Bloodstain Pattern Evidence in Crime Scene Reconstruction
What the Blood Reveals...
We can reconstruct the sequence of events of a violent crime, in which blood has been shed, by evaluating and characterizing bloodstain evidence by its size, shape and distribution patterns.
The characterization of bloodstain evidence is conducted through a structured process referred to as Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. With this process, we are examining the static aftermath of an event. Based on the fact that blood, as a fluid, follows certain physical laws and as such, will form reproducible patterns under separate sets of similar circumstances, we can evaluate and interpret bloodstain evidence with the assurance of any other scientific inquiry.
The evaluation and characterization of bloodstain evidence through bloodstain pattern analysis can reveal a sequence of actions involved in a violent, bloody episode. Typically, that information includes:
- Point/s of origin of the blood
- Nature of the impact which generated the bloodstains
- Position and movement of persons and objects during bleeding
- Number of blows (more or less)
- Handedness
- Distance between impact area and origin at time of occurrence
- Repositioning of bodies or objects after bloodshed
- Order of events revealed by hand impressions, smears or patterns
- Whether bloodstain patterns were a result of an accident, suicide or homicide
- Can vindicate as well as convict
Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and Analysis is a Forensic Investigative tool which is an art based on scientific principles. The limitations for its use rests with the Bloodstain Pattern Analyst's ability to recognize the potential of the bloodstain evidence left at a scene, and his/her understanding of its usefulness in reconstructing the sequence of events involved in a violent, bloody episode.
Gary A. Rini is a court-qualified expert in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. He has been a member of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts since 1986, and has served as Vice-President and Training Conference Chairman for that organization.