Kaylee Meador
October 5, 2015
Evidence Report for Case # 077, Anna Garcia decedent
INTRODUCTION
Anna Garcia was found dead in her home on a hot, 92°F summer morning. She was last seen
walking her dog at 6:00 am with a sweater on, despite the heat. Due to Anna Garcia’s dog’s
barking for two hours straight, Doug Greene, Anna’s neighbor, called the police. The call came
in at 9:45 am. Both the police and the EMT arrived at the scene at 9:56 am. The EMT who was
called to the scene pronounced Anna dead. The police immediately notified a team of crime
scene investigators as well as the medical examiner, both of whom were dispatched to the house.
At the scene, Anna was lying face down in the entry hallway of her house. There was a table
knocked over with blood on the table and on the floor near her head. There was also a pile of
vomit near her head. The papers on the floor had titles such as “Everything Low-Cholesterol
Cookbook” and “Dog Speak,” along with a Japanese ordering menu. Also, on a chair there was
her purse and a sweater, and on the table beside it, there was a picture of her dog. There were
two white, unidentified pills on the floor, along with a dog leash, and a cup with remains of some
kind of brown liquid in it. Through this unit we conducted many labs with the evidence we
collected from the scene, Anna Garcia, and the persons of interest. The persons of interest are
Alex Garcia (Anna’s ex-husband), Erica Piedmont (Alex’s new wife), Doug Greene (Anna’s
neighbor), and Lucy Leffingwell (Anna’s business partner at the local baker they own).
Evidence that we collected included blood, DNA, hair, footprints (the bottom of their shoes), and
fingerprints. We were also given the autopsy of Anna Garcia. This report provides a summary of
all the experiments conducted regarding the case, and their results. This report also summarizes
all the facts revealed to us, and the conclusions we made based on these facts. Our jobs are to
find the cause and manner of Anna Garcia’s mysterious death. All the following labs were
conducted to identify and exonerate possible causes and manners of death. We conducted labs
that identified the evidence, such as the pill identification lab. We also had labs so we could see
who was at the scene, these labs included the DNA, hair, fingerprint, blood type analysis, and
footprint labs. We also conducted experiments that recreated possible scenarios at the crime
scene, such as the blood spatter lab. Blood is a very important part to cracking the case because
blood can identify a person, and can help recreate what happened at the scene.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Blood Analysis
There was blood found at the crime scene on the table and on the floor near Anna Garcia’s head.
Some of the blood from the crime scene was collected, as well as from all the persons of interest
and Anna Garcia. The crime scene was also recreated in the laboratory so we could identify how
the height from which blood is dropped affects the diameter of the blood spatter, and to
determine Anna’s probable position when she lost blood. Blood type can determine who you can
receive blood from and who you can donate blood to, but blood type also plays a key role in
crime scene investigations because it can help determine who lost blood.
Blood Type. The blood from the crime scene, Anna Garcia, and all the persons of interest was
collected and analyzed to determine their blood type. Three collections of blood were put into a
dish, Anti-A Serum was applied to one well, Anti-B Serum was applied to another well, and
Anti-Rh was applied to the last well. If the blood in the well clumped when the indicator was
added to it, then it tested positive. The Anti-A and Anti-B Serum determined what type of blood
it was, and the Anti-Rh determined whether the blood was positive or negative. For example, if
a blood sample clumped when Anti-A Serum and Anti-Rh was added to it, then the blood type
for that person would be A+ (read as A positive), if the blood didn’t clump to the Anti-A or AntiB Serum then the blood type would be O and the positive or negative would be determined by
whether or not the blood clumped when Anti-Rh was added to it. On the other hand, if the blood
clumped when both Anti-A and Anti-B Serum were added to it then the blood type would be AB
and the positive or negative would be determined by whether or not the blood clumped when
Anti-Rh was added to it. The results for the blood samples of Anna Garcia, the persons of
interest, and the blood found at the crime scene were all analyzed to determine the blood type of
each blood sample collected. Once the blood type was discovered it was recorded in a data table
(Table 1).
Table 1. Blood Type Analysis
Individual
Blood Type
Crime
Anna
Alex
Doug
Erica
Lucy
Scene
Garcia
Garcia
Greene
Piedmont
Leffingwell
A+
A+
B-
O+
A-
AB-
Since Anna Garcia and the blood found at the crime scene are the same type (A+), it can be
determined that the blood at the crime scene belonged to Anna Garcia. This conclusion makes
sense because the blood at the crime scene was found near Anna’s head, and according to the
autopsy Anna did suffer from a head injury on her right temple. By looking at the size and
patterns of the blood at the crime scene we can determine what positions someone was in when
they lost blood, how long they were in that position, and what weapons were used to harm the
victim.
Blood Spatter. For the blood spatter lab we created a simulation of the crime scene, in order to
find out how the height from which blood is dropped affects the diameter of the blood spatter.
We used the same amount of blood each time to ensure our results were accurate. Blood was
dropped from heights of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 centimeters. We also controlled all
external variables by ensuring that the blood was dropped on the same graph paper, the pipette
was always parallel to the wall when the blood was dropped, the blood mixture was the same,
and the blood was dropped in the same area every time. Each time we dropped blood we
measured and recorded the diameter of the blood, we did multiple trials for each height, then we
averaged out the trials to ensure there was no outliers. The diameter of the main droplet of blood
and the diameter of the blood spatter were recorded separately. The blood eventually began to
spatter when it was dropped from a height of 250 centimeters. The data was put into a Microsoft
Excel spreadsheet in the form of a table (Table 2).
Table 2. The relationship between blood spatter diameter and height from which the blood
was dropped, used to determine Anna Garcia’s probable position when she lost blood.
Height From Which the Blood was
Diameter of the Main
Diameter of Spatter (in
Dropped (in centimeters)
Drop of Blood (in
centimeters)
centimeters)
0
0.5
0
50
0.9
0
100
1.1
0
150
1.2
0
200
1.3
0
250
1.35
1.85
In Table 2, the “Height From Which the Blood was Dropped (in centimeters)” column represents
the height from which one drop of blood was dropped. The “Diameter of the Main Drop of
Blood” column refers to the diameter of the biggest drop of blood on the paper, which is the
place where the blood first hit the paper. The blood drop was measured straight across from one
side to the other, passing through the center of the circle. Lastly, the “Diameter of Spatter”
column refers to the diameter of the blood spatter which was measured using the longest distance
between the blood droplets. The table was then used to create a scatter plot of the data (Figure
1).
A blood drop at the crime scene was measured to be 1.1 centimeters in diameter. Based on my
data and graph, combined with graphs produced by my classmates, Anna lost blood from a
height of 60 to 100 centimeters above the ground.
Diameter (in centimeters)
Blood Spatter Experiment
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Height (in centimeters)
Diameter of the Main Drop of Blood (in centimeters)
Diameter of Spatter (in centimeters)
Figure 1. The relationship between blood spatter diameter and height from which the blood
was dropped, used to determine Anna Garcia’s probable position when she lost blood.
Crime Scene Evidence
The crime scene has many clues as to what happened during the incident. The closer you look
the more evidence you will see. For example, when you first look at a crime scene you may
notice blood on the wall or floor, but as you get closer to the blood you may start to see blood
spatter which can show you how far the blood was dropped from. Another example is you may
see a smear of blood on the wall that seems as though it was caused by a hand, whenever you
examine the blood stain closer you may realize fingerprints in the blood itself. This can lead to
the killer, because everyone’s fingerprint is different.
Fingerprints. In this lab we analyzed a fingerprint found at the crime scene as well as the
fingerprints of Anna Garcia and the persons of interest, in order to determine which fingerprint
matched the one at the crime scene. We analyzed all the fingerprints based on ridge patterns and
minutiae.
The fingerprint at the crime scene matched Alex Garcia’s fingerprint perfectly. This reveals that
Alex was, at least at some time recently, at the crime scene.
Footprints. A footprint was found on the floor at the scene. A picture of the footprint found at
the crime scene along with a picture of Anna Garcia’s footprint and the footprint of all the
persons of interest was collected and analyzed. We carefully examined the imprints on the
bottom of every person’s shoe and compared them to the footprint found at the crime scene.
It was then concluded that the footprint at the crime scene was created by Anna Garcia’s shoe.
This conclusion makes sense because the scene is at her house.
Drug analysis. There were two white, unidentified pills laying on the ground at the scene. In
order to identify the two pills, we collected samples of cocaine, acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic
acid (aspirin), methamphetamine, ecstasy, and the unknown substance found at the crime scene.
We smelled each substance by using our hands to waft up the scent of the substance to our noses
and recorded a description of the smell in a table. We then measured out 0.5 grams of the known
substance and unknown substances, put them on a sheet of black paper, and examined them with
a magnifying glass, all observations were recorded in a table. Three more samples of 0.5 grams
each were taken from each of the substances and each sample was put into a different boat.
Indicator 1 was added to one boat of each substance and the reaction was recorded, the same
procedure was followed for Indicator 2 and Indicator 3.
Through the observations, it was revealed that the two pills were acetylsalicylic acid, a drug
commonly known as aspirin. This is because the unknown substance at the crime scene had the
same qualities and reacted to the indicator the same way aspirin did. This conclusion was later
confirmed in the autopsy report which stated that there was small traces of aspirin were found in
Anna’s system at the time of her death.
Hair. A strand of hair was found at the scene, the hair was analyzed under a microscope. A hair
strand was collected from Anna Garcia and the persons of interest. We looked at the shading of
the each magnified hair and compared the shading of that hair to the hair found at the crime
scene.
Anna Garcia’s hair had the same qualities as the hair found at the crime scene, therefore the hair
found at the scene belonged to Anna. Both hairs were a darker shade on top and a lighter shade
on bottom, also there was a dot located in the middle of the strand in each of the hair samples.
Autopsy. An autopsy is performed by the medical examiner or corner, they examine the outside
and the inside of the body. For the external investigation, the medical examiner analyzes the
skin for any wounds, and takes notice of all clothing, including rings. For the internal
investigation, the medical examiner weighs all the organs other than the intestines and the
stomach, and either has an autopsy report done by someone else, or performs the autopsy report
themselves.
The autopsy report revealed that Anna showed no signs of overdose, but trace amounts of
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) were present. It also revealed that when she died she had a lack
oxygen and her fingernails were turning gray. She had an expanded abdomen, an injury to the
right temple, and swollen ankles with edema. She also had recently healed breaks, and red
injection sights on her left thigh.
DNA Lab
Methods. We received DNA sequences from the evidence left at the crime scene, Anna Garcia,
and the persons of interest. We applied the HaeIII restriction enzyme to the DNA, which cut the
DNA straight through between base pairs CC and GG. Then, we applied the DNA fragments to
a paper “gel,” which, based on the number of base pairs in each fragment, were graphed on the
“gel,” (Figure 2). This process represents gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis is a way to
compare different samples DNA by the number of fragments and the size of those fragments. It
is used in crime scene investigations to determine whether or not DNA found at the crime scene
matches the DNA of a particular person. Since each no one’s DNA is identical (excluding twins)
it is a key factor in identifying whether or not someone was at the crime scene. If DNA from the
crime scene matches DNA of one of the suspects, it is guaranteed that the suspect was at the
crime scene at some time.
Figure 2. Paper “gel” of DNA collected from the crime scene, Anna Garcia, and the
persons of interest.
Results. Through RFLP, we were able to analyze the bands in the gel and determine that the
DNA found at the crime scene belonged to Anna Garcia. Anna Garcia’s DNA and DNA found
at the crime scene had the same number of fragments and each of the fragments have the same
amount of base pairs.
Time of Death Lab
Methods. In this lab we created a representation of a body in different ambient temperatures.
This lab was made to determine how ambient temperature affects body cooling after death, this is
known as algor mortis. We used water lock as a simulation of the body, and room temperature,
hot, or cold water as a representation of the ambient temperature. We put a temperature probe in
the water lock to monitor the “body’s” temperature at 5 minute increments for 20 minutes, this
date was recorded in a table (Table 3).
Table 3. The relationship between ambient temperature and algor mortis.
Environment
Temp. of
Temperature of Waterlock (°C)
Water
Temp.
Rate of
Change
Chang
Bath
e
°C
0 min.
5min.
10min.
15min.
20min.
°C
°C/min
Room Temp.
23
22.7
22.5
22.3
22.2
22.1
0.6
0.03
Cold
10.3
21.6
18.1
17.2
17
17.1
4.6
0.23
Through the lab, it was discovered that the farther the ambient temperature is away from body
temperature, the quicker the body will cool. A visual representation of the data was then created
(Figure 3).
Time of Death Experiment
Temp. of Wterlock (°C)
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 min
5 min
10 min
15 min
20 min
Minutes after death
Room Temp.
Cold
Figure 3. The relationship between ambient temperature and algor mortis.
Results. We applied the Glaister equation to find Anna’s approximate time of death. The
Glaister equation is; (98.4-measured rectal temperature)/1.5=approximate number of hours since
death. The Glaister equation is in degrees Fahrenheit, so when the rectal temperature is
measured it must be in degrees Fahrenheit. It was given to us that the measured rectal
temperature of Anna at 11:00 was 92.4°F. We substituted in 92.4 for the measure rectal
temperature and solved to get an answer of 4. This means that by 11:00am, Anna had been dead
for approximately 4 hours. Eleven minus four equals seven, therefore Anna died at
approximately 7:00 am.
CONCLUSION
Through many experiments and labs it was determined that Anna’s blood, footprint, and hair
were at the crime scene. Also, during the incident Anna lost blood from a height of 60 to 100
centimeters and she died at approximately 7:00 am. Alex’s fingerprint was found at the crime
scene, the two pills were identified as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), and the autopsy report
revealed Anna’s condition when she died. Currently, I believe that the manner of death was
natural and the cause of death was sickle cell disease. I believe this because the autopsy said that
she had grey fingernails from lack of oxygen, red blood cells carry oxygen, and sickle cell
disease describes the inability for red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout the body,
whether it is from the lack of red blood cells or the red blood cells are misshaped. If the red
blood cells are misshaped or there are not enough of them, oxygen cannot travel through the
body as needed. Due to the lack of distribution of oxygen, the muscles, which are responsible
for producing heat, may not have functioned at full capacity, causing her to feel cold even though
it was 92°F outside. She wore the sweater because she was cold and whenever she went in the
house she had a heat stroke, passed out and hit her right temple on the table on the way down.
The vomiting was caused by her body temperature being too high. Her death occurred when the
misshaped red blood cells cut of oxygen in the brain and she had a stroke.