Abstract

In Forensic Science laboratories samples of viscera and body fluids as e.g., Blood and Urine are often sent for chemical analysis of poisonous substances. Analytical methods for examination of poisons include extraction methodologies, separation techniques, identification tests, qualitative and quantitative examination of specific groups and compounds. Viscera material comprises of  Pieces of Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lungs, Brain etc., a complicated mixture and it becomes very tedious to get all the information about foreign poisonous compounds because after ingestion of poison the body system works such that to nullifies the effect of toxicants. In this process most of the time the introduced material changes it form and chemical entity. The formed compounds or metabolites may be more poisonous or may be less toxic in comparison to parent compounds.

There are many techniques utilized for extracting the desired molecules and many identification techniques viz., UV- Visible Spectrometry, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, HPTLC, Ion Chromatography, Randox Techniques are available. Besides performing high grade tests for confirmation of poisonous substances it becomes still difficult to correlate the findings with manner of poisoning. It is very complicated to differentiate between mode of death suicide and murder. There are many reasons associated with low conviction rate of culprits associated with the crime. 

The most important reason of low conviction rate of crime which involves toxicant is 1) the major question asked in court is how the poison was introduced in the body. Most of the time the culprit caught free because of benefit of doubt.  2)  It was asked again and again for the presence of smell of poison which may not be noticed by the medical jurist at the time of hospitalization, 3) many times family members hide the story to save them from other questions relating their repute or due because they don’t want it to publicize and to avoid critics, 4) sometimes honor killing matters are there which doesn’t come forward in fear of life threat. 5) The major reason is also that it is very easy to convert a murder into suicide taking the story of stress and madness in ground, imposing character related comments in case of girls and women’s. 6) The major reason is limitations in analytical reports about quantitative estimation of poisons in viscera. 7) The other major reason also lies in wrong interpretation of results and the difficulties in understanding scientific terminologies of reports sent by forensic scientists. Facts are not put in light of case. 8) There is still big gap between police officers, medical jurists, prosecution and judiciary. Many cases will be discussed to throw light on this issue.

Hence we can say that establishing role of culprit with poisoning cases is still a big challenge for high conviction rate.

There is lot more requirements of coordination and understanding among various disciplines of investigation and changes in analytical protocols. 

Biography

Dr. Rakhi Khanna is presently the Deputy Director Training at State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. As Head of Toxicology section, Analyzed more than 10 thousand cases. Manage Analysis and Reporting of Poisoning cases, Produce Reports in time, Give evidence in court, Adoption of new innovative techniques of analysis according to specific cases. Performed Research work in many cases. President of Internal Complaint committee of Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act against sexual harassment of women at workplace, 2013. Has wide experience of analytical and administrative work as DDO, Building construction of new building, Development of new Laboratory and Toxicology Division at Ajmer, Attend conferences, sending papers in conferences, taking invited lectures. Working experience of 22 years as Forensic Scientist cum Toxicologist from 1998 and have experience of analyses of large number of cases. approx. 20,000 cases and 60000 exhibits are reported.

Abstract

I will begin by explaining the term Graphology, this is the study of handwriting analysis, it analyzes the strokes, shapes, size, and direction of the text, this technique is becoming more and more accepted by the Justice System an Associations, Businesses and for personal use, also as well as a reliable source to assess people in many dierent ways and circumstances from where they would perform best in the workplace to a criminological analysis in a Court of Justice, it is also an eective and reliable system. This analysis reveals the personality, behavior, feelings, and how an individual is shown to others and also to himself in privacy, emotions, also possible physical and mental illnesses Since it is based on scientific studies, this analysis is very reliable. It has been practiced for more than 3000 years ago in China, but modern graphology dates back to 1870 when Abbe Michon led a group of researchers in a study that formed the foundations of Modern Graphology over a period of 30 long years. The purpose of graphology is to better understand our reactions to certain events whether positive or negative circumstances. This analysis helps us understand why we react the way we do and we can change or modify our reactions accordingly. By understanding our strengths and skills, we can also choose the right career for us, This also as well as is used by the FBI to gain a deeper understanding of criminal personalities, temperaments, emotions, and how the criminals felt at the time of the crime, and afterward, this also to help young people get to know each other in better, focus on their school and home with family and friends, in society, In small children the drawings are analyzed, they show the subconscious of the child as a bridge of communication and expression, as well as writing in adults and endless resources that help us. Graphotherapy is based on scriptural-specific exercises directed by the Graphotherapist, and this sends the order to the subconscious and their behaviors, reactions as well as personalities being modified. To do this therapy, the Graphologist makes a scriptural analysis of the person on which this therapy will be based, and thus the behaviors and reactions of the individual will be modified. 

Biography

Bachelor in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigator, National University College, Master in Criminal Profiler and Emotional Intelligence, Escuela Internacional de Criminologia y Criminalistica, Forensic Handwriting Analysis and Grafoscopy Mexican College of Graphology and Criminalistics Body language expertise. CEO Centro Grafológico ZG,Mexico USA, Aprendamos Juntos Non-profit organization for low-income children. Brownsville Texas USA

Abstract

Fingerprints are used since 19th century by Police forces to identify criminals and murderers. In 20th century the evolution of science contributed to develop forensic methods for revealing latent fingerprints. One of the most used chemical method for revealing latent fingerprints on documents and paper objects is made by using Ninhydrin. This substance has great results but is affectingthe characteristics of ink or other scriptural substances. In 21st century, scientists developed a new method in this field using a new discovered substance named Indandione. The new substance is more used by forensic scientists than Ninhydrin. Forensic literature has not documented the results of Ninhydrin applied on wooden surfaces. Using Ninhydrin on these surfaces, natural wood which has not applied varnish film, forensic scientists or specialists will have surprising results. On wood surfaces without varnish film, Ninhydrin acts like on the paper but the time interval from applying Ninhydrin and revealing fingerprints is longer, about one week, with daily treatments. Treatment with Ninhydrin on wooden surfaces was not too documented by forensic scientists because, in developed countries, murders committed using wooden instruments has a small rate. In my country, majority of murders are committed in rural communitieswhere the level of education is commonly low and people are using this kind of weapons to commit crimes (axes, pitchforks, etc.). By using Ninhydrin forensic specialists from the bureau I work for, achieved an identification of a murderer.  This method can be successfully developed and use in forensics.  

Biography

Andrei Ceobanu graduated Romanian Police Academy, Bucharest, in 2010. Ever since he work as forensic specialist, crime scene investigator and fingerprints expert. He developed local forensic laboratory and manage the activity from 2017. In 2020 started teaching forensic classes as professor assistant at Faculty of Law from Stefan cel Mare University, Suceava.

Abstract

Ligature strangulation is produced by compressing the victim's neck with a noose that is progressively tightened by an external force without suspending the victim's body. Ligature strangulation is, in most cases, a homicide. However, suicide by ligature strangulation, although rare, is possible by using a locking mechanism that allows pressure to be maintained on the victim's neck after they lose consciousnessuntil death occurs. Material and methods. The authors present and comparatively analyze two cases of ligature strangulation to highlight the elements that argue for homicide and those that reveal an act of suicide. In the first case, a woman was found dead in a public place with a self-locking plastic ligature around her neck. In the second case, a womanwas discovered in a tree line with five self-locking plastic ligatures(like the one identified in the first case), around her neck.Results. The autopsy revealed in both cases general signs of asphyxiation. In the first case, the ligature was tightly closed at the back of the victim’s neck and the victim showed a single horizontal strangulation mark on the neck.In the second case, the plastic ligatures were tightly closed at the anterior part of the victim’s neck andmultiple strangulation markswere identified on the victim's neck, with petechial hemorrhages on the skin between them. In both cases, hemorrhages were identified in the neck muscles. In neither of the two cases were fighting traces at crime scene and no defense injuries were identified in any of the two victims. In both cases the toxicological examination was negative. Based on investigation data and autopsy findings, in the first case it was determined that the death was the result of a homicide, while in the second case the death was suicidal.Conclusions. Differentiating between homicide and suicide in ligature strangulation is a challenge for the forensic pathologist. The differentiation is possible through the collaboration between all the professionals involved in the investigation of the case by corroborating the aspects revealed by autopsy with those collected from the crime scene and those resulting from the judicial investigation.

Key words:ligature strangulation, homicide, suicide, autopsy, crime scene investigation, judicial investigation

Biography

Prof. Dr. Beatrice Gabriela Ioan is Professor of Legal Medicine and Bioethics at “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania. She also serves as forensic pathologist at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Iași. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 1993, the Faculty of Psychology in 2002 and the Law Faculty in 2012. In 2004 she graduated from the Master Program in Bioethics at Case Western Reserve University, USA. She is a member of the Committee on Bioethics of the Council of Europe and its former Chair and a member of the International Bioethics Committee- UNESCO. Her main interest fields are forensic medicine, medical liability and bioethics. Assist. Prof. Bianca Hanganu is a forensic pathologist, specialist physician, and assistant professor in Forensic medicine at Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi. She attended many international scientific meetings where she presented her work and has published papers in the field of forensic medicine, bioethics, and medical communication, her main areas of interest. Dr. Carleta Teodorescu is a forensic pathologist at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Iasi, Romania. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 1992. Her main interest fields are forensic psychiatry and forensic thanatology. Lect. Dr. Irina SmarandaManoilescuis a senior forensic pathologist since 2016 and lecturer in Forensic medicine at Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi since 2020. She graduated from Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1998. Since then she attended numerous postgraduate courses in Forensic Medicine, both national and international as well as various scientific conferences. She is author of numerous papers in the forensic medicine field.

Abstract

Forensic science is a fast-moving field. Keeping up with technology and novel applications requires constant focus on education and training. A financial barrier can keep some practitioners from gaining access to this critical information which is essential to moving the field forward. At the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC), science is presented without borders. GFJC is a collaborative approach to forensic science and criminal justice at Florida International University offering training, resources, and educational opportunities that require little more than an internet connection.

Key events like the annual Forensic Science Symposium offer up to 40 hours of continuing education eligible content connecting more than 770 live attendees from 44 countries during the virtual week-long conference. The monthly virtual seminar series explores the practical applications of research and novel approaches to forensic science techniques. Both are offered on the custom GFJC event platform, to watch live or on-demand sessions, making it easy to fit into a professional’s schedule. 

GFJC is also home to the first-of-its-kind open-access Research Forensic Library. The unique online resource places the world of forensic science research at your fingertips with a Forensic Librarian as your concierge. 

Advancing your career with a Professionals Science Master’s in Forensic Science Management can be done online and on any schedule. 

Learn how GFJC is committed to connecting the world through technology for a more globally just society.

Biography

Mr. Lothridge is a well-respected forensic scientist and business leader with more than with 28 years of experience in the international forensic community. His science and technical background, coupled with his business acumen and natural leadership abilities has enabled his rise from drug chemist to laboratory director to executive roles at Florida International University’s preeminent Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC). His expertise covers multiple areas of forensic science, including drug and explosive chemistry, fire debris analysis, forensic intelligence and emerging forensic technologies.

Abstract

Forensic capacity and capability, in the application of scientfic methods and techniques to the investigation of crime, was established as a retrospective tactical investigatory tool in the late nineteenth century. Given the increasing entreprenuerial sophistication of organised crime businesses, the argument made here is for a new strategic paradigm shift towards proactive forensic disruption, particulary in reducing, or removing, financial anonymity. This could take the case of more target hardening to the international monetary systems or enhanced, consistent and rigourous forensic financial tracking, utilising agreed international protocols. Whilst various crime episodes have been shown to be made more detectable, after the event, through forensic techniques, the proactive use of forensic science to disrupt the criminal ecosystem enabler (cash) is currently underused. The suggestion is to complement existing investigative forensic science with exploratory applications to dominate the financial options that criminal cashflow cvurrently relies upon, and exploits, often with relative impunity. By removing the financial reward of many iterations of organised business crime, individual crime type episodes, and the number of victims, would drastically reduce, thereby reducing the sole reliance upon ex post investigation. Forensic financial safeguards could return saved investment capacity to further develop international protections and safeguards from fraud, laundering and asset acculumulation by offering a new international standard that would both attract and reward consumers, investors and insurers: in transforming criminal profits into legitimate growth potential for forensic science itself, and, moreover, betterment for societal investment.

Biography

John Coxhead is a pracademic having served as a police professional for over 30 years whilst also being engaged in academic research. He holds Professorships at Keele University, Loughborough University,and the University of East London, UK, as Director of the International PIEL Centre which collaborates with researchers in the USA, Canada, Australia, India and the West Indies. He has researched and published both overt and covert materials across a wide range of industrial high impact topics, particulalry serious and organised crime. He has worked for several years in police academic collaborations, to bring academic research closer to operational policing application.

Abstract

The processing and analysis of the crime scene is based on the lexicology of the scene, throughout the evidence located in it, which will become evidence when the investigator relates them to the crime scene that is later, they will become the scientific evidence when appear before the judge on the day of the trial. The structure of the criminal investigation must always be adjusting to new techniques in clarifying the facts. The criminal investigation together with the criminology are the technical and scientific aid of the accusatory criminal system. The lexicology of the crime scene as s standard instrument of scientific evidence arises from the need to process and analyze the evidence located at the scene.

        The evolution of knowledge generated by advances in investigative processes has also included forensic sciences in multiple parts of the world. Some of them are tied more to scientific advances and in others to procedural mechanisms that facilitate greater efficiency in investigative functions that result in sustaining evidence with evidence capable of resisting the questions of rigor.That is why it arises from my work and experience in this field what I call the: Lexicology of the crime scene as a standard instrument of scientific proof.

The processing and analysis of the crime scene is based on the lexicology of the scene, through the evidence located in it, which will become evidence when the investigator relates them to the crime scene that will later become scientific evidence when presented to the judge on the day of trial. The structure of the criminal investigation must always be tempered to the new techniques in the clarification of the facts.Criminal investigation together with criminalistics are the technical and scientific assistance of the accusatory criminal system. The lexicology of the crime scene as a standard instrument of scientific evidence arises from the need to process and analyze the physical evidence that the investigator locates and relates it to the place of the facts, applying the postulates of the parents of criminalistics Han Gross and Edmond Locard:  "You have to listen to the evidence through the scene because they are our silent witnesses and they are going to explain the history of the crime scene to us." The scene investigator will be the voice of those who cannot speak through the scene.

Biography

Abstract

The Forensic Science Undergraduate Program (FSUP) at National Autonomous University of Mexico was created in 2013 as a response to the alarming criminal situation in Mexico, as well as to the radical reform of its criminal justice system. It has the mission to educate and train ethical, critical, and humanistic forensic scientists capable of conducting inquiries that meet scientific quality standards and assist the justice system in firmly linking legal rulings to the available evidence. One of the main challenges has been to providr an interdisciplinary, competence-based education to students. To overcome it, teaching and assessment approaches - centered on the achievement of specifically forensic competencies as learning outcomes and the integration of forensic disciplines towards the resolution of simulated cases - have been devised to help develop the professional skill set expected of graduates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to adapting these approaches to distance or hybrid modes of learning, increasing their versatility and enriching the pedagogic repertoire of the FSUP. Currently, the main impact of the program lies in the successful incorporation of some of its graduates to agencies belonging to or related to the criminal justice system, such as the National Prosecutor's Office, the Commission for Truth and Justice for the Ayotzinapa Case, and the National Commission for the Search of Missing and Disappeared Persons, among others.

Biography

Alexa Villavicencio-Queijeiro has a BSc in Basic Biomedical Research and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from UNAM. She has a Diploma in Science Dissemination and one in Forensic Science Teaching. She has been working as a full-time Associate Professor at the Forensic genetics lab of FSUP,UNAM in Mexico since 2014. She has published 16 papers in reputed journals, 8 book chapters and one book.

Abstract

DNA quantification of forensic samples is of great importance for proper DNA amplification and STR profiling. Several methods have been developed during years to quantify DNA, from basic UV spectrometry, through gel-based techniques, to dye staining, blotting techniques, and, Real time amplification methods. The Investigator Quantiplex ProRGQ kit (Qiagen) allows in around 1 hour the quantification of total human DNA and male DNA and it provides information about DNA degradation status, inhibitors presence and possible mixture condition. In the present study, we evaluated the kit performance on a wide range of real casework samples (i.e. biological stains, contact traces, human remains), using half reaction volumes. Quantification data, Inhibition Index (IC), Degradation Index (DI), Mixture Index (MI) were evaluated using the software Q-Rex (Qiagen) together with the Quant Assay Data Handling Tool In all cases, we observed a full concordance between data obtained using standard reaction volumes and half volumes. As expected, differences in DNA quantity and quality were found, due to the samples nature and to their different ability to preserve and release DNA. This study confirmed the Investigator Quantiplex Pro RGQ Kit provides accurate and precise assessment of DNA quantity and quality in forensic samples, even using half reaction volumes.

Biography

Anna Barbaro has completed her European PhD in Forensic Genetics (PhD) at University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). She got a Diploma at the School of Specialization in Applied Genetics and a Master Diploma in Psychological and Behavioral Techniques of the Criminal Investigation at the University of Rome La Sapienza (Italy). She has published more than 150 papers, including conference presentation, she is Author of 3 technical Manuals and of some chapters in other books. She serves as President of the Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts, she is honor member of some scientific associations, she serves as reviewer for several international scientific journals and she is Member of the Editorial Committee of some international scientific journals. Invited speaker at various national and international conferences, organizer of courses and conferences about Forensic Sciences, member of the Scientific Committee of several courses and conferences.

Abstract

Luminescent nanomaterials have been successfully applied in forensic science to detect the fingermarks on various kind substrates. Among them luminescent Ln3+NPs/ upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) produce more contrast, high visible, highly sensitive, selective, long-life decay imaging pictures of latent fingerprints(LFPs) on different substrates (porous and non-porous) with minimized toxicity, which is lacking in most of the traditional fluorescent nanomaterials. Here we will discuss the systematic overview of current trends on latent fingerprints imaging development in forensic sciences. The benefits and experimental results conducted by the researchers on various kinds of metal, metal oxides, plasmonic NPs, fluorescent NPs (conjugated polymer NPs, quantum dots, nonmetallic NPs, mesoporous silica NPs, and lanthanide (Ln3+) NPs, etc.) for the expansion of LFPs images on dissimilar surfaces. Despite the use of NPs in forensic sciences for the detection of LFPs pictures, the main emphasis is on luminescent Ln3+-NPs/ UCNPs. But due to the current demand, more studies are required to develop the most efficient, high-performance, surface-functionalized, highly biocompatible, and nontoxic Ln3+ NPs/ UCNPs for the recognition of latent fingerprints images on different surfaces.       

Keywords: 

Fingermarks, forensic, luminescent, lanthanides, upconversion

Biography

Abstract

An overview of the basics of Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science focused on recovery and investigation of artifacts found on digital devices. Any devices that store data (e.g. hard drives, smartphones, thumb drives, memory cards, cloud storage, drones, ephemeral messaging) are within the ambit of digital forensics. Given the proliferation of digital devices and storage of ESI, there has been a perpetual increase in the use of, necessity and application of digital forensics in legal cases and investigations. We will discuss the methodologies and how to present evidence for legal professionals and non forensics professionals to understand the neccessity and interpretation. 

Biography

Robert DeCicco is a Managing Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s DFIR practice and specializes in providing services related to digital forensics examinations for a variety of high-profile and confidential clients for over 25 years. DeCicco is a former NSA employee in Information Assurance and regularly works in conjunction with regulatory and law enforcement agencies on large scale in depth investigations. He is a court accepted expert in the fields of digital forensics, data analytics, electronic discovery, computer programming, information security and electronic evidence. He has provided expert reports, rebuttals and defended his opinions related to computer forensics and electronic discovery in both civil and criminal matters and in state, district and federal courts throughout the US and abroad.

Abstract

Cyber Ransomware is an ever going part of Cyber security.Cyber Incident Response and Digital Forensics are the tip of the spear for cyber Ransomware. We are only as good as we were in the last cyber incident, so that means we need to forge forward with the cyber security principles as a basis for fundamentals that will allow us to combat cyber threats. 

Biography

Ricoh Danielson has elaborative experience in handling Cyber Incident Response, Cyber Security, Information Security, Privacy and Compliance. Ricohhelpedmajor retail, Financial and Health Care organizations mitigate threats and risks. Ricoh is a Digital Forensics Expert for Criminal and Civil Cases. Ricoh has handled cyber incidents for major world-renowned Healthcare, Financial and Retail firms. Ricoh is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, a graduate of UCLA, a graduate of Arizona, and a US Army Combat Veteran.

Abstract

Peter is a leading forensic search specialist and has worked on many high-profile missing person cases and has located human remains and evidence on land and underwater that have gone undetected for years. In June 2007 Peter Faulding was called in by Lothian & Borders police (Operation Mahogany) to plan and conduct a full geophysical and forensic search of serial killer Peter Tobin’s former home in Bathgate, Scotland. The intention was to search for the remains of Vicky Hamilton who disappeared in 1991. The extensive search lasted over a week. While carrying out a detailed search of the loft, found a dagger was found concealed in the rafters. Following forensic examination, it was found to contain the DNA of Vicky Hamilton. This was the final piece of the jigsaw that the police needed to link Peter Tobin to the murders of Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol who both went missing in 1991. Tobin was sentenced to life for their murders.

Biography

Peter Faulding is the founder & CEO of Specialist Group International (SGI), a world renowned company specialising in forensic search on land and underwater. Peter is a leading forensic search specialist and has worked on hundreds of cases, locating and recovering vital evidence and human remains in the remotest of places. Peter will give a photographic insight to many of the murder and missing cases he has worked on, including serial killer Peter Tobin.

Abstract

AbsoluteID Biometric Gathering System creates a structure of simple, mobile, safe collection to ensure an accurate identification.  Vincent I. Perez, JD enhanced the patented EasyGather DNA/Touch DNA collection device and linked the device to a proprietary smartphone app. The user can collect DNA/Touch DNA, as well as GPS data, photos, facial recognition, iris scan, and fingerprint images, all stored in a secure AWS cloud.  On location, one device, providing real-time collection plus later DNA analysis to assure accurate identification. The location/identification element provides a solution for Mass Casualty Incident resource allocation. 

Biography

Vincent I. Perez, JD is a former police officer and attorney. Former General Counsel of a DNA laboratory, his products are curated from his experience as a police officer, crime scene training, courtroom trials, plus from his training attended and conducted. Products are developed for better identification for law enforcement, National Security, and Mass Casualty Incidents. Mr. Perez was a police officer for 10 years, and graduated from The George Mason Scalia School of Law in Arlington, VA.