answer 4

• usually to the throat or wrist
• stab wounds are usually to the heart area - mid and lef chest multiple in nature
• slashing type wounds- hesitation marks

Question 5

wounds- gun

Answer 5

hand gun

• usually to head area, then chest, then abdomen
• head shots usually to temple, then forehead, then into mouth

Question 6

Suicide Notes

Answer 6

• indicate an intent to commit suicide
• letters addressed to relatives and friends- indicate depression or anger
• coherent and legible
• instructional and or admonishing
• positive and negative feelings
• was it written by the deceased
• preserve latent prints
• get exemplars