Innovative and Traditional Techniques in Crime Scene Reconstruction – A Case Study

Petrétei, Dávid and Fullár, Alexandra and Ujvári, Zsolt and Metzger, Máté (2024) Innovative and Traditional Techniques in Crime Scene Reconstruction – A Case Study. In: II. Ludovika International Law Enforcement Research Symposium : Conference Proceedings. Hungarian Association of Police Science, Budapest, pp. 247-255. ISBN 978-615-6456-26-7

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Abstract

This study presents the integration of traditional and contemporary methods in the domain of crime scene reconstruction, utilizing a homicide case as a practical illustration. The incident, dating back to the fall of 2021, involved the proprietor of a Hungarian distillery who caused the fatality of his employee during a dispute, employing both a stick and his bare hands as weapons. In the immediate aftermath of the crime, traditional methods of reconstruction were executed. Evidence of numerous hematomas on the victim's body was documented via meticulous close-up photography at the scene. During subsequent post-mortem examination, the size and shape of the hematomas were indistinguishable, yet the initial photographs facilitated pattern recognition that enabled an estimation of the number of strikes inflicted upon the victim. Additionally, a shoeprint detected on the victim’s trousers was matched to the suspect’s footwear, thereby corroborating the presence of a trampling event. Modern techniques of reconstruction were later implemented. The crime scene was digitally rendered into a 3D model via photogrammetry, incorporating specific images from the original scene. The discovery and documentation of bloodstains informed subsequent bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) conducted through the Hemospat software. The BPA yielded insights into the victim's movements during the altercation. These graphic findings were subsequently incorporated into the 3D model, offering a more comprehensive and visually compelling representation of the crime scene. Through the synergy of conventional techniques such as pattern recognition and advanced approaches like BPA and photogrammetry, a comprehensive testing of the suspect's confession and a nuanced reconstruction of the incident were achieved. This integrative approach played a pivotal role in concluding the case as an intentional homicide.

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