NCJ Number
179037
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 1999 Pages: 485-493
Editor(s)
David L. Grieve
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on an unusual case of blood pooling into carpet illustrating how a target surface may have physical characteristics that may also influence the blood flow pattern and produce unusual stains.
Abstract
In February 1998, an adult female was found dead in her home by her husband. The victim was clothed and was lying in a supine position in the threshold between the kitchen and hallway. Autopsy findings concluded that she had died of a heart arrhythmia. The victim suffered a 1.5-inch laceration on the back of her head as she collapsed in the kitchen and struck the edge of a half wall. Movement of the body by paramedics and the coroner's investigator produced two blood stains in addition to the initial stain. The carpet was a beige tufted loop with a synthetic fiber and latex backing. The carpet had been installed in the home less than 10 months prior to the victim's death and was in very good condition. An examination of the underside of the carpet revealed larger than expected staining in the areas of the last two stains. An examination of the individual fibers around the perimeters of the stains on the traffic side of the carpet revealed interesting results. The individual fibers were blood stained on their lower half, while the top (traffic) portion was clean. Additional testing produced similar results. Although many factors, such as age and wear of the carpet, type of pad, temperature, and the volume of blood, may influence the degree to which the blood dispersed, the findings from the experiments helped validate the evidence found at the scene. 7 figures and a 5-item bibliography