Bloodstain Sequencing

Bloodstain Sequencing

Images - IMG_142, IMG_143, IMG_145

Image IMG_142 is a medium range photograph in portrait orientation showing a transfer bloodstain (identified by green ellipse) which appears to be a partial impression of a left hand. Also visible in the photograph is a projected bloodstain, (identified by blue ellipse). The size shape and distribution of the projected bloodstain is indicative of, but not limited to, a cast-off bloodstain.

IMG_142

Image IMG_143 is a close-up photograph, in portrait orientation, of the projected and transfer bloodstains (identified byorange ellipse). The photograph shows the target surface to be textured and partially glossy.

Image IMG_145 is similar to image IMG_143 although it is orientated in a landscape format and is out of focus.

IMG_143 IMG_145

Sequencing the Stains

My attention was drawn to the close-up images (IMG_143 and IMG_145) and my initial thoughts were that the transferred stains were deposited first and the projected bloodstains were the secondary deposition. The reasons behind this interpretation were:

- The projected bloodstain does not appear to be altered in any way after it was deposited onto the target surface.

- There does not appear to be any patterning, similar to the partial ridge detail surrounding the projected bloodstain, in or on the projected bloodstain.

- The opacity, or lack thereof, of the lower portion of the projected bloodstain is sufficient to cover the transferred bloodstain beneath.

I then realized that the my interpretation was made assuming that both bloodstains were deposited at, or close to the same time and that blood was wet. I then hypothesized that the projected bloodstain was deposited first and allowed to dry and the transferred stain was deposited on top of the projected bloodstain.

After a closer examination of image IMG_142 I discovered the following;

The