Animal CSI: Forensic Investigation

of Animal Cruelty

Dr. Melinda MerckDr. Melinda MerckSenior Director of Veterinary Forensic Sciences, Senior Director of Veterinary Forensic Sciences,

ASPCAASPCAcatdvm@bellsouth.netcatdvm@bellsouth.net

678678--773773--80148014www.veterinaryforensics.comwww.veterinaryforensics.com

INVESTIGATING ANIMAL INVESTIGATING ANIMAL

CRUELTY CASES: CRUELTY CASES:

How is it different?How is it different?

� Mute VictimMute Victim

�� Usually no witnessUsually no witness

�� Different types of evidenceDifferent types of evidence

�� Animal is both the victim and Animal is both the victim and evidenceevidence

�� Lack of knowledge for proper Lack of knowledge for proper investigation, evidence collection investigation, evidence collection and analysisand analysis

Animal Crime Scene InvestigationAnimal Crime Scene Investigation

•• Key to success of any investigation and Key to success of any investigation and prosecutionprosecution

•• New field New field –– requires education and training requires education and training

•• Veterinarian involvement is critical Veterinarian involvement is critical

•• Veterinarians are the experts in animal Veterinarians are the experts in animal behavior and response to pain and fearbehavior and response to pain and fear

•• Must know the laws Must know the laws -- burden of proofburden of proof

Future Trends and Issues in Veterinary Forensics

DMX

Michael Vick

Dream Team Defenses

Seized Animals – What to Do?

•• Public perceptionPublic perception

•• Public riskPublic risk

•• Due diligence Due diligence expectedexpected

Hurricane Katrina

Increased Awareness = Increased Action

•• 11+ states with mandatory reporting 11+ states with mandatory reporting requirements for veterinariansrequirements for veterinarians

•• Cockfighting now banned in all 50 statesCockfighting now banned in all 50 states•• More State felony lawsMore State felony laws•• Federal felony lawsFederal felony laws

Getting the “Link”

•• TPO for animalsTPO for animals

•• CrossCross--reportingreporting

•• LE: thinking LE: thinking ““ outside the boxoutside the box””

•• ↑↑ ReportingReporting

•• ↑↑ InvestigationInvestigation

•• ↑↑ ProsecutionProsecution

Result: Need More Forensics!

•• Burden of proof higher Burden of proof higher

•• More scrutiny on casesMore scrutiny on cases

•• Need it regardless if confessionNeed it regardless if confession

•• Have to anticipate defensesHave to anticipate defenses

•• Need to have more help from the veterinary Need to have more help from the veterinary professionalsprofessionals

•• Most defendants pleaMost defendants plea

Issues…•• Veterinary labs Veterinary labs –– interpretation of results on interpretation of results on

their reportstheir reports

•• Crime labs Crime labs –– animal evidence testing?animal evidence testing?

•• Affordability of tests, expertsAffordability of tests, experts

•• VeterinarianVeterinarian’’ s as Advisors: early in the s as Advisors: early in the investigationinvestigation

•• Communication with prosecutor Communication with prosecutor –– reports, reports, case strategycase strategy

Educational ResourcesEducational Resources

•• www.aspcapro.orgwww.aspcapro.org•• Conferences Conferences –– veterinary, animal controlveterinary, animal control•• Veterinary Forensics Symposium Veterinary Forensics Symposium ––

Annual Event in Orlando, Florida Annual Event in Orlando, Florida Sponsored by Maples Center for Forensic Sponsored by Maples Center for Forensic Medicine at University of Florida and Medicine at University of Florida and ASPCAASPCA

Education and Training•• Support from the human forensic fieldSupport from the human forensic field

•• Vet Forensic ScienceVet Forensic Science-- Crime Scene/Bite MarkCrime Scene/Bite Mark

•• www.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/vetforensicswww.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/vetforensics

•• International Veterinary Forensic Science Assoc.International Veterinary Forensic Science Assoc.

Education and Training

•• Veterinary Conferences Veterinary Conferences –– lectures and labslectures and labs

Available at www.aspca.orgAvailable at www.aspca.org

Veterinary Forensics ServiceVeterinary Forensics ServiceASPCAASPCA

•• Service to assist investigators, veterinarians, Service to assist investigators, veterinarians, law enforcement and prosecutors on animal law enforcement and prosecutors on animal cruelty casescruelty cases

•• Randall Lockwood, PhD and Melinda Randall Lockwood, PhD and Melinda Merck, DVMMerck, DVM

•• ASPCA AntiASPCA Anti--Cruelty Initiatives and Cruelty Initiatives and Legislative ServicesLegislative Services

•• ASPCA National OutreachASPCA National Outreach•• ASPCA Disaster Response TeamASPCA Disaster Response Team

On-Scene Assistance

ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Institute

Anti-Cruelty Institute

•• Treatment center for NY victims of abuseTreatment center for NY victims of abuse

•• Forensic research/labForensic research/lab

•• Educational centerEducational center

•• Data collection resource centerData collection resource center

•• Training center Training center –– vets, investigators, CSI, vets, investigators, CSI, techstechs

•• More Mobile Animal CSI UnitsMore Mobile Animal CSI Units

VeterinarianVeterinarian’’ s Roles Role

•• Crucial in animal cruelty casesCrucial in animal cruelty cases•• Need to be at the scene or at a minimum Need to be at the scene or at a minimum

evaluate crime scene findings and photosevaluate crime scene findings and photos•• VeterinarianVeterinarian’’ s perspective is needed to s perspective is needed to

identify evidence and determine identify evidence and determine significance of findingssignificance of findings

•• Assist in the investigation and prosecution Assist in the investigation and prosecution strategiesstrategies

•• Vets vs. LE in courtVets vs. LE in court……

Working with VetsWorking with Vets

•• Investigators must communicate crime Investigators must communicate crime scene findings and info re: casescene findings and info re: case

•• Must know what tests should be done and Must know what tests should be done and direct the veterinariansdirect the veterinarians

•• Problems with vetsProblems with vets

Animal Forensics: What do we need to prove?

•• Was there a crime?Was there a crime?

•• When crime occurred?When crime occurred?

•• Where crime occurred?Where crime occurred?

•• How long animal How long animal sufferedsuffered??

•• Who committed the crime?Who committed the crime?

•• Was there Was there intentintent??

Animal CSI:Animal CSI:

•• There are two crime scenes:There are two crime scenes:

•• Macro crime scene Macro crime scene –– primary environment primary environment where crime took place, secondary where crime took place, secondary environments (transport, body dump)environments (transport, body dump)

•• Micro crime scene Micro crime scene –– the body of the animalthe body of the animal

Animal Cruelty Forensic Kit for Animal Cruelty Forensic Kit for Veterinarians/Investigators Veterinarians/Investigators

www.tritechusa.com www.tritechusa.com 800800--438438--7884, 9107884, 910--457457--6600 6600

Chain of CustodyChain of Custody

•• Maintaining a constant account of all evidenceMaintaining a constant account of all evidence•• Failure of COC = Reasonable DoubtFailure of COC = Reasonable Doubt•• Evidence: any item from crime scene or Evidence: any item from crime scene or

animal, samples, photos and the bodyanimal, samples, photos and the body•• Proper labeling: content, date, time, collectorProper labeling: content, date, time, collector’’ s s

name and signaturename and signature•• Secure storageSecure storage•• All people in COC subject to appear in courtAll people in COC subject to appear in court•• Forms on www.veterinaryforensics.comForms on www.veterinaryforensics.com

CSI: THE ENVIRONMENTCSI: THE ENVIRONMENT

•• Environment holds key evidenceEnvironment holds key evidence•• Veterinarian on sceneVeterinarian on scene•• PhotographyPhotography--keep things as foundkeep things as found•• Pictures of: general, housing, animal, Pictures of: general, housing, animal,

insects, food/water, medications, bodily insects, food/water, medications, bodily fluids, feces, weaponsfluids, feces, weapons

•• Videography Videography –– back up for photography;back up for photography;•• Provides: audio of animals; weakness, Provides: audio of animals; weakness,

limping, response to food/water; more limping, response to food/water; more accurate portrayalaccurate portrayal

PhotographsPhotographs

��Need to show full animal, identifying marks, Need to show full animal, identifying marks, animal/case ID animal/case ID

��Lesions, evidence of abuse/sufferingLesions, evidence of abuse/suffering

��Distant and clear closeDistant and clear close--up views of scene/animalup views of scene/animal

��Case #/date in first photoCase #/date in first photo

��Photo of scene w/addressPhoto of scene w/address

��Digital camera bestDigital camera best––immediately know quality immediately know quality

��Keep negatives; convert Keep negatives; convert digital to CD digital to CD

��Photo logPhoto log

Photography cont.Photography cont.

•• Photograph surroundings, residence, Photograph surroundings, residence, identifying factors of the residenceidentifying factors of the residence……

•• Where animal(s) kept, environment, the Where animal(s) kept, environment, the animal (face, sides, top)animal (face, sides, top)……

•• Items of evidence, food, waterItems of evidence, food, water……

•• Everything documented in your notes Everything documented in your notes

Animal CSI: EnvironmentAnimal CSI: Environment•• Looking for evidence of a crime or multiple Looking for evidence of a crime or multiple

crimes crimes –– think outside Animal Welfare Act think outside Animal Welfare Act

•• Often have neglect associated with any type Often have neglect associated with any type of cruelty = additional charges, intentof cruelty = additional charges, intent

•• Important to look for what is missing as Important to look for what is missing as well as what is presentwell as what is present

Essential Environment Assessments:Essential Environment Assessments:

•• Water Water –– on or offon or off

•• Electricity, gasElectricity, gas

•• Time and Temp Time and Temp -- ThermometerThermometer

•• A/C, heat A/C, heat –– on or off?on or off?

•• Last setting of A/C or heatLast setting of A/C or heat

•• Important: When did last someone last see Important: When did last someone last see the animal alive?the animal alive?

ASSESSING THE SCENE: ASSESSING THE SCENE: LOOKING FOR EVIDENCELOOKING FOR EVIDENCE

•• Need to assess evidence considering animal Need to assess evidence considering animal behavior behavior

•• Animal behavior influenced by: age, species, Animal behavior influenced by: age, species, breed, sex, intact or notbreed, sex, intact or not

•• Need to consider what animal would do when Need to consider what animal would do when fearful, in pain fearful, in pain

•• Forensic testingForensic testing

•• Presence or lack of food Presence or lack of food –– dating on fooddating on food•• Appropriate food Appropriate food –– puppy or kitten?puppy or kitten?•• Water Water –– availability, qualityavailability, quality•• ShelterShelter•• Unsanitary conditionsUnsanitary conditions•• Urine or feces Urine or feces –– condition of feces, lack of condition of feces, lack of

feces, old/freshfeces, old/fresh•• Veterinary records Veterinary records –– help or hurt?help or hurt?•• Medications Medications –– used, unusedused, unused•• Presence/lack of puppies or kittensPresence/lack of puppies or kittens

Search Warrant/Subpoena for Search Warrant/Subpoena for Veterinary RecordsVeterinary Records

•• All written and electronic records All written and electronic records •• All laboratory tests and resultsAll laboratory tests and results•• All invoice and payment recordsAll invoice and payment records•• All radiographsAll radiographs•• All ultrasound pictures and findingsAll ultrasound pictures and findings•• Any other procedures or tests and resultsAny other procedures or tests and results•• Any communication to or from clientAny communication to or from client•• Any paperwork pertaining to client and/or patientAny paperwork pertaining to client and/or patient•• Note: patient may be under different owner nameNote: patient may be under different owner name--

friends, relatives friends, relatives –– at same or different addressat same or different address

•• Weight of the chainWeight of the chain•• Length of tether, chewed on Length of tether, chewed on •• Collar: loose (due to wt loss?), tightCollar: loose (due to wt loss?), tight•• Preserve knots, save all as evidencePreserve knots, save all as evidence•• Note what else dog was chewing on Note what else dog was chewing on

•• Note the condition of the feces: firm, diarrhea, moldy, Note the condition of the feces: firm, diarrhea, moldy, fresh fresh

•• Look for evidence of pica (eating nonLook for evidence of pica (eating non--nutritional nutritional items) which occurs with starvation or boredomitems) which occurs with starvation or boredom

•• Collect first bowel movement of impounded animals to Collect first bowel movement of impounded animals to look for picalook for pica

•• Recently disturbed earthRecently disturbed earth-- buried bodies, evidence; buried bodies, evidence; flies/maggots on soilflies/maggots on soil

•• Evidence to indicate how long animal has been Evidence to indicate how long animal has been confined, in that area or in that conditionconfined, in that area or in that condition

•• Any poss weapons, poss poisonsAny poss weapons, poss poisons•• Medications Medications –– vetvet’’ s name, hosp, animals name, hosp, animal’’ s name, s name,

date of Rx, expirationdate of Rx, expiration•• Papers related to animalsPapers related to animals-- adoption, rescue, adoption, rescue,

kennel, vet invoices, receiptskennel, vet invoices, receipts•• Consider DNA: collect toys, bowls, brushes, Consider DNA: collect toys, bowls, brushes,

combs, beddingcombs, bedding

What evidence do you see and What evidence do you see and what does it mean?what does it mean?

Bed of truckBed of truck

•• No shelterNo shelter

•• Animal wet, filthy, long nails Animal wet, filthy, long nails

•• In with gas can In with gas can –– full?full?

•• Very short tether, could hang himself if Very short tether, could hang himself if jumped out (measure distance to ground)jumped out (measure distance to ground)

•• Evidence of chewing from top wooden rails Evidence of chewing from top wooden rails down to the bottom down to the bottom

•• Feces covering bed of truckFeces covering bed of truck•• Evidence of defecation before and after rainEvidence of defecation before and after rain•• Wood chip/fragments on top of fecesWood chip/fragments on top of feces•• Due to short tether dog cannot get away Due to short tether dog cannot get away

from the urine and feces so constantly from the urine and feces so constantly standing in itstanding in it

•• How long been in there?How long been in there?

PROCESSING THE CRIME PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE: THE ANIMALSCENE: THE ANIMAL

•• The animal is The animal is evidenceevidence -- chain of custody chain of custody needs to be preservedneeds to be preserved

•• Never freeze the bodyNever freeze the body–– only refrigerate only refrigerate until necropsy performeduntil necropsy performed

Document demeanor of Document demeanor of animal animal at the sceneat the scene because because it changesit changes

CSI: The Deceased Animal at the CSI: The Deceased Animal at the SceneScene

•• Need to maintain integrity of evidence: Need to maintain integrity of evidence: fiber, hair, fluids, DNAfiber, hair, fluids, DNA

•• Assess body for: rigorAssess body for: rigor--where?where?

•• Look for woundsLook for wounds--determine weapon for determine weapon for search warrantsearch warrant

•• Take recordings to determine TODTake recordings to determine TOD

TRACE EVIDENCETRACE EVIDENCE

��Trace evidence may be embedded in the fur, Trace evidence may be embedded in the fur, collar or tether collar or tether

��Consider behavior of injured animal which licks Consider behavior of injured animal which licks at the injuries or when stressedat the injuries or when stressed

��Wrap the body, bag the feetWrap the body, bag the feet

Poisoning

�� Any substance can be toxic if high Any substance can be toxic if high enough quantitiesenough quantities

��Consider poisoning may have been Consider poisoning may have been gradual vs. acute, rungradual vs. acute, run--offoff

��Need observed symptoms, bloodwkNeed observed symptoms, bloodwk

��Sample handling and submission is Sample handling and submission is critical critical –– avoid contaminationavoid contamination

��Unknown toxin: histopathology can Unknown toxin: histopathology can provide clues provide clues

��Environment holds Environment holds the keythe key

��Evaluate photosEvaluate photos

��Submit sample of Submit sample of suspected poisonsuspected poison

BLOOD EVIDENCEBLOOD EVIDENCE

•• Note location in environment, related to Note location in environment, related to animal, blood on objects; consider behavioranimal, blood on objects; consider behavior

•• Photograph with scale, then swab/collectPhotograph with scale, then swab/collect•• Measure in relation to objects, draw Measure in relation to objects, draw

diagram; diagram; •• Human or animal? Presumptive blood testsHuman or animal? Presumptive blood tests

••Take measurements of animal for Take measurements of animal for bloodstain pattern analysisbloodstain pattern analysis

••Take measurements to woundsTake measurements to wounds

•• Passive drops: Low Velocity Passive drops: Low Velocity –– from the from the force of gravity alone force of gravity alone –– circular to circular to elongated; scalloped edges indicating elongated; scalloped edges indicating direction of traveldirection of travel

•• Projected: Medium/High Velocity Projected: Medium/High Velocity -- when a when a blood source is subjected to a force greater blood source is subjected to a force greater than the force of gravitythan the force of gravity

•• Arterial blood spurt, blunt force (impact, Arterial blood spurt, blunt force (impact, weapon castweapon cast--off); gunshot off); gunshot –– high velocityhigh velocity

•• Expirated blood Expirated blood –– from nose or mouth; air from nose or mouth; air vacuoles that pop creating vacuoles that pop creating ““ ghostghost”” centers, centers, darker perimeter staindarker perimeter stain

Hidden Blood Evidence•• Luminol Luminol –– mix chemicals prior; causes blood to mix chemicals prior; causes blood to

fluoresce for very short time; must be completely fluoresce for very short time; must be completely dark to see; must be ready for photograph; can dark to see; must be ready for photograph; can degrade DNA; after spray have to wait 30 minutes degrade DNA; after spray have to wait 30 minutes before spray againbefore spray again

•• Blue Star Blue Star –– 2 tablets mixed with 4oz of distilled 2 tablets mixed with 4oz of distilled water; can mix at the scene; fluorescence lasts water; can mix at the scene; fluorescence lasts much longer; does not have to be completely dark; much longer; does not have to be completely dark; does not degrade DNA; can redoes not degrade DNA; can re--spray immediately; spray immediately; can react to lead in paint and get false fluorescencecan react to lead in paint and get false fluorescence

Animal DNA Forensic Animal DNA Forensic TestingTesting

��Animal DNA unique to individual animal Animal DNA unique to individual animal

��DNA, mitochondrial DNA, sex, parentage, breed?DNA, mitochondrial DNA, sex, parentage, breed?

��DNA may become important later in case; always DNA may become important later in case; always take samples/buccal swabs (Veterinary Genetics Lab take samples/buccal swabs (Veterinary Genetics Lab at UC Davis, California)at UC Davis, California)

��Sources: same as humans plus Sources: same as humans plus urineurine

��Costs: $100Costs: $100--300 depending on test, number of 300 depending on test, number of samples; call first to discuss casesamples; call first to discuss case

Dead-End Cases?

Additional Evidence and Testing

•• Weight from barbellWeight from barbell

•• Wood chip fragmentsWood chip fragments

•• Collected DNACollected DNA

•• Police Detectives organize doorPolice Detectives organize door--toto--doordoor

Snellville Police – Highly Unusual Crime Scene

•• 2 dogs missing; blood evidence in yard; large amount of 2 dogs missing; blood evidence in yard; large amount of blood found around dog houses; gates shut;blood found around dog houses; gates shut;

•• Owner claims he came home and dogs were not in the Owner claims he came home and dogs were not in the back yard; he started looking for them; called his inback yard; he started looking for them; called his in--laws laws to come over and help look for the dogsto come over and help look for the dogs

•• Owner claims next door neighbor shot his dogs and got Owner claims next door neighbor shot his dogs and got rid of the bodies; owner found 2 bullet casings (9mm) rid of the bodies; owner found 2 bullet casings (9mm) side by side on the outside of his privacy fenceside by side on the outside of his privacy fence

•• Previous year, claimed same neighbor fatally poisoned Previous year, claimed same neighbor fatally poisoned his cat and dogs (police ruled out neighbor)his cat and dogs (police ruled out neighbor)

Security Videos with Audio-Motion Activated

•• Car drives up, dogs do not bark; no outside lights Car drives up, dogs do not bark; no outside lights turned on after person gets out of carturned on after person gets out of car

•• Hear one dog bark a few times (nonHear one dog bark a few times (non--distressed) 5distressed) 5--10 10 min later (NO other dogs in neighborhood), then min later (NO other dogs in neighborhood), then never hear dogs againnever hear dogs again

•• Appx 40min later, another car drives up, still no Appx 40min later, another car drives up, still no outside lights, hear trunk pop openoutside lights, hear trunk pop open

•• See flashlight beams in stream area; see figures cross See flashlight beams in stream area; see figures cross to car and hear trunk shut and 2to car and hear trunk shut and 2ndnd car leaves; initial car leaves; initial car never leavescar never leaves

•• 1 hr later, calls police; 20 min of video missing; no 1 hr later, calls police; 20 min of video missing; no audio other than the one dog barkaudio other than the one dog bark

Conclusion:

•• Staged crime scene; suspect owner killed dogs Staged crime scene; suspect owner killed dogs (were his wife(were his wife’’ s dogs) and tried to frame neighbors dogs) and tried to frame neighbor

•• Blood stain patterns on fence inconsistent with Blood stain patterns on fence inconsistent with dropping the body overdropping the body over

•• His story does not match his own security videos His story does not match his own security videos (never calls for his dogs, no talking on video)(never calls for his dogs, no talking on video)

•• Impossible for someone to shoot 2 moving dogs in Impossible for someone to shoot 2 moving dogs in the dark and fatally wound both; then unlikely the the dark and fatally wound both; then unlikely the shooter would then crawl over the privacy fence to shooter would then crawl over the privacy fence to then remove the dogs (no gunshot on video/audio)then remove the dogs (no gunshot on video/audio)

How to Prove IntentHow to Prove Intent

•• Knowledge of conditions, injuriesKnowledge of conditions, injuries•• Vet records Vet records –– knowledge of medical knowledge of medical

conditionsconditions•• Witness statementsWitness statements•• TimelinesTimelines•• Implied MaliceImplied Malice

Proving TimelinesProving Timelines•• Timelines important to prove when crime Timelines important to prove when crime

occurred, length of animal suffering, intentoccurred, length of animal suffering, intent•• Look at mailLook at mail•• Utilities Utilities -- turned off?turned off?•• Paperwork when acquired animalPaperwork when acquired animal•• Estimate length of injury/illnessEstimate length of injury/illness•• Time for healing: granulation tissue Time for healing: granulation tissue

bed=7d, grows 1mm/day, slows to bed=7d, grows 1mm/day, slows to 1cm/month1cm/month

•• Time of Death determinationTime of Death determination

Time Of DeathTime Of Death

��Not exact scienceNot exact science

��Environmental conditions must be recordedEnvironmental conditions must be recorded

CRUCIAL FIRST STEPS FOR CRUCIAL FIRST STEPS FOR DECEASED ANIMALS:DECEASED ANIMALS:

•• Take temp of environment, record time; windy, Take temp of environment, record time; windy, precipprecip

•• Special thermometers Special thermometers -- $16$16--2020

•• Rectal temp of deceased body, min 2x/hrRectal temp of deceased body, min 2x/hr

•• Note position of body, covering, sunlight/shadeNote position of body, covering, sunlight/shade

•• Note rigor, affected areas; it can be broken with Note rigor, affected areas; it can be broken with rough handlingrough handling

•• Temp of transport area, time; same w/coolerTemp of transport area, time; same w/cooler

Forensic EntomologyForensic Entomology••The The most accuratemost accurate determination for TODdetermination for TOD

••Can also be used to determine location of Can also be used to determine location of death, for DNA and toxicology testingdeath, for DNA and toxicology testing

••Entomologists need daily weather reports of Entomologists need daily weather reports of the prior 2the prior 2--3 weeks from closest weather 3 weeks from closest weather station (Hi/Lo, precip, +/station (Hi/Lo, precip, +/-- wind)wind)

••Insect collection from the body: need time Insect collection from the body: need time frame and temp of where has been stored frame and temp of where has been stored

Basis for Forensic EntomologyBasis for Forensic Entomology•• Flies lay eggs based on species of fly, Flies lay eggs based on species of fly,

temperature, rain, time of day, degree of temperature, rain, time of day, degree of decompdecomp

•• Location of eggs usually mouth and eyes, Location of eggs usually mouth and eyes, rear, wounds, usually not in areas of direct rear, wounds, usually not in areas of direct sunlightsunlight

•• The length of the life cycle is affected by The length of the life cycle is affected by weather conditionsweather conditions

•• Certain insects are attracted to body at Certain insects are attracted to body at different timesdifferent times

•• Eggs Eggs →→ 11stst instar (maggot) instar (maggot) →→ 22ndnd instar instar (larger) (larger) →→ 33rdrd instar (largest) instar (largest) →→ puparium puparium →→ newly emerged adult fly (+ empty pupa newly emerged adult fly (+ empty pupa casing) casing) →→ adult flyadult fly

•• Can have several life cycle stages presentCan have several life cycle stages present•• Want to look for and sample oldest life Want to look for and sample oldest life

cycle cycle •• Want to get picture/sample of adult flies and Want to get picture/sample of adult flies and

any other insects present, including yellow any other insects present, including yellow jacketsjackets

Entomology 101Entomology 101

Maggot eggsMaggot eggs

Left: intact puparium (maggot in pupa stage inside)Left: intact puparium (maggot in pupa stage inside)

Right: empty pupa casing Right: empty pupa casing –– fly has hatched out fly has hatched out popping the end offpopping the end off

Special collection techniquesSpecial collection techniques

••Maggots help Maggots help identify sites of identify sites of traumatrauma

••Gain entrance thru Gain entrance thru orifice or woundorifice or wound

••Take and record Take and record core temperature core temperature of the mass of of the mass of maggots maggots

Entomology CollectionEntomology Collection•• Important for time of deathImportant for time of death•• Choose the largest instar maggotsChoose the largest instar maggots•• Get samples (10Get samples (10--30) of each type of maggot30) of each type of maggot•• Maggot Motel: foil pouch w/beef liver in Maggot Motel: foil pouch w/beef liver in

center; place live maggots on liver; fold foil center; place live maggots on liver; fold foil and crimp edges securelyand crimp edges securely

•• Place in plastic container w/1Place in plastic container w/1”” of dirt on of dirt on bottom; punch tiny airbottom; punch tiny air--holes on lidholes on lid

•• Make KillMake Kill--Jar for live Adult Insects (nail Jar for live Adult Insects (nail polish remover)polish remover)

Forensic EntomologistsForensic Entomologists

Special Considerations with Animal Special Considerations with Animal as Evidence:as Evidence:

•• Hoarding cases Hoarding cases –– large number of animalslarge number of animals

•• Transfer to foster Transfer to foster –– follow chain of custodyfollow chain of custody

•• FollowFollow--up importantup important

•• Production of evidence laterProduction of evidence later

•• Defense has the right to examine evidenceDefense has the right to examine evidence

•• Knowledge of seizure laws Knowledge of seizure laws –– want want forfeiture process asapforfeiture process asap

•• Advantages of treating live animalsAdvantages of treating live animals

•• Response to treatment, what was appropriateResponse to treatment, what was appropriate

•• How fast gain weightHow fast gain weight

•• How long to recoverHow long to recover-- how sick they werehow sick they were

•• Emphasize what was preventable and how bad the Emphasize what was preventable and how bad the owner let the animal get w/o medical careowner let the animal get w/o medical care

Unique Findings and Forensic Unique Findings and Forensic Testing in AnimalsTesting in Animals

•• Animals do not visibly bruise easilyAnimals do not visibly bruise easily•• Need to reflect skin on deceased to Need to reflect skin on deceased to

determine full extent of injuries determine full extent of injuries regardlessregardlessof obvious injuries or cause of deathof obvious injuries or cause of death

•• Always look at eyes, ears, mouth, feet, tail Always look at eyes, ears, mouth, feet, tail and perineumand perineum

•• Always take full body radiographs on all Always take full body radiographs on all cases!cases!

NeglectNeglect

••Neglect = Failure to actNeglect = Failure to act

••Need time estimate for condition to have been Need time estimate for condition to have been present which goes to thepresent which goes to theDegree of SufferingDegree of Suffering

••Core issue at neglect isCore issue at neglect isImplied maliceImplied malice

StarvationStarvation••Causes vital members of the body Causes vital members of the body to cease to function to cease to function

••Body is consuming itselfBody is consuming itself

••Dehydration often presentDehydration often present

StarvationStarvation••Process of selfProcess of self--digestion, literally meltingdigestion, literally melting

••Can die faster from dehydrationCan die faster from dehydration

••Presence of food does not R/O Presence of food does not R/O starvationstarvation

••Can become too weak to eatCan become too weak to eat

•• CollarCollar-- loose, measure and compare to neckloose, measure and compare to neck

•• Get the initial weight, record subsequent Get the initial weight, record subsequent weight gain and time frameweight gain and time frame

•• Important to have before and after photosImportant to have before and after photos

•• How long for the weight loss?How long for the weight loss?

••Important to get Body Condition Score (BCS)Important to get Body Condition Score (BCS)

••Regular 1Regular 1--5: 1=obese, 3=normal, 5=emaciated5: 1=obese, 3=normal, 5=emaciated

••Or use TuftOr use Tuft’’ s Animal Care and Condition Scales Animal Care and Condition Scale

Testing:Testing:•• Changes in blood work supportive of Changes in blood work supportive of

starvation; not always have low glucosestarvation; not always have low glucose•• Collect blood samples, feces and holdCollect blood samples, feces and hold•• Minimum database: Profile, CBC, UA, Minimum database: Profile, CBC, UA,

fecal, Felv/FIV, HWTfecal, Felv/FIV, HWT•• Necropsy: changes found on gross exam Necropsy: changes found on gross exam

and histopathology; helps find other and histopathology; helps find other concurrent diseases, contributing factors to concurrent diseases, contributing factors to death/diseasedeath/disease

•• Never assume a badly decomposed body Never assume a badly decomposed body cannot yield infocannot yield info

••The Process of Starvation: Loss of external then The Process of Starvation: Loss of external then internal fat, the loss of deep organ fatinternal fat, the loss of deep organ fat

••Last place to lose fat is the Bone MarrowLast place to lose fat is the Bone Marrow

••Can run Bone Marrow Fat test at Michigan State Can run Bone Marrow Fat test at Michigan State University (Diagnostic Center for Population and University (Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health) $8Animal Health) $8--15/test15/test

••Great test even in decomposed bodiesGreat test even in decomposed bodies

••Death can occur prior to low Bone Marrow FatDeath can occur prior to low Bone Marrow Fat

•• Starvation causes immune suppression Starvation causes immune suppression making the animal more susceptible to making the animal more susceptible to diseasedisease

•• Need to look for signs of infectious disease, Need to look for signs of infectious disease, esp fatal diseases like parvoesp fatal diseases like parvo

•• Cannibalism: collect bones found at the Cannibalism: collect bones found at the scene for examination of predation scene for examination of predation –– photo, photo, describe location, bag and tagdescribe location, bag and tag

Hoarding CasesHoarding Cases

•• Identify each animal and where locatedIdentify each animal and where located

•• Document conditions of homeDocument conditions of home

•• Full blood work, fecal, hwt, viral testingFull blood work, fecal, hwt, viral testing

•• Necropsy deceased animalsNecropsy deceased animals

•• Timelines impt for conditions, acquisition Timelines impt for conditions, acquisition of animalsof animals

•• Use entomology testingUse entomology testing

Hoarding: Scene AnalysisHoarding: Scene Analysis

��Address behavioral effects Address behavioral effects and consequences of the and consequences of the

environmentenvironment

Forced MatingForced Mating

Lockwood Case: HoardingLockwood Case: Hoarding

•• 140+ dead cats in house140+ dead cats in house

•• Charged with 1 count of Aggravated Charged with 1 count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty (felony) and 144 counts of Animal Cruelty (felony) and 144 counts of neglect (misdemeanor)neglect (misdemeanor)

•• How to prove felony neglect?How to prove felony neglect?

Outcome Goals for Hoarding CasesOutcome Goals for Hoarding Cases

•• LongLong--term mandatory psychiatric term mandatory psychiatric counselingcounseling

•• LongLong--term probation term probation

•• Probation to include noProbation to include no--contact of animals contact of animals orderorder

•• Unannounced monitoring of homeUnannounced monitoring of home

•• Jail time Jail time –– as a deterrentas a deterrent

When Hoarders are not Hoarders

•• Hoarding is neglect and considered passive Hoarding is neglect and considered passive actact

•• Hoarder usually reacts very emotionally Hoarder usually reacts very emotionally about removing animalsabout removing animals

•• Deceased animals usually due to disease, Deceased animals usually due to disease, starvation, cannibalismstarvation, cannibalism

Ohio Case

•• Woman collecting puppies and kittensWoman collecting puppies and kittens

•• Hoarder?Hoarder?

Heat Heat

StrokeStroke

��Need body temp asap Need body temp asap –– can extrapolate back can extrapolate back to time of death for estimate to time of death for estimate

�� current body temp + (1.5 degrees/hr x hrs current body temp + (1.5 degrees/hr x hrs since death) = est of body temp at time of deathsince death) = est of body temp at time of death

��Diagnosis may be based on circumstances Diagnosis may be based on circumstances surrounding deathsurrounding death

��Congestion of viscera and +/Congestion of viscera and +/--petechiae from DICpetechiae from DIC

��Necropsy asap Necropsy asap -- body is body is cooking destroying tissuecooking destroying tissue

Can see characteristic posture of stiffened Can see characteristic posture of stiffened legs due to coagulation of muscle proteinslegs due to coagulation of muscle proteins

Embedded CollarsEmbedded Collars

��Time for presence of injury Time for presence of injury -- wks to mos!wks to mos!

��Granulation bed: 1 wkGranulation bed: 1 wk

��Gran tissue 1mm/d, 1cm/mo (slows as Gran tissue 1mm/d, 1cm/mo (slows as lesion ages)lesion ages)

••Measure width and depthMeasure width and depth••Can cause starvationCan cause starvation

��Measure Measure circumference of circumference of neck and compare neck and compare to collarto collar

��Note foul odorNote foul odor

��What was What was obvious to the obvious to the ownerowner

��Save the collarSave the collar

Gunshot Gunshot WoundsWounds

��Highly recommend Gunshot Wounds Highly recommend Gunshot Wounds Textbook by DiMaio (CRC Press)Textbook by DiMaio (CRC Press)

��Need to have familiarity w/guns and ammoNeed to have familiarity w/guns and ammo

Gunshot CaseGunshot Case

•• Dog was escaped from yard directly into Dog was escaped from yard directly into neighborneighbor’’ s yard; owner ran to the fence and s yard; owner ran to the fence and was calling dog when the dog was shotwas calling dog when the dog was shot

•• Issues: why was the dog shot? Was is selfIssues: why was the dog shot? Was is self--defense? Who shot the dog?defense? Who shot the dog?

•• Suspect claimed that he did not shoot the Suspect claimed that he did not shoot the dogdog

Trajectory DeterminationTrajectory Determination

TRAJECTORY: The path of the projectile was TRAJECTORY: The path of the projectile was from left midfrom left mid--lateral neck traversing the neck in a lateral neck traversing the neck in a lateral, downward (ventral) direction towards the lateral, downward (ventral) direction towards the right side and ending dorsolateral shoulder area. right side and ending dorsolateral shoulder area. The estimated position of the body, front legs, The estimated position of the body, front legs, neck and head at the time the dog was shot is: the neck and head at the time the dog was shot is: the right front leg slight back, the left front leg straight right front leg slight back, the left front leg straight underneath the chest or slight forward, the head underneath the chest or slight forward, the head horizontal and turned slightly to the left, horizontal and turned slightly to the left, approximately 30approximately 30--45 degrees from center line of 45 degrees from center line of body. body.

Crime Scene ReconstructionCrime Scene Reconstruction•• Need to use trajectory to determine who Need to use trajectory to determine who

could have shot dogcould have shot dog•• Owner saw dogOwner saw dog’’ s approximate location s approximate location

when the dog was shotwhen the dog was shot•• Owner heard the shot Owner heard the shot –– what is the what is the

significance?significance?•• Determination of lineDetermination of line--ofof--sight for other sight for other

homeshomes•• Process of eliminationProcess of elimination

Trial: State v. David PattersonTrial: State v. David Patterson

•• All neighbors: no possession of airAll neighbors: no possession of air--type guntype gun

•• OwnerOwner--heard shot but no other neighborheard shot but no other neighbor

•• Similar transactions Similar transactions –– acquitted for previous acquitted for previous dog shooting; S.W.A.T.dog shooting; S.W.A.T.

•• Vet: trajectory, cause of death, dog behavior Vet: trajectory, cause of death, dog behavior after she was shotafter she was shot

GUILTY!GUILTY!

Burn WoundsBurn Wounds

��Always tell a storyAlways tell a story

��Smell, swabSmell, swabWhat is this pattern reveal?What is this pattern reveal?

Microwave BurnsMicrowave Burns

••Peripheral tissue affectedPeripheral tissue affected

••Deep organ damageDeep organ damage

••Damage depends on time Damage depends on time and wattageand wattage

••Need microwave as Need microwave as evidenceevidence

��Singed whiskersSinged whiskers

��Circular burns on Circular burns on dorsal bodydorsal body

��Some coalescing Some coalescing burnsburns

What What Happened?Happened?

Strangulation

Tardieu Spots

Strangulation – Accidental?

DrowningDrowning��Diagnosis of exclusion Diagnosis of exclusion

��Water temp and bacteria affect rigor Water temp and bacteria affect rigor and decompositionand decomposition

��Water or plant material in lungs or Water or plant material in lungs or stomach stomach –– can enter passively; save can enter passively; save samplessamples

��Diatoms: diagnosis, site of drowning, Diatoms: diagnosis, site of drowning, season of deathseason of death

��Strontium blood levels Strontium blood levels –– sea watersea water

��Water leaches out hemorrhageWater leaches out hemorrhage

DiatomsDiatoms•• Found in all water, even puddlesFound in all water, even puddles

•• Unique to area of water, seasonUnique to area of water, season

•• Enter into lungs passively when body Enter into lungs passively when body submergedsubmerged

•• Pumped by heart to rest of bodyPumped by heart to rest of body

•• If found in bone marrowIf found in bone marrow-- diagnosticdiagnostic

��+/+/-- Petechiae on the lungs Petechiae on the lungs –– R/O ExposureR/O Exposure

��Most specific indicator: foam from nose, Most specific indicator: foam from nose, mouth or trachea mouth or trachea –– R/O Pulmonary edemaR/O Pulmonary edema

Blunt Force Trauma

•• Head TraumaHead Trauma•• FracturesFractures•• Skin BruisingSkin Bruising•• Subcutaneous BruisingSubcutaneous Bruising•• Muscle InjuryMuscle Injury•• PainPain•• Increased CPKIncreased CPK•• NothingNothing

••Check for fractured teeth, lacerations, blood, Check for fractured teeth, lacerations, blood, torn palates and debris around the mouthtorn palates and debris around the mouth

Head InjuriesHead Injuries

••Anterior Anterior uveitis, blood uveitis, blood clotsclots

••Luxated lensLuxated lens

••Fundic ExamFundic Exam

••Bruising of Bruising of sclera, sclera, conjunctivaconjunctiva

��Petechial hemorrhages within Petechial hemorrhages within ear canal lining not seen in ear canal lining not seen in human head traumahuman head trauma

Suspected Blunt Force TraumaSuspected Blunt Force Trauma

•• Witness: screaming, owner there, unable to Witness: screaming, owner there, unable to walk on hindwalk on hind

SummarySummary

•• Fresh blunt force trauma all over the bodyFresh blunt force trauma all over the body

•• Severe along the backSevere along the back

•• Severe to lower spine/abdomenSevere to lower spine/abdomen

•• Older injury carpusOlder injury carpus

•• Must reflect skin to determine all injuriesMust reflect skin to determine all injuries

•• Histopath Histopath –– must r/o clotting disorders, toxmust r/o clotting disorders, tox

The Link to Violence

Stab WoundsStab Wounds

•• Measure width and depth of woundsMeasure width and depth of wounds•• Look for evidence of full penetrationLook for evidence of full penetration•• Look for superficial marks indicating type Look for superficial marks indicating type

of bladeof blade•• Determine if single or doubleDetermine if single or double--edged bladeedged blade•• Provide educated guess on type of weapon Provide educated guess on type of weapon

used for all injuriesused for all injuries•• Take samples of all bloodTake samples of all blood--perpetrator can perpetrator can

slipslip

Weapon MarksWeapon Marks•• Take good quality photos with special photo Take good quality photos with special photo

scalescale

•• Mikrosil rubber casting materialMikrosil rubber casting material

Weapon Determination

Cat Mutilations: Who is doing it?Cat Mutilations: Who is doing it?

•• In Spokane, Washington, a neighborhood In Spokane, Washington, a neighborhood was finding was finding ½½ bodies of cats; sometimes the bodies of cats; sometimes the front front ½½ or the back or the back ½½

•• Community was in an uproar Community was in an uproar

•• Next body found was shipped overnight for Next body found was shipped overnight for necropsynecropsy

•• Mutilations where part of the body is Mutilations where part of the body is missing is usually a predator attackmissing is usually a predator attack

•• Coyotes can bite down and severe the body Coyotes can bite down and severe the body of a small animal taking off with the portion of a small animal taking off with the portion in the mouthin the mouth

•• Foxes have been known to remove the head Foxes have been known to remove the head and bring it back for their children to play and bring it back for their children to play with!with!

•• The margins of the cuts are what holds the The margins of the cuts are what holds the clues as to the cause of the mutilationclues as to the cause of the mutilation

Sexual AssaultSexual Assault

��Inspect perineal area for traumaInspect perineal area for trauma

��Inspect fur with UV light for fluids (semen, Inspect fur with UV light for fluids (semen, saliva)saliva)

��For dried fluid use wetFor dried fluid use wet--dry swab techniquedry swab technique

•• Swab teeth, gums, oral areaSwab teeth, gums, oral area•• Inspect feetInspect feet•• Evaluate perineal bruisingEvaluate perineal bruising•• Vaginal exam for Vaginal exam for

mucosa/cervical traumamucosa/cervical trauma•• Visual rectal exam/colonoscopy; Visual rectal exam/colonoscopy;

poss tears/peritonitisposs tears/peritonitis•• Vaginal Swabs for semen, Vaginal Swabs for semen,

STDSTD’’ s, DNAs, DNA•• Rectal swabs (multiple) prior to Rectal swabs (multiple) prior to

taking temptaking temp•• Painful defecationPainful defecation•• Bloody stool, constipationBloody stool, constipation•• Tail pain/injuries commonTail pain/injuries common

Fracture and large separation of vertebraeFracture and large separation of vertebrae

SQ dissection of assoc hemorrhageSQ dissection of assoc hemorrhage

••External vulva abrasions, cervical bruising External vulva abrasions, cervical bruising 1.25in from external folds1.25in from external folds

••Consider location of vulvaConsider location of vulva

Establishing Sequence of EventsEstablishing Sequence of Events•• State of Georgia v. Joshua (17) and Justin State of Georgia v. Joshua (17) and Justin

(19) Moulder (19) Moulder –– The Puppy Torture CaseThe Puppy Torture Case•• Broke into community center and caused Broke into community center and caused

extensive damage (Burglary, criminal extensive damage (Burglary, criminal damage to property)damage to property)

•• Deceased puppy found in oven (animal Deceased puppy found in oven (animal cruelty?)cruelty?)

•• Had brought children in to see puppy in Had brought children in to see puppy in oven (child cruelty); threatened them if they oven (child cruelty); threatened them if they snitched (terroristic threats)snitched (terroristic threats)

Initial Crime Scene FindingsInitial Crime Scene Findings

•• Oven still warm but turned offOven still warm but turned off

•• One of oven racks had been removed prior One of oven racks had been removed prior to placing puppy in ovento placing puppy in oven

•• Residue from fire extinguishers on all Residue from fire extinguishers on all surfacessurfaces

•• Urine and paint on floorsUrine and paint on floors

•• Paint in ovenPaint in oven

Significance of FindingsSignificance of Findings

•• Duct tape applied first, paint afterwards, last Duct tape applied first, paint afterwards, last was placed in ovenwas placed in oven

•• Evidence puppy alive prior: urine DNA Evidence puppy alive prior: urine DNA match, paint swipes inside oven, blood on match, paint swipes inside oven, blood on oven door/bloody nailsoven door/bloody nails

•• Duct tape compromised breathingDuct tape compromised breathing•• Questions: would it take 1 or 2 to hogQuestions: would it take 1 or 2 to hog--tie, tie,

how long to die, cause of death, antemortem how long to die, cause of death, antemortem injury?injury?

•• Histopath: consistent with thermal injury Histopath: consistent with thermal injury ––cannot determine if bruising with thermal cannot determine if bruising with thermal damagedamage

•• COD: MultiCOD: Multi--organ failure due to thermal organ failure due to thermal injuryinjury

•• Unknown what temp oven was set at, Unknown what temp oven was set at, cannot determine how long it took for her to cannot determine how long it took for her to die; what is important is the evidence of die; what is important is the evidence of struggle (paint, blood, nails)struggle (paint, blood, nails)

•• 2 people to hog2 people to hog--tie tie –– why? Which taped why? Which taped first legs or muzzle? What would the first legs or muzzle? What would the puppypuppy’’ s reaction have been? s reaction have been? ……..

Puppy Demo as EvidencePuppy Demo as Evidence

Outcome:Outcome:

•• Hung Jury, 11Hung Jury, 11--11•• Retrial set Retrial set –– 3 days before jury selection 3 days before jury selection

they pled guilty to all 9 countsthey pled guilty to all 9 counts•• Sentencing hearing: juvenile records Sentencing hearing: juvenile records

revealedrevealed•• Judge issued sentence: Max on all charges Judge issued sentence: Max on all charges

to serve concurrent (burglary longest, 20 to serve concurrent (burglary longest, 20 yrs) to serve 10 and 10 yrs of probationyrs) to serve 10 and 10 yrs of probation

DOG FIGHTING DOG FIGHTING INVESTIGATIONSINVESTIGATIONS

EVIDENCE: PROVING INTENTEVIDENCE: PROVING INTENT

ADMISSIBLE?ADMISSIBLE?

Scar Charts: Distribution PatternScar Charts: Distribution Pattern

Dog Fighting Pits: Blood Stain Dog Fighting Pits: Blood Stain AnalysisAnalysis

Anticipating Defenses

•• Blood spatter = dog fighting or 2 dogs Blood spatter = dog fighting or 2 dogs fought during breedingfought during breeding

•• Dog in heat = test for male DNADog in heat = test for male DNA

•• If get male DNA = will say from whelpingIf get male DNA = will say from whelping

•• How to prove puppy male vs adult male = How to prove puppy male vs adult male = Testosterone levelsTestosterone levels

SENTENCINGSENTENCING

==

HOPEHOPE

Grave Detection and ExcavationGrave Detection and Excavation

Skeletal RemainsSkeletal Remains

Case of the Missing Puppy

Take home lessons:Take home lessons:•• NEVER freeze the bodyNEVER freeze the body•• Maggots are our friends! They are the most Maggots are our friends! They are the most

important piece of evidence at any scene or on any important piece of evidence at any scene or on any bodybody

•• Always record environmental temperatures at the Always record environmental temperatures at the scenescene

•• Always run bone marrow fat test in decomposed Always run bone marrow fat test in decomposed bodies and take xraysbodies and take xrays

•• Always take evidence and samples at the Always take evidence and samples at the beginning beginning –– you never know what tests you may you never know what tests you may need to do later or what may become important need to do later or what may become important when a suspect is located or arrestedwhen a suspect is located or arrested

Any questions?Any questions?

“The day will come when

men such as I will look

upon the murder of animals

the way we look upon the

murder of man.”

Leonardo da Vinci