The crime-scene investigation’s primary aim is to recognize, collect, and document pieces of evidence. The collected proofs form the basis of these cases during judgment. In this instance, the different types of evidence which were collected include the broken window, paintbrush and the autopsy results of trauma to the head and strangulation marks on the neck. In most cases, these testimonials are classified into two types: direct and circumstantial evidence (Fraser, 2020). Direct evidence refers to the first-hand data collected by the eyewitnesses or video cameras at the site. On the other hand, circumstantial evidence pare the traces of action left in the site. This paper aims to explore the evidence that were collected in the Ramsey case and how they could have been collected, documented, and preserved to help in the court of law.
The Jon Benet Ramsey case refers to a homicide incident which occurred on 26th December 1996. On that day, a six-year-old Ramsey was reported kidnapped only later to be found dead by her parents in one of the remote basement rooms of their home (Fraser, 2020). The police and the public believed that her parents were involved in the death of the child. In the homicide, the main evidence collected comprise the broken window. Ideally, it is the main evidence that formed the basis of the case.
The broken window in the basement of the abandoned room acted as the primary evidence in the case. The broken window paint was regarded as the main evidence since it was used to create the physical injuries on the little girl’s body. According to the pathology report, Ramsey had a physical confrontation with the perpetrator. Ideally, the killer may have used the broken piece of glass to create abrasion and petechial hemorrhages on the neck, scalp contusions, and fracture on the left part of the skull.
The first officer’s role at crime is to secure a scene and ensure the safety of every member in the area. That means the officer should restrict the area against any unauthorized members (Fraser, 2020). The above-prescribed criteria were not used in the Ramsey case. Instead, the officer allowed the parents, who were the prime suspects, to access the room’s basement. They engaged the parents during the evidence collection, thus creating many questions on the results’ credibility.
An investigator requires special skills when collecting shreds of evidence such as broken glass. First, the officer needs to take close-up photos of the state of the glass. The glasses should be collected by forceps and placed on a clean polythene bag for further examinations (Fraser, 2020). First, the approach will have a powerful effect in protecting other evidence such as fingerprints of the perpetrator. Second, the investigator may sketch and label the scene noting the body’s position and any other possible evidence that may exist. It was important to note Ramsey position at death and collect her clothes for further investigation. Finally, all these pieces of evidence must be properly packed, sealed, and labeled for further inquiries in the laboratory.
Homicides such as Ramsey case are common in the present society. However, in circumstances when they occur, a proper investigation procedure should be undertaken to collect ample evidence. The main type of evidence such as broken window in the case of Ramsey should be thoroughly investigated to help discover the main cause of death. Through the application of the right standards, the forensic investigators will manage to collect, record, and analyze the data appropriately.
Reference
Fraser, H. (2020). ‘Enhancing’ forensic audio: False beliefs and their effect in criminal trials. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 52(2), 165-177.