Throughout this week, you have reviewed the procedures for obtaining DNA and blood evidence in a crime scene. In addition, you will address the important role that the toxicological analysis of these items plays in the overall investigation. Observation will continue to impact the investigative process, as errors in the crime scene may be discovered based on issues with “contact DNA.” The week explores the types of serological evidence, which are very important as toxicology requests are submitted.
Discussion Topic
For this discussion, you (based on what letter your last name beings with) will be assigned to one of the interior space categories. Students must respond based on their assigned category. The assigned category will be used to answer the discussion questions from the perspective of a criminal justice professional. Draft a response to the questions below, which will address a fictitious scenario involving your assigned category. Remember to use your textbook and another academic resource for your research.
In your original post, answer the following:
- Using the environment to which you were assigned, provide a fictitious scenario in which an individual is exposed to the assigned toxin based on a homicide or accidental death. You can be creative or draw inspiration from a film or book. Remember to select a toxin based on the Category Block to which you were assigned based on your last name. Make sure you end your scenario with officers being called to the scene.
- Identify at least three symptoms the victim suffered prior to death. Describe the method of absorption for the toxin (inhalation, skin, or digestion/oral).
- What samples will you collect for the toxicologist? Explain the rationale for selecting each of the samples from the deceased. Who will perform the extraction of the samples from the decedent’s body?
- What will the cause of death appear to be based on your scenario, prior to the toxicology report? Explain.
- Describe the role chain of custody has in maintaining the integrity of the toxicology evidence. THE TOXIN IS: BLEACH AND ARSENIC
