Cases in Forensic Science

Edited by Henry Lee and Elaine Pagliaro, Cases in Forensic Science: What We Have Learned invites readers to join world-renowned forensic scientists as they explain the logic and science behind famous cases. While reviewing each riveting case, readers learn the scientific principles, new forensic technology, theory formation, and crime reconstruction involved in these analyses.

The book guides readers through an in-depth exploration of solving crime through real-world investigations and the application of forensic techniques. Each chapter, written by an expert in the field, covers a specific forensic discipline such as bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, digital evidence techniques, and more. The expert utilizes the case example and their years of experience to take readers back to the crime scene and through the forensic investigation and application of physical evidence. Readers learn how to document accurately, preserve, collect, and analyze different types of physical evidence, as well as how to apply knowledge, skills, and intuition to solve cases.

Underscoring the importance of interaction between investigation, forensic science, and law, Cases in Forensic Science provides readers with an essential understanding of the scientific approach to investigations with emphasis on real-world application. It is ideal for courses in investigation, forensic science, case management, and other crime-related courses.

Chapters, contributors, and key cases include:

Preface

Part I - Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Science - Henry C. Lee
California v. O.J. Simpson – The Murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman

Part II - Patterns for Analysis

Chapter 2: Crime Scenes and Bloodstain Patterns - Sharon Plotkin
Florida v. Theodore MacArthur—Accident or Murder? The Death of Pilar MacArthur

Chapter 3: Forensic Evidence in the Legal System - Elaine M. Pagliaro
Texas v. Cameron Todd Willingham—Arson Murder

Chapter 4: Fingerprints - Bridget Brosnahan
Connecticut v. Edward Grant—The Death of Penney Serra

Chapter 5: Firearms Examination - Henry C. Lee
The Acquan Salmon Shooting

Chapter 6: Forensic Handwriting Examinations - Josep De Alcaraz-Fossoul
The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey

Chapter 7: Forensic Biology - Claire L. Glynn
CT v. Edward Sherman—The Death of Ellen Sherman

Chapter 8: Forensic DNA - Claire L. Glynn
People of California v. Joseph James DeAngelo Jr—The Golden State Killer

Chapter 9: Entomology and Anthropology - David B. Rivers and Alan Thoms-Chesley
Florida v. Casey Anthony—The Death of Caylee Anthony

Chapter 10: Introduction to the Medico-Legal Death Investigation - Feng Li
The Death Investigation of a Possible Homicide-Suicide in Tennessee

Chapter 11: Evidence Traces - Brooke W. Kammrath and Ted R. Schwartz
People of NY v. Cajigas; People of NY v. Alvarez Hernandez—Fiber Analysis in Two Murder Cases

Chapter 12: Drug Analysis and Toxicology - Henry C. Lee
NY v. Michael Swango—Dr. Death

Chapter 13: Digital Evidence and Computer Forensics - Raymond Hsieh
People of Colorado v. Chrstopher Lee Watts—Digital Evidence in Solving the Deaths of a Family

Chapter 14: New and Future Concepts in Forensic Science Investigations - Henry C. Lee and Elaine M. Pagliaro
CT v. Jermaine Richards—Location Data in the Murder of Alyssiah Wiley

Index