bite marks by dr. g
DESCRIPTION
An overview and introduction to the generalized theory of bite marks as potential evidence in criminal cases.TRANSCRIPT
Bite Mark Evidence - Indented Dental Depressions
By Randy Gonzalez
http://ezinearticles.com/?Bite-Mark-Evidence---Indented-Dental-Depressions&id=947026
Bite marks can be a very critical piece of evidence. Careful extraction of such evidential aspects of the investigation, allude to the inner psyche of the perpetrator. Motives, intent and proclivities surface from the surreal to the reality of human inclinations. To psychologically consume another person's flesh, by biting, tasting and swallowing their presence, the criminal enacts the potency of his power. In very profound and horrific ways, the perpetrator strikes at another for hedonistic gain. From rapes, strangulations and beatings, to the consumption of human flesh, criminals pursue others out of their own self-glorification. The conquest of another person becomes consummated through the performance of such destructive behaviors. In the case of Ted Bundy, for example, the bite mark became the first piece of linking evidence. As such, the bite mark becomes an important yet complicated evidentiary aspect. A forensic odontologist provides credible, critical and competent testimony with respect to the evidence presented. From a scientific perspective, they offer the real-world association between the victim and the suspect. Impressions made upon the victim are linked to the dental structure of the perpetrator. As such, teeth become a way of showing a similar relationship much like tool marks. And, that's an important point of such evidence, showing a relationship that may or may not exist. One that is subject to professional analysis and explanation. Yet, not necessarily foolproof, perfect and absolute.
Flawless, infallible and fail-safe techniques of prediction and identification remain elusive with respect to the actions of human beings. Some aspects, like fingerprints, have an established history. Newer techniques are still undergoing the test of criminological evaluation. In the meantime, sufficient quantities of quality physical evidence are essential in criminal investigations. However, on many occasions such realities are non-existent. Evidence may be lacking at the crime scene, or from the people involved. Evidentiary artifacts could be contaminated, destroyed or contrived. Testimony might be skewed by traumatic experiences. As such, a bite mark could be the only piece of evidence linking the suspect with the victim. In addition, among forensic practitioners, the validity of whether or not there are unique characteristics of dental impressions remains controversial. In the courtroom both sides may disagree as to whether or not a particular impression is in fact a bite mark.
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In the slides that follow, see if you can identify the cause-effect relationship indicated by the photograph, diagram or other depiction.
Bite marks offer the possibility of linking the suspect to the victim and thereby establish a connection.
Bite marks offer the possibility of linking the suspect to the victim and thereby establish a connection.
Bite marks vary as to species, source and type of infliction. Appearance is relevant to the materiality of the evidence in
question.
Bite marks vary as to species, source and type of infliction. Appearance is relevant to the materiality of the evidence in
question.
Suspect?
Bite marks are found in a variety of investigative situations.Bite marks are found in a variety of investigative situations.
Aside from human tissue, dental impressions can be found in an array of objects, from paper to pastries. Chewing gum, for instance, could've been left behind by the perpetrator. This range of possibilities suggests careful study of the crime scene, the victims and other attendant relationships. Bite marks sometimes appear in things one could not possibly imagine. For some people, biting another person seems out of the realm of possibility. While others, see this as a normal process of interpersonal interaction. Yet, in a combative situation, where personal survival is the reality, biting may be the only alternative. Teeth impressions have been found in a variety of cases, circumstances and situations. Such evidence, left by both perpetrator and victim, has included burglaries, domestic violence, murders and assaults. Photographing and casting bite mark evidence has a significant timeline attached. Deterioration, decomposition and perishable nature of surface areas require immediate forensic attention.
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Bite Marks?
Movies, television and various dramatic entertainment media gives us varied ideasconcerning physical evidentiary characteristics. None the less, crime scenes such as
homicides, burglaries and assault cases, for example, may involve oneperson biting another.
Movies, television and various dramatic entertainment media gives us varied ideasconcerning physical evidentiary characteristics. None the less, crime scenes such as
homicides, burglaries and assault cases, for example, may involve oneperson biting another.
Cultic origins? Role play?Real or contrived?
Psychological Manifestations?
Cultic origins? Role play?Real or contrived?
Psychological Manifestations?
Suspect?
Bite mark evidence suggests the
Possibility of comparisons between
A record of dentition and bite marks
Found on the victim.
Bite mark evidence suggests the
Possibility of comparisons between
A record of dentition and bite marks
Found on the victim.
Bite marks reflect the type of bite as well as the degree of impression. This relates to such injuries as contusions, lacerations and artifact damage, where a part of the bitten area was torn away.
Bite marks reflect the type of bite as well as the degree of impression. This relates to such injuries as contusions, lacerations and artifact damage, where a part of the bitten area was torn away.
While contusions tend to be more frequent in occurrence, an incision offers the possibility for multi-dimensional analysis.
While contusions tend to be more frequent in occurrence, an incision offers the possibility for multi-dimensional analysis.
Carnivorous and scavenging animals may feed on dead bodies prior to the discovery of the crime scene. Bones and body parts could be scattered around the site. Rodents, domesticated pets, birds and reptiles may leave behind varying levels of tissue damage and related destruction on bones. Generally, animals leave very distinctive markings.
Carnivorous and scavenging animals may feed on dead bodies prior to the discovery of the crime scene. Bones and body parts could be scattered around the site. Rodents, domesticated pets, birds and reptiles may leave behind varying levels of tissue damage and related destruction on bones. Generally, animals leave very distinctive markings.
Venomous snakes cause tissueDamage due to the poison injected
Into the body.
Venomous snakes cause tissueDamage due to the poison injected
Into the body.
Photographs and measurements shouldbe taken consistent with crime scene
processing procedures.
Photographs and measurements shouldbe taken consistent with crime scene
processing procedures.
Bite mark evidence is used to exclude or identify a suspect. If a difference or discrepancy occurs between the bite mark and an exemplar, then its possible to conclude different sources of origin. On the other hand, if an forensic odontologist compares the specimens, and identifies several properties of similarity. Then the probability exists for a positive identification of the suspect with the bite mark in question. Aside from human tissues, bite marks can also be discovered on food sources.
Bite mark evidence is used to exclude or identify a suspect. If a difference or discrepancy occurs between the bite mark and an exemplar, then its possible to conclude different sources of origin. On the other hand, if an forensic odontologist compares the specimens, and identifies several properties of similarity. Then the probability exists for a positive identification of the suspect with the bite mark in question. Aside from human tissues, bite marks can also be discovered on food sources.
Follow the evidence trail no matter where the traces lead. Evidence is crucial to proving the crime. Class and individual characteristics should be carefully analyzed.
One of the most famous bite mark cases.One of the most famous bite mark cases.
Bite marks may be discovered in association with crimes of violence. Most likely, in a homicide case, bite marks will be connected with damage of soft tissues. Such dentition will often appear in a circular or ring-shaped pattern of injury. If skin has not been cut by the teeth. Then the appearance is likely to be one of black and blue bruising. Both victims and assailants might exchange bite marks upon each other.
Bite marks may be discovered in association with crimes of violence. Most likely, in a homicide case, bite marks will be connected with damage of soft tissues. Such dentition will often appear in a circular or ring-shaped pattern of injury. If skin has not been cut by the teeth. Then the appearance is likely to be one of black and blue bruising. Both victims and assailants might exchange bite marks upon each other.
Key Questions:1. Has a crime been committed? If so, who is the
victim and what are the circumstances?2. Is the pattern injury suspicious in nature and
warrant further analysis?3. Are there sufficient evidentiary artifacts and
characteristics to be processed for further investigation of the scene?
4. What types of criminal cases most likely involve bite marks, such as domestic violence cases, assault and battery conflicts, sexual battery, murder, etc?
5. In what types of situations could a bite mark be encountered?
6. Does it reflect unique characteristics that may be subjected to further analysis?
7. Is there sufficient detail to assist in further analysis by a forensic odontologist?
8. Does the bite mark appear to be animal, human, other?
9. Is it probable a perpetrator could be identified?10. Does the pattern injury suggest physical combat? If
not, self-inflicted?
At the crime scene, or as consistent with local practices and procedures (e.g. Medical Examiner’s Office). The pattern injury should be subjected to careful swabbing as soon as possible for evidentiary materials. Likewise, measurements, sketches and notations should be carefully documented. In addition, the injury should be photographed consistent with standard processing practices. When possible, a forensic odontologist should be consulted for additional information and assistance. Appropriate crime scene protocols, operating procedures and legal guidelines should be followed to every extent possible.
Further information at: http://www.expertforensicsltd.co.uk/services/bite_analysis/bitean.html
Suspect?
An inspection should be made for the existence of a bite mark anywhere on the body. Especially through clothing. And, when done, inspection should keep in mind the type of crime under investigation: child abuse, homicide, accident, suicide, role-play/fantasy, animal attack, etc.
An inspection should be made for the existence of a bite mark anywhere on the body. Especially through clothing. And, when done, inspection should keep in mind the type of crime under investigation: child abuse, homicide, accident, suicide, role-play/fantasy, animal attack, etc.
Once again, a bite mark could be found in many kinds of objects, as well ashuman bodies. On persons, hands, arms, faces, necks and shoulders couldbe possible locations.
Once again, a bite mark could be found in many kinds of objects, as well ashuman bodies. On persons, hands, arms, faces, necks and shoulders couldbe possible locations.
Probable locations range from head to foot. Bite marks represent an extraordinary physical expression of personal sexuality. In particular, it is a reflective of individual ideation of erotic tendencies. Often, we associate descriptors such as aggression, anger and rage with such weaponization of physical aggressiveness. As the teeth are a type of tool, used by humans for consumptive purposes. One can speculate on the nature of criminogenic proclivities reflective in such combative applications. None the less, criminality is a sexual expression of behavior. As such, humans manifest different mannerisms for its exhibition.
Probable locations range from head to foot. Bite marks represent an extraordinary physical expression of personal sexuality. In particular, it is a reflective of individual ideation of erotic tendencies. Often, we associate descriptors such as aggression, anger and rage with such weaponization of physical aggressiveness. As the teeth are a type of tool, used by humans for consumptive purposes. One can speculate on the nature of criminogenic proclivities reflective in such combative applications. None the less, criminality is a sexual expression of behavior. As such, humans manifest different mannerisms for its exhibition.
In terms of evidentiary reliability, it should be kept in mind that debate continues over the efficacy of bite mark evidence. In terms of absolute reliability, as to the individualized singularity of markings, opposing opinions can enter an investigative process. Different experts will have different opinions.
In terms of evidentiary reliability, it should be kept in mind that debate continues over the efficacy of bite mark evidence. In terms of absolute reliability, as to the individualized singularity of markings, opposing opinions can enter an investigative process. Different experts will have different opinions.
Suspect?
While bite mark evidence is somewhat new as a forensic technique, such aspects of the criminal event can be crucial to an investigation. Thorough processing of the crime scene is important, followed by comprehensive documentation. A diversity of situations exists in which dental impressions may be discovered. Proper assessment, processing and identification remain essential to the calculated efforts of the criminal investigation. From food to flesh, people bite other people for individual reasons. The rationality behind such actions is always subject to speculation, theory and statistical abstraction. Nonetheless, teeth differ in terms of size and shape, spatial alignment and growth process. And, over time, teeth show wear and tear. In addition, a tooth might break, need repair, suffer decay or be replaced. In some cases, not every tooth might be intact, as some might be missing.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-bite-mark-exonerationjul10,0,2835607.story
In some criminal cases, suspected bite mark evidence has led to controversial appellate processes. Whereas, two or more expert witnesses oppose the determination of suspected bite mark evidence. However, human bite marks tend to suggest by appearance a distinct differentiation from other forms of pattern injuries.
In some criminal cases, suspected bite mark evidence has led to controversial appellate processes. Whereas, two or more expert witnesses oppose the determination of suspected bite mark evidence. However, human bite marks tend to suggest by appearance a distinct differentiation from other forms of pattern injuries.
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