Week 12: Death Scene Investigations
Death Scene Investigations: Comprehensive Lecture Notes
Course: FRSC 3010H - Crime Scene Investigations
Week: Week #12
Lecturer: John Aitkenhead
Semester: Fall 2025
Warning
Today's lecture includes images that may be disturbing to some individuals.
Note: There will be no autopsy photos presented in this lecture.
Images shared will not display any identifiable faces.
Attendees are prohibited from taking any pictures or videos during the lecture.
The posted lecture materials will not include any upsetting images.
Overview of Death Scenes
In Canada, the year 2017 recorded a total of 276,689 reported deaths.
Among these, 110,410 deaths occurred outside of a hospital, representing 40% of total deaths.
Specific causes of death included:
Suicide: accounted for 3,974 deaths (representing 3.6% of total deaths).
Murder: accounted for 660 deaths (representing 0.6% of total deaths).
Death Scene Investigations in Ontario
All death scene investigations in Ontario are supervised by the Coroner’s Office under the Coroners Act of Ontario.
Police agencies are required to assist the coroner with investigations regardless of the death's cause.
Defining a Death Investigation
A death investigation is a systematic process carried out by a coroner or forensic pathologist to ascertain how and why an individual has died.
The coroner or forensic pathologist seeks to answer five key questions regarding each death:
Who: Establishing the identity of the deceased, often referred to as John or Jane Doe if not known.
When: Establishing the date and time of death.
Where: Identifying the location of death.
How: Determining the medical cause of death, e.g., blunt force trauma to the head.
By what manner: Establishing the manner of death which can include categories like natural causes, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined.
Coroner's Authority
The coroner holds ultimate authority at a death scene.
Police are mandated by legislation to support the coroner during a death investigation when requested.
There are several key powers possessed by the coroner:
Permission for police: Coroners grant police access to a scene and direct the processing of the deceased.
Body Removal: The coroner holds the exclusive right to order a body to be removed from the scene.
Evidence Collection: Any evidence collected must be in response to exigent circumstances, such as rain threatening to disturb the scene.
For indoor scenes, while the coroner can manage the deceased, the police need explicit direction from the coroner to seize any evidence (e.g., pills, notes, valuables, weapons).
Criminal Code Search Warrant: Sometimes consideration for obtaining a search warrant under the Criminal Code is necessary. A coroner has the authority to issue a Coroner’s warrant for retrieval of medical and dental records.
Methods of Death and Investigations
Manner of Death
Death can be classified into two major categories based on its nature:
Natural Death: Results from a medical condition or disease.
Unnatural Death: Involves four subtypes, including homicide, suicide, accidents, and cases deemed undetermined.
Cause of Death
The Cause of Death (COD) refers to the specific injury or disease that directly leads to the death.
Examples include:
Individual dying from cancer would be classified under natural death.
Individual dying from blunt force trauma would be classified under homicide.
Forensic Response to Death Scenes
The forensic response initiates with a call or request for service.
Forensic team members serve as a support service to investigators assigned to the case.
Responsibilities include attending the scene, managing exhibits, submitting evidence, and participating in post-mortem examinations as necessary.
Scene Attendance Procedures
Scene Information/Intelligence:
Engage with officers present who responded to the initial call.
Note: Avoid speaking with witnesses at this stage.
Confirm if the coroner has been notified and is attending the scene.
Assess the authority needed to commence scene processing under the Coroner’s Act.
Approach information received cautiously and avoid accepting it as fact without tangible evidence.
Prior Considerations:
Treat all death scenes as unknowns until evidence suggests otherwise.
Establish the security of the outer perimeter and ascertain if it is adequately sized.
Ensure a crime scene log is initiated.
Employ proper personal protective equipment (PPE) from the outset.
Confirm the coroner's engagement and permission for scene processing is obtained, especially in rural contexts.
Distinguish between private and public property when considering privacy expectations.
The Impact of Bias on Investigations
Bias can emerge early in an investigation, particularly after being presented with initial information (contextual bias).
This bias can influence the investigation and may lead to wasted resources and time.
A cautious and skeptical approach is encouraged, alongside maintaining an open mind and avoiding tunnel vision, which can cloud judgment.
Scene Assessment and Processing
Scene Walkthrough - Exterior
It is recommended to address the scene's exterior first before transitioning inside.
Take a deliberate approach; there is no urgency in the investigation.
Follow evidence in plain sight and document findings accordingly.
Important exterior evidence may include:
Footwear impressions
Tire tracks
Weapons
Bloodstains
Notes relevant to the case.
Develop a comprehensive plan detailing the order in which to address evidence and considerations based on the scene's size and complexity.
Observational Skills at Death Scenes
Attention to detail is critical in processing scenes accurately.
Analyze scenes in layers and areas, addressing one at a time without jumping to immediate conclusions.
Always assess the totality of the scene, develop a hypothesis, and explore all possible scenarios.
Investigation of Specific Scenes
Example: Plane Crash Investigation
A specific instance involved a scene in Peterborough on Lansdowne Street.
Investigators must determine the method for the investigation, including who will lead it and the potential cause of death.
Consider any health and safety issues that may arise during the investigation process.
Media and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Visual media can convey significant amounts of information; hence, all personnel are trained to use appropriate PPE when conducting investigations, especially sensitive crime scenes such as those involving murder.
Evidence to Look For
Investigators should be vigilant for various signs around the scene, such as:
Opened vs. closed doors and windows
Signs of forced entry
Footwear and tire tracks entering or exiting the scene
Cigarette butts or other personal items
Blood stains, analyzing their direction and pattern
Understanding Suicide
Indicators of suicide can often be identified through information provided by those who were acquainted with the deceased.
Possible contributory factors include illness, financial troubles, or domestic issues. Occasionally, notes may be present at scenes, though this is rare.
Common mechanisms of suicide may include:
Drug overdose
Shooting
Hanging
Stabbing
Vehicle crashes
Drowning
Other methods depending on individual determination and circumstances.
Investigating Suicide Injuries
Investigators must ask several crucial questions regarding the injuries leading to death:
Could the deceased have inflicted the injuries themselves?
Were they physically capable of executing the act?
Are the wounds within reach of the deceased?
Are the wounds clustered in a specific area?
Are there multiple causes of death, as could be determined by the autopsy?
Are there hesitation marks present?
Describe the nature and position of the injuries examined.
Scene Processing Basics
A thorough processing of the scene should entail:
Comprehensive notes
Photographic documentation
Video documentation if deemed necessary
Measurements and diagrams, utilizing Coroner's authority to guide the procedures
Collection of relevant exhibits, such as guns, ropes, notes, pills, etc.
Follow the established investigative plan while adapting to the fluid nature of the scene.
Investigating Hanging Incidents
When examining hanging cases, investigators should keep an eye on the:
Position of ligature knots on the neck
Types of ligature present
Cuts between various locations on the body
Preserve any knots encountered without removing the noose from the neck.
Indisputably measure the body's position relative to the scene.
Investigating Shooting Scenes
When examining shooting scenes, be on the lookout for:
Bloodstain patterns, including voids and positions of staining
Stippling associated with gunshot residue (GSR) and blood
Mechanisms used to pull the trigger and dimensions of the firearm in relation to the shooter's physical characteristics
Exercise caution and do not handle firearms without being informed of their functionality.
Other Methods of Suicide
Alternative suicide methods include:
Motor vehicle accidents
Utilization of tools
Carbon monoxide exposure
Electric shock
Jumping from heights, such as bridges, roadways, or train/subway tracks.
Overdose Deaths
Investigation into overdose deaths should review:
Medical history, particularly prescriptions regarding the amounts and types of substances involved.
Classifications of drugs, with particular focus on opioids due to their high prevalence in overdose cases.
Seize any bottles and remaining pills, ensuring they are stored correctly and not placed in body bags.
Identifying Suspicious Deaths
Signs that may indicate a suspicious death include:
An unclear cause of death
Significant decomposition of the body
Absence of family or friends nearby
Specific positioning or location of the body
Any inconsistencies in stories or allegations provided
Lack of known medical history
Unknown identity of the deceased.
Case Study: Missing Person
A woman reported missing by her husband raises potential red flags due to his lengthy criminal history and prior instances of domestic violence.
She was found deceased a month later in a remote area not far from a nearby rural town.
Determining Cause of Death
An autopsy performed in Toronto identified hypothermia as the cause of death, with alcohol consumption contributing to the final outcome.
An example of Wischnewski ulcers in the stomach was noted, classically associated with cases of hypothermia, characterized by a "leopard skin" pattern.
Understanding Homicide
Homicide is defined as the death resulting from actions taken by another person.
According to legal definitions,
Murder (1st Degree): Represents a premeditated and deliberate act resulting in death.
Murder (2nd Degree): Involves intent to kill but without prior planning.
Manslaughter: Occurs when someone causes death without intention to kill.
Scene Processing in Homicide Cases
Outside Scenes
Homicide scenes situated outdoors in public areas, where no privacy expectation exists, do not necessitate a search warrant for processing.
In instances where the scene is located on property owned by the suspect or person of interest (POI), obtaining a search warrant is essential.
Alternatively, voluntary consent can be sought when the property owner is not implicated in the investigation.
Victim's personal properties, such as private residences and vehicles, generally do not require a warrant for access.
Processing Techniques
Processing a scene involves a systematic approach including:
Notes and documentation
Photographic and video evidence
Scene sketches
Measuring devices such as Total Station technology
Aerial photos using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for broader context
Properly securing and seizing exhibits, ensuring chain of custody.
Considerations and Resources in Scene Investigations
Pertinent resources may include:
Towing services for vehicles
Experts such as Bloodstain Pattern Analysts or Forensic Anthropologists
Special services including search teams or Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) personnel
Adequate scene security to prevent evidence tampering
Coordination with the coroner and body removal services
Utilizing various light sources such as Alternate Light Sources (ALS), lasers, and Polilight for forensic examination.
Preparation for multiple scene evaluations when necessary.
Expert Contributions
Forensic Anthropologists: Specialize in collecting and examining human skeletal remains, often used in cases involving fragmentation or decomposition.
Forensic Entomologists: Collect and analyze insects found on the body, providing insights into time of death or other forensic assessments.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysts: Focus on analyzing bloodstains within crime scenes to reconstruct events.
Forensic Odontologists: Identify individuals through dental records or teeth analysis, although bite mark evidence is not widely accepted in Canadian courts.
Forensic Pathologists: Conduct autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death, key in death investigations.
Analyzing Forensic Odontology
The practice of forensic odontology uses dental records for identifying human remains, especially when the state of the body is unrecognizable, as seen in disasters like plane crashes.
Importance of Teeth:
Tooth enamel is notably resilient, often persisting through harsh conditions, such as during fires or explosions.
Teeth can also reflect the environmental conditions experienced by an individual throughout their life.
Most frequently utilized in cases of unidentified bodies or during mass casualty situations.
Human Identification via Dental Records
Successful human identification often relies on prior dental X-rays and records, especially prevalent in affluent regions.
Critical variables include:
Number, size, and positioning of teeth
Amount, size, and location of dental work performed
Challenges arise due to the natural changes in the dentition over time, necessitating forensic odontologists to evaluate differences between remains and existing records.
Forensic Anthropology Explained
A discipline primarily dealing with the examination and identification of human skeletal remains, whether in relation to criminal or civil investigations.
Essential for defining aspects such as age, gender, ancestry, and other identifying characteristics of deceased individuals.
When Forensic Anthropologists are Required
Forensic anthropologists become crucial for identification purposes when remains are:
Fragmented, dismembered, or otherwise burned
Decomposed to a significant degree
Visually unidentifiable by common means
Their initial focus often involves confirming whether the items identified are bones and if they originate from humans.
Scene Processing in Homicide Cases - Indoor Settings
A search warrant is generally necessary for processing scenes where suspects retain a reasonable expectation of privacy (homes, businesses, storage units, etc.).
The fundamental guideline: When in doubt, always obtain a search warrant.
Working Through the Scene
Progressing from the exterior towards the location of the body, thorough photographic documentation should be undertaken.
At each possible evidence site, decisions need to be made regarding whether to address evidence immediately or defer it, based on potential loss or damage risks.
Start processing with the body itself: conduct thorough measurements, notes, and bagging hands before any removal.
Following the collection and documentation of the body, continue to assess and process the remainder of the scene based on initial observations.
Body Examination Protocol
When examining the body, document its initial position meticulously.
Measure body positioning in detail, analyzing both the front and back sides.
Search for trace evidence, which may be visible or invisible, including hair, fibers, and bodily fluids.
Utilize technologies such as ALS or lasers for enhanced detection of materials left at the scene.
Clothing may be assessed and potentially moved but typically should not be removed unless authorized to prevent compromising evidence.
Assess environmental conditions [temperature, wind, rain, and indoor climate] alongside personal effects near the body, like jewelry, phones, or weaponry.
Last Considerations
Always approach with an open mind, questioning whether the body has been moved or altered.
Consider location and necessary resources for the investigative process ahead.
Assess personnel requirements and equipment needs as investigations may necessitate a wide array of assistance.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexities of death scene investigations requires detailed attention to procedures, evidence collection, and a thorough analysis of all factors influencing death determination.
Each aspect unravels vital pieces of information necessary for appropriate decision-making in forensic contexts.