Postmortem Latent Print Recovery From Skin Surfaces

• NCJ Number: 113368
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1988) Pages: 49-56
• Author(s): B J Delmas
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: A revised and expanded version of information published in Fingerprint World, V 13, N 50, October 1987.

Annotation

This study investigates the use of luminescent magnetic powder in conjunction with cyanoacrylate fuming and laser examination to recover fingerprints from body skin surfaces.

Abstract

In contrast to previous research, this study was conducted on cadavers whose skin surfaces were in substantially the same condition as at the time of death. Five cadavers were examined after intentionally placing latent prints on body surfaces. The time interval between death and the print deposits ranged from 35 minutes to 36 hours. The interval between placing the latent prints and examination ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 hours. All the bodies were initially examined for inherent luminescence using a Spectra Physics Series 2000 argon-ion, 5 W laser, using 3 W of power. Laser examination produced negative results. The bodies were then exposed to vapor-phase cyanoacrylate, and no latent prints were visible with or without laser illumination. Each body was processed with magnapowder. Identifiable latent prints were recovered from four of the bodies under laser examination. 7 figures, 6 references.